Great Britain is officially breaking away from the EU this year. Some people remain concerned about Brexit's effects on the film and television sector. This includes Abi Morgan, who wrote "The Iron Lady", a biopic about the life of Margaret Thatcher. In an interview with Variety, she said, "I consider myself European but unfortunately this divorce is happening and we've got to get on with it." Morgan was also concerned about how this would affect the UK's connections with media platforms, stating, "I hope (the government) recognizes how important our industry is when you get Netflix and Amazon wanting to invest in the U.K. and build and develop studios."
There is still some optimism that film and television in the United Kingdom won't be affected by this transition. For example, British Film Commissioner Adrian Wootton "noted that the U.K. film and TV industry has managed to grow at an unprecedented rate despite political change." Wootton also feels that, in spite of the breakdown of relations between the EU and UK, the UK will "remain very much open for business" from partners in countries like Europe "and beyond."
One thing that won't be impacted by the breakup of the UK and the European Union is the studio space which is "expanding to meet growing demand." Furthermore, "skills training initiatives will ensure a steady stream of top-class above- and below-the-line talent." Wootton believes that the country's connections with Netflix, Comcast, and Disney will help the UK's cause, and won't be affected by the split. "Last year saw industry heavyweights including Netflix, Disney and Comcast strengthening their commitments to the UK, providing further endorsement of the UK's world-class infrastructures, talent and generous, reliable tax reliefs", the commissioner said.
Film Commissioner Wootton isn't the only one who has hope for the future of UK's of film and television sector. John McVay, who is the "chief executive of powerful producers alliance Pact", stressed the importance of not criticizing "one of the U.K.'s most successful industries for political reasons". McVay said, "It's not an 'end of the world' crisis for us, and it never has been." Jane Root, "chief executive of "One Strange Rock" producer Nutopia", expressed her own concerns about the decision but she also has hope: "The end of easy travel for Europe is a factor and some rebates and potential co-productions are in doubt. But we'll survive."
Even after splitting from the European Union, the UK will have backing. For instance, some partners have been helping with the United Kingdom's Film Centre. These include the BFI, British Council, British Film Commission, Film London, and Screen Scotland. Additionally, some other companies who have roots in the Film Centre are "sales companies" like Amadeus Entertainment, Carnaby International, and Jinga Films. This Film Centre will "be offering advice sessions on co-production, creative sector tax relief and how the UK can work with Europe and internationally post-Brexit."
There is optimism for UK media after all, despite the concerns that Brexit may affect the UK's connections with platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. People in the industry express optimism that film and TV will remain unaffected by the split, and that the country will still have the connections to keep its movies and TV shows going for the foreseeable future.