This snapshot taken on 12/05/2010, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.

Tim Bevan to be New Chair of the UK Film Council

090/09
15 June 2009

Tim Bevan CBE will be the new chair of the UK Film Council, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw announced today.

Mr Bevan, who is co-founder and co-chairman of Working Title Films, will take over from outgoing chairman Stewart Till CBE.  The appointment is for four years and will start on 30 July 2009.

Ben Bradshaw said:

“Tim Bevan will become chair during a tremendously successful year for British film.  Box office receipts are in great shape, and the awards season was a reflection of the strength of the industry.

“Tim is one of the UK’s most successful producers with a hugely impressive list of credits to his name.  The UK film sector is very fortunate to have someone as experienced and talented as Tim to help ensure its continued success.
 
"I want to take this opportunity to thank Stewart Till for his lasting contribution over the past five years as Chairman of the UK Film Council, as well as his four-year tenure as Vice-Chair. 

“Stewart has been with the UK Film Council from its earliest days and he has been a driving force behind the success of the organisation, particularly his work to develop the Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future.”

Tim Bevan CBE said:

“This is an interesting time to become Chair of the UK Film Council. British film is enjoying great critical and commercial success, but at the same time everyone is facing the transition to a new digital era, the very real challenges of the credit crisis and the impact of online piracy. We must adapt and consolidate to respond to those new realities, working with Government, listening to our stakeholders, and carrying out a comprehensive review of all our activities, both industrial and cultural. My first priority is to ensure that we have a UK Film Council that is right and ready for these challenging times.”

Top

Notes to editors

  1. Tim Bevan CBE co-founded Working Title in 1984.  Working Title has made more than 90 films that have grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide.  Its films have won six Academy Awards, 26 BAFTA Awards and prestigious prizes at the Cannes and Berlin Film Festivals.  Credits include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones, Elizabeth, Atonement, Shaun of the Dead, United 93 and Burn After Reading.

  2. The UK Film Council is the Government-backed lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad. Their goal is to help make the UK a global hub for film in the digital age, with the world’s most imaginative, diverse and vibrant film culture, underpinned by a flourishing, competitive and sustainable film industry.

  3. The UK Film Council 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.

  4. The UK Film Council is currently chaired by Stewart Till CBE.  The appointment does not attract remuneration but board members may claim reasonable travel and subsistence.  The time commitment is between two and four days per month.

  5. The appointments process was carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.  Appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. Tim Bevan has not undertaken any political activity in the UK during the past five years. 

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6052/6277
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200

Back to main

Next >
< Prev

Back to top