Developed in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI), the fund will support the UK independent screen sector to export their productions to markets around the world, helping them to compete globally and bringing further recognition to the British film industry.

While the fund will focus on independent film, it will also support a range of other screen content, including animation, documentary, television and interactive narrative games for distribution via digital platforms. The Government says that it will help UK content to become more competitive internationally by funding business development and co-production, as well as supporting promotion of screen productions and distribution to help reach larger global audiences and drive revenue.

The fund will also provide networking and development opportunities across the sector, improving access particularly for those in the nations and regions, which historically have been less able to export content internationally. It will therefore be a UK-wide benefit and address geographic imbalance within the industry. The Fund will consider where companies are based, where projects are made and how projects reflect the culture and talent of the four nations and regions outside Greater London.

In addition, the screen industry is to benefit from more support to independent cinemas through Round Three of the Culture Recovery Fund, which will allocate a further £300 million to help culturally significant organisations recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ben Roberts, BFI CEO, said: “Today’s announcement of the £7m pilot UK Global Screen Fund will deliver a vital boost to the UK’s exceptional independent screen sector by stimulating international partnerships and generating new export opportunities. As we look to this weekend’s Oscars, and the incredible line up of UK nominees, it’s clear our screen industries continue to punch above their weight internationally, and contribute significantly to the UK economy. It’s vital we continue to build on the global impact of our diverse and brilliant independent screen content, enabling the creativity and success for which the UK is so renowned.” To read the Government’s press release in full, click here.