Lavinia Carey, Director General of the British Video Association (BVA), responds to the publication of Lord Smith’s Film Policy

17 January 2012: Lavinia Carey, Director General of the British Video Association (BVA), responds to the publication of Lord Smith’s Film Policy Review. She says:

“The Review is an important first step in assuring the future of the British film industry. If the industry is to continue to play its role in the country’s cultural life it is essential that the Government acts to create the right conditions such as encouraging the roll out of superfast broadband and investing in British skills. Most importantly, it is imperative that the Government’s current review of copyright does not weaken copyright law and inadvertently introduce uncertainty in a market where raising investment for British productions is already a challenge for independent film makers by reducing the value of video entertainment – so important to the financial eco-system of our film industry.
“British films dominated the UK video entertainment chart in 2011. Without being able to rely on this income, those films would not have been made. BVA research shows that on average 47% of the revenue generated for film in the UK comes from video entertainment. We therefore welcome Lord Smith’s recommendations to ensure the sustainability of the UK’s film industry.”

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Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact Stephanie Blott or Esme Knight on 020 7618 9116 or bva@luther.co.uk.
About the BVA
The British Video Association exists to champion video entertainment in all its forms, from packaged media such as DVD and Blu-ray Discs through to digital services available on demand, to rent or to own on portable devices and for home viewing.

The proliferation of content delivery channels, now with more than 40 digital video services, is constantly increasing consumer choice and the video industry releases about 8,000 titles a year, on which consumers spent over £2.25 billion in 2011. It is the single most valuable part of the audiovisual sector in terms of generating returns on investment for production.
The BVA’s members include film and television companies and independent labels who produce, license and distribute pre-recorded video entertainment, covering film, sport & fitness, music, TV, children’s and special interest programming. Its members account for some 90% of the sector.
Visit www.bva.org.uk