BFI Chief: Film Funding Isn't Social Work

BFI CEO Ben Roberts discussed the complexities of public film funding, acknowledging the challenges of turning down many projects due to limited resources. He emphasized that the BFI's role extends beyond simply funding filmmakers to supporting the entire ecosystem, including exhibition, distribution, and education, with a budget of approximately £150 million per cycle.

Roberts defended the rigorous application process, stating that as lottery money is "good cause" money, transparency and an open system are essential. He clarified that funding decisions are based on a project's merit and market potential, not merely on ticking boxes, and stressed that "it's not social work."

Further elaborating on success metrics, Roberts argued against solely focusing on directors and box office revenue. He pointed to actors discovered or platformed through publicly funded films, citing Tom Holland and Olivia Colman as examples. He also encouraged filmmakers to demonstrate originality and skill without solely relying on highly competitive lottery funds.

Roberts identified comedy and horror as genres where UK independent film could be bolder. He suggested that a focus on "mood" over genuine scares in horror and a similar lack of edge in comedy sometimes limit their impact. He also advocated for integrating film education into classrooms, viewing "watching" as the new "reading" for developing critical literacy skills in young people.