CMS committee announces ‘sequel’ to film and TV inquiry

An inquiry into the challenges faced by the British film and high-end television industry that was cut short by the general election is to be continued by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, whose full membership was announced earlier this week.

The British film and high-end TV inquiry will follow on from a previous one, started by the former committee in July last year, and look into how the sector and its workforce can be better supported.

The new inquiry will continue to examine the “attractiveness” of the UK as a global destination for production and what more could be done to ensure it has a skilled workforce.

It will also look at the ethical use of artificial intelligence in film-making and probe the work of the BFI and the government’s vision for the sector.

Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Caroline Dinenage, said: “The predecessor committee’s work in the last parliament featured some blockbuster successes, securing tax incentives from the treasury to support independent film and visual effects and raising awareness of the huge importance of the industry to the UK’s economy and culture.

“While the general election left a real cliffhanger for the sector, I’m delighted it is now lights, camera and action once again.

“Like any good sequel, the new committee’s inquiry will follow up important themes from last time, while moving the story on to shine a light on how the industry can best thrive into the future.

“The confirmation in yesterday’s [Wednesday 30 October] budget that additional tax relief for visual effects will go ahead is a welcome step in providing certainty for the industry, but there is a constant challenge to make sure the UK maintains and enhances its status as a global destination for production.

“Our inquiry will make sure the industry and new government have the right vision and measures in place to ensure the British film and high-end TV sector remains a powerhouse on the world stage.”