UK Film Council to be abolished

Britain’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced plans to abolish the UK Film Council as part of a cost-cutting and transparency/accountability/efficiency plan across 55 of its public bodies.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the proposal contemplates abolishing the UK Film Council and establishing “a direct and less bureaucratic relationship with the British Film Institute” to “support front-line services while ensuring greater value for money. ”

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Encore that the co-production agreement – which has been in force since 1990 – between the two countries states that the UK will have to notify Australia if the competent film authority changes.