In a new move to support the independent film industry, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed Parliament with a set of initiatives designed to boost jobs, investment, and growth in the UK’s creative sectors. Key among these is a newly launched tax relief for independent filmmakers, expected to create opportunities across the UK and support the next generation of talent in the film industry.
Nandy’s announcement arrives on the heels of Pinewood Studios’ decision to establish an Indie Production Hub at their Buckinghamshire site, which will cater specifically to Britain’s indie filmmakers. This new hub aims to leverage the tax incentives by providing much-needed production resources, including sound stages and workshops, to support smaller-budget productions.
Promoting Regional Growth and Job Creation
Independent films like Pride, The King’s Speech, and Bend it Like Beckham have given voice to UK culture and heritage. Despite their critical acclaim, smaller films have struggled with financial constraints and rising production costs, which have limited their potential over the last decade. Nandy’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to addressing these barriers, with the new tax relief set to benefit every region of the UK.
“Independent film thrives everywhere given the chance. This uplift will not only boost creativity but create jobs, growth, and investment in every nation and region,” she said in her Commons address. The relief aligns with a broader governmental effort to decentralize the creative industry, traditionally concentrated in certain regions, enabling a more inclusive spread of opportunities.
A Pathway to Careers in Creative Industries
The government’s new partnership with Skills England is another core component of Nandy’s strategy. With the creative industry facing a shortage of skilled professionals, the collaboration is intended to fill an estimated 25,000 job vacancies. Nandy pledged to re-focus apprenticeships on young people, creating a pathway that will equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in the industry. This includes reforms to the apprenticeship levy, making room for shorter, flexible programs tailored to the unique demands of the creative sector.
In her remarks, Nandy emphasized the importance of representation, stating,
“Too often people do not see themselves and their communities reflected in the story we tell ourselves as a nation. We are determined to change that.”
Upcoming Investment Initiatives
Today’s announcement is one of several recent government actions aimed at stimulating investment in the creative sector, leading up to next week’s International Investment Summit. The press release also highlighted recent steps taken by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government to reconsider planning permission for Marlow Film Studios in Buckinghamshire.
Concluding her statement, Nandy headed to the opening of the 68th London Film Festival at BFI Southbank, which premiered Blitz, a World War II film by acclaimed director Steve McQueen.
The combination of tax incentives, new hubs, and career pathways marks a significant step in ensuring that the UK’s indie film sector continues to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of British culture while creating jobs and growth nationwide.