BBC Angry Over Film Criticism

The corporation has responded to criticism from Pact that it is showing too few British films over Christmas.

Dec 20 2004

A war of words has erupted between the BBC and Pact, the trade association that represents and promotes the commercial interests of independent film companies in the UK.

Pact claims the BBC has an 'appalling attitude' towards British film-making, and that without the corporation's support, 'the prospects for British film and British film talent will diminish further.'

The association cites the fact that the BBC is only showing three British films made since 2000 over the Christmas period as ample evidence of the neglect taking place.

Tim Willis, Pact's director of film, said: 'You would expect support for independently produced British films to be a key part of its offering as a public service broadcaster' and called for the corporation to spend half its annual £80m acquisition budget on UK films.

The BBC angrily hit back however, saying it is screening no less that five UK premieres over Christmas and New Year, including 'Bend It Like Beckham', 'I Capture The Castle', 'Chocolat' and 'The Mother'.

A spokesman for the corporation said: 'Pact's decision to exclude Holiday Monday, Holiday Tuesday and New Year's Day from their calculations suits their agenda but does not reflect the fact that these are some of the most high profile slots of the year.'

The spokesman continued: 'These premieres are in addition to a season of 15 British films entitled True Brits, a John Mills season of five films coupled with a documentary about his life and the terrestrial premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.'

'This is significantly more British film than any other broadcaster and shows the BBC's commitment to UK film.'

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