The Edinburgh Film Festival's keynote discussion between BFI CEO Ben Roberts and Picturehouse's Clare Binns shed light on the future of British independent film, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in the industry. The conversation delved into the BFI's funding model, the importance of genre, and the impact of AI on the film industry.
One of the key insights was the BFI's struggle to fund smaller projects and bring them to a wider audience. Roberts highlighted the success of films like Tom Holland's 'How I Live Now' and Olivia Colman's 'Tyrannosaur', which were funded by lottery money and helped launch the careers of these actors. This underscores the importance of public funding in supporting emerging talent and diverse storytelling.
The discussion also touched on the misconception that high production values are necessary for a film to be successful. Roberts argued that the UK's independent sector needs to improve in certain areas, particularly comedy and horror. He suggested that the UK is not as strong in these genres as it could be, and that there is an opportunity to develop these areas further.
Binns and Roberts also discussed the BFI's audience development fund, Escapes, and the importance of cinema chains in supporting the film industry. They emphasized the value of cinema hubs as vital community hubs that contribute significantly to the wider high street economy. The conversation also touched on the impact of the new UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and his push to drive political power out of London and up north.
One of the most interesting insights was the potential for AI to impact the film industry. Roberts suggested that AI could be used to streamline application processes, but that the BFI is not keen to frame AI as entirely negative. This raises a deeper question about the role of AI in the creative industries and the potential for technology to enhance or disrupt the film-making process.
Overall, the discussion between Roberts and Binns provided a thought-provoking insight into the future of British independent film. It highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and the importance of public funding, genre development, and community engagement. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these issues play out in the coming years.
