archive 2004

 

Four film producers, whose credits include Bright Young Things, Chicken Run and Elizabeth, have been appointed as new board directors to the UK Film Council, Arts Minister, Estelle Morris announced today.

 

Andrew Eaton, who is a company director of Revolution Films, which has produced films including Bright Young Things, Jude and Wonderland, will serve as Deputy Chair of the UK Film Council. He is also a Member of the BAFTA Council and Skillset’s Communications Committee.

 

Three new board directors - David Sproxton, Alison Owen and Marc Samuelson - will also join the UK Film Council from today.

 

David Sproxton is co-founder and Director of Aardman Animations Ltd, one of the UK’s leading animation studios. The studio currently has a five picture deal with Dreamworks SKG, which has already produced the acclaimed film Chicken Run.

 

Marc Samuelson has Produced or Executive Produced a dozen films including Wilde, Arlington Road, the Oscar-nominated Tom & Viv, and the forthcoming The Libertine.  He is Deputy Chair of the British Screen Advisory Council and a Governor of the National Film and Television School.

 

Alison Owen is co-director of Ruby Films, producer of Sylvia. She also runs GoGo Pictures with Gwyneth Paltrow, and recently produced Proof for Miramax Films. She has previously produced Elizabeth for Working Title, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards and 12 BAFTAS.

 

 

Announcing the appointments, Estelle Morris said:

 

“The UK film industry is growing faster than ever and it needs a dynamic team to help steer it through new challenges and make the most of new opportunities.

 

“I am delighted that such a talented and experienced producer will be taking over as deputy director of the UK Film Council.  Andrew has been involved in some great British films from the past few years and his creativity, flair and industry experience will make a sound contribution to the new-look team. His skills complement those of the new Chair very well.
 
“I also want to welcome three new members to the board of directors. David Sproxton, Marc Samuelson and Alison Owen, will donate a wealth of experience to the Film Council, having worked in very different sectors of the industry.”

 

Andrew Eaton said:

 

“The UK Film Council plays an important role in supporting the UK film industry.  We want to make sure we build on its successes and help it grow in the future.

 

“I am excited to be part of such a vibrant team who are drawn from all corners of the industry. And from this week we will also be joined by three new directors – David Sproxton, Marc Samuelson and Alison Owen. I look forward to us all working together.”

 

Stewart Till CBE, Director Chairman of the UK Film Council, said:
 
“I would like to welcome Andrew, Marc, Alison and David as Directors.  They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the UK Film Council in producing British films which reach audiences worldwide. I very much look forward to working closely with them.”

 

 

1.  As with all appointments of this nature, the selection process was run in accordance with the rules of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

 

2.  The appointees have not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

 

3.  The posts are unpaid.  However, an allowance of £198 per day may be claimed, plus travel and subsistence.  Time commitment is around 2-4 days a month.  The appointments of Andrew Eaton and David Sproxton will be for four years and those of Alison Owen and Marc Samuelson, three years.

 

4.  The UK Film Council is the lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad.   It receives Government grant-in-aid and Lottery money which it invests in film development and production; training; international development, export promotion; distribution and exhibition; and education.

 

5.  The UK Film Council is currently chaired by Stewart Till CBE.  The Board consists of 15 members who between them have a combination of knowledge and experience across all aspects of the film industry and film culture in the UK.  The current board members are:

 

Stewart Till CBE (Chair)   

Colin Brown
Anthony Minghella CBE   

Heather Rabbatts CBE
Parminder Vir OBE    

Gurinder Chadha
Nigel Green     

Stephen Knibbs

Iain Smith     

Mark Devereux