UK Allocates up to $647 Million Emergency Insurance Fund for Film, TV

Entertainment

July 29th, 11:18am

Asharq Al-Awsat

FILE PHOTO: An event worker attaches set parts during preparations for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony at the Royal Opera House in central London, February 7, 2015. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

Britain has announced a $647 million fund to help television and film companies restart productions after companies complained they were unable to get insurance because of the coronavirus pandemic. Shoots shut down abruptly in March as the novel coronavirus spread and the government imposed a lockdown. As filmmakers try to get back to work, they are finding some insurers have stopped providing the COVID-19 coverage they need to secure financing. The government said the insurance fund will be available to all productions made by companies where at least half the production budget is spent in the UK, and is estimated to cover more than 70% of the film and TV production market, Reuters reported. “From award-winning dramas, to iconic comedies and revered documentaries, the UK makes the films and TV shows the world can’t wait to watch. Today’s announcement means more clapperboards snapping into action,” said Oliver Dowden, Britain’s culture minister. The decision comes after months of discussions with the TV and film industry and was warmly welcomed by it.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2418641/uk-allocates-647-million-emergency-insurance-fund-film-tv