§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the percentage of gross box office rentals currently received by film distributors. [89411]
§ Janet AndersonMy Department does not compile information of this type. However, a recent report prepared by London Economics for my Department estimated that film rentals as a percentage of gross box office ranged between 27 per cent. and 35 per cent. Some popular films may achieve rentals above this range.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions have taken place with independent British film distributors regarding the establishment and remit of the Film Council. [89412]
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§ Janet AndersonRepresentatives of the independent British film distributors were included in the consultation exercise on my Department's spending review, which covered the establishment and remit of the Film Council. The report of that spending review, and the earlier Film Policy Review, made clear that one of the main objectives of the Film Council will be to assist the development of sustainable industry structures in the area of distribution.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to ensure that films supported by the National Lottery are released through British-owned distributors. [89407]
§ Janet AndersonFuture policy on the distribution of Lottery-supported films will be set out in the strategic plan on which the new Lottery distributor, the Film Council, will consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. The Film Council will consider a variety of issues in determining that policy, including the needs of the UK distribution sector; the importance of maximising public access to Lottery-supported films; and the importance of maximising the commercial benefits from the distribution of such films.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to replace the MEDIA II programme to provide support for independent film distributors. [89410]
§ Janet AndersonIt is for the European Commission to pub forward proposals for possible changes to the MEDIA II programme for member states to consider. Independent film distributors are eligible to receive support from the current MEDIA II programme to assist the trans-national distribution of European films.