16:00 PST 19.12.2020
of
Alex Ritman
The UK’s revolutionary film and emergency insurance fund is also being extended until the spring of 2021.
More than 200 independent cinemas across England are set to receive grants totaling £ 16 million ($ 21.6 million) to help them get through the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Grants – ranging from £ 7,000 ($ 9,500) to £ 564,000 ($ 763,000) and covering sites of all sizes across the length and breadth of the country – will be a major relief for a besieged exhibition industry, most cinemas being closed once again after the authorities placed much of England below the strictest level of pandemic restrictions as they face a second fatal rise in infections.
The funds, allocated by the British Film Institute on behalf of the government, came from the $ 2 billion Culture Recovery Fund rescue package for the UK arts sector, which was announced in July.
Eligible cinemas were able to apply for safety grants to help places meet the immediate costs of implementing COVID security measures to protect staff and the public, as well as higher subsidies for business sustainability, to help stabilize the site. CEs. Theaters will be able to apply for another £ 14 million ($ 19 million) in grants from a second round of the New Year’s Fund for Cultural Recovery.
“Across the country, local independent cinemas are hubs and lifelines for communities and often the only form of culture and entertainment,” said Ben Roberts, executive director of BFI. “From educational programs and workshops for young people, to screenings for the elderly and audiences with specialized needs, these cinemas play such an important role in people’s lives. The Culture Recovery Fund will mean that many of these cinemas survive the current crisis and play a vital role in reviving local economies and communities, bringing people together to bring joy, consolation and the magic of the big screen. “
Among the most important names who offered their support was Michael Caine, who starred in the biggest film released during the pandemic, Principle.
“The moving image has the power to change the way we think. The power to inspire; to delight; and to move. It happens to me all the time,” said the iconic British actor. “Film is one of the most powerful and accessible art forms on earth – and for so many a local cinema is a place we know, love and have grown up with. A cinema is very often a vital part of any community and you need to support them to keep the art of film and the sense of community alive. Let’s go to the pictures! “
In another important piece of news for the UK film industry, the film and television restart scheme, the government’s £ 500 million ($ 676 million) insurance fund, is being expanded. The program, which since opening applications in October, has already helped ensure nearly 100 productions are covered financially in the event of future pandemic losses, has now pushed its deadline to April 2021, hoping to provide more security projects to start filming. in spring.
The initiative is also being extended to include cast and crew members over the age of 70. The changes will allow productions to receive compensation for COVID-related delays that affect up to two members of the cast or crew over the age of 70.