Gosport MP and Minister of State for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the new UK-wide £500 million Film and TV Production Restart Scheme.
In a major move to jump start the country’s cultural and creative sectors following lockdown, DCMS has announced the launch of a Government-backed scheme worth half a billion pounds for domestic film and TV productions struggling to get coronavirus-related insurance.
The Government has also today set out how organisations can apply for £880 million in grants from next week as part of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which is the Government’s biggest ever one-off investment in the arts.
In the UK, the film and television production industry supports more than 180,000 jobs and contributes more than £12 billion to the economy annually.
The funding will be available to all productions made by companies where at least half of the production budget is spent in the UK and is estimated to cover more than 70% of the film and TV production market to the end of the year.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:
“The UK’s film and TV industry is the envy of the world, and it’s vital that productions get the help they need to restart as part of our plan to kickstart jobs following the lockdown.
This targeted scheme, which will help fill the gap created by the lack of available insurance, will help protect tens of thousands of jobs, from actors and directors through to camera operators, costume designers, and runners. The sector is worth over £12 billion to the UK’s economy, so it’s right that we do what we can to help them reopen and get back to making the films and shows that we all love.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added:
“Help is on the way to our much loved cultural and heritage organisations with our £1.57 billion fund. This support package will protect buildings, organisations and people to help ensure our wonderful institutions, big and small, pull through Covid.
Today we’re publishing guidance so organisations know how to access help. We’re also calling on organisations to be creative in diversifying their income streams and the public to continue supporting the places they love so this funding can be spread as far and wide as possible”.
Caroline said:
“I am delighted with today’s announcement for our world-leading film and TV industries, not only for our country’s economy but all the talented individuals whose livelihoods depend on them.
Many constituents have told me how important TV and film has been during lockdown, helping them feel connected and entertained - this announcement will be welcomed by many.”