NRI Lisa Nandy, culture minister Independent British films
to receive tax relief in minister's new initiative

Los Angeles/Oct 09, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

NRI  Lisa Nandy introduced new legislation in Parliament today, unveiling a significant tax relief initiative aimed at supporting independent British films. This move is designed to stimulate job creation, investment, and growth across the UK’s film sector, particularly in regions beyond London. The announcement comes alongside Pinewood Studios' plans to establish a new Indie Production Hub, further reinforcing support for the country’s indie filmmakers.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Nandy highlighted the importance of the independent film sector, which has produced iconic films like Pride, The King’s Speech, and Bend It Like Beckham. She emphasized that independent films play a critical role in showcasing the UK’s culture and talent to the world, yet they have struggled with insufficient support over the past decade due to rising costs, crew shortages, and declining revenues.

While the UK’s major film production industry has thrived, Nandy stressed the need for a targeted boost for smaller-budget productions. "Independent film thrives everywhere, given the chance," she said, underlining that the new tax relief aims to generate jobs, growth, and investment across all regions and nations of the UK, helping the indie film sector achieve its full potential.
In response to the announcement, Pinewood Studios revealed its plans to launch an Independent Film Hub at its world-renowned Buckinghamshire location. The hub will offer sound stages, workshop spaces, and support services to indie filmmakers taking advantage of the tax relief.

Nandy also announced a partnership with Skills England to address the skills shortage in the creative industries. The government aims to improve career pathways for young people in film and other creative sectors. She emphasized the importance of diversity in storytelling and noted that the sector has often failed to reflect the nation’s rich cultural diversity.

As part of this initiative, the Secretary of State for Education will overhaul the apprenticeship levy to provide shorter, more flexible apprenticeships tailored to the creative sector. Nandy reiterated the government’s commitment to filling the 25,000 job vacancies in the creative industries and ensuring young people have access to high-quality career opportunities.

In a separate announcement, Nandy confirmed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government will review the appeal regarding the planning permission for Marlow Film Studios in Buckinghamshire, which was previously refused. The proposal will be reviewed in detail before a decision is made.

Later this evening, Nandy is set to attend the opening of the 68th London Film Festival at BFI Southbank, where the World Premiere of Steve McQueen’s latest film Blitz will be showcased.

This new tax relief for independent British films is the latest in a series of measures aimed at driving investment and growth in the creative industries ahead of the International Investment Summit next week

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