Film Development

The film community is waiting with anticipation for the announcement from the British Film Institute (BFI) about their five-year plan to develop the UK film industry, film culture and film going. Following their consultation document New Horizon's for UK Film, many believe the BFI's proposals will include a call for a "UK-wide network of virtual and physical film hubs." If this is the case it has to be applauded. The devil will be in the detail as to what these hubs will deliver, but I think the notion of a UK-wide network is a major step in recognising that film in its many manifestations – producing, making and watching – is a national activity. It's always been easy to think of the film industry as London-based, with the gravitational pull of the capital as a natural phenomenon. Historically that has always been the case. Yet a major shift is possible. Digital formats and the internet has fundamentally changed and challenged that assumption of the "centre" – work can now be made and distributed from where you're based; they can come to you, rather than vice-versa. I was struck by a recent profile on Paignton-based singer, songwriter and film-maker Cosmo Jarvis, who as well as having released three albums and numerous singles at the age of 23 has also made short and feature films. For me he exemplifies the new phenomenon of talent coming from outside of the centre and establishing their creative profile without taking the traditional London apprenticeship.