In the years since the company has nurtured the careers of filmmakers including Danny Boyle, Sarah Gavron, Neil Jordan, Steve McQueen and Andrea Arnold.

The ‘Film on Four’ label was set up as part of the launch of Channel 4 in 1982.

Any change to its remit would very likely impact the entire sector.įilm4 has nurtured the careers of multiple Oscar and Bafta winners by consistently supporting the new voices that private backers did not. It is these values, they said, that have helped to craft the present UK film ecosystem and celebrate the “British cultural voice” as Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan puts it.įilm is not mentioned at all in the summary document published in early July which talked in general terms about ensuring “the UK’s broadcasting system is fit for the future.”Īlong with the British Film Institute and BBC Film, FIlm4, which has an annual budget of £25m, is one of the three pillars of independent film financing and production in the UK. Most of the people to whom Screen has spoken expressed fears a private owner would not maintain the commitment to creative risk-taking and support of new talent that has defined the film division - along with its broadcaster parent - since its launch in the early 1980s. Original story: In July 2021, when the government first launched a consultation into the possibility of finding a new owner for the public service broadcaster, Screen canvased leading filmmakers and executives in the UK film industry about the prospect of a privatised Film4, which is the film arm of Channel 4.

Update: The UK government has now confirmed it will push ahead with plans to privatise Channel 4. (Clockwise from top left): ‘Trainspotting’, ‘Mothering Sunday’, ‘American Honey’, ‘Four Weddings And A Funeral’

Film 4 express