FDA Joins Fellow Industry Trade Associations in Lobbying Commons Select Committee

The Film Distributors’ Association (FDA) represents the interests of film distributors in the UK and Ireland. Its membership ranges from Hollywood studios to independent operators and is responsible for 99% of all films released theatrically in the territory.

 FDA’s Chief Executive Andy Leyshon appeared before the CMS (Culture, Media and Sport) Select Committee Inquiry into British Film and High-End Television to give evidence on the current film industry landscape and what can be done to improve the fortunes of UK independent film.        

The Inquiry’s purview covers current issues facing the UK film industry, with specific interest in support for the independent sector, skills training and talent retention, as well as examining the challenges faced by the nation’s cinema networks. Giving evidence alongside Leyshon at the Inquiry’s initial hearing – chaired by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP – were Pact Chief Executive John McVay representing film production and UKCA Chief Executive Phil Clapp speaking on behalf of exhibitors.

Writer/director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice, Blinded by the Light) opened the session, presenting a case for a strong local independent film scene as a vital proving ground for diversity of new talent. Chadha was followed by the three sector chiefs who answered questions on their individual areas of expertise, whilst also setting forth a desire to bolster British film with a cohesive suite of measures. From an improved pipeline of local films to greater connectivity with audiences and a short-term VAT reduction on cinema tickets, all agreed that support for the sector would boost the vitality and profitability of the home-grown industry and its output as a whole.

Helping to establish where the distribution sector sits within the film ecosystem, as the key pivot point that connects supply (production) with demand (exhibition), Leyshon went on to call for a new targeted P&A tax relief for feature films with budgets under £15m. This much-needed low cost/high value intervention would be designed to encourage distributors of lower budget local films to be more ambitious in reaching wider audiences in an increased number of cinemas. The proposed relief would work well alongside Pact’s request for an uplift in the current tax credit for the same level of productions to help de-risk investment.

The CMS Inquiry is the first to investigate the health of the UK film sector in two decades. Its predecessor found similar issues with the British independent film business and made recommendations centred around tax regime change and advancements to training and development. With a wealth of production facilities and an abundance of industry talent, the UK remains one of the most attractive destinations for global productions. The territory also punches above its weight as the world’s fourth biggest theatrical box office market. Additional government support at this juncture would go a long way to help ensure long-term sector health.

The opening session of the Inquiry can be seen in its entirety here, and the FDA’s initial written submission to the Committee (prior to the oral evidence session) can be read here.