British Screen Forum Annual Conference 2025
On 19th November, the British Screen Forum held its annual conference. Media consultant and CMF Board member, Helen McAleer went along to listen and report back.
It was a day packed full of panels and keynote speeches and debate from some of the highest calibre professionals in the screen industry.
The keynote was presented by the Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP. The minister acknowledged that it is challenging and uncertain time for the screen sector but that we are very much part of the government’s industrial plan. By 2035 the government wants the UK to be recognised as the best place in the world to to create, develop and grow.
He said there will be more support for start ups from the British Business Bank and the government is investing in a growth fund, the Creative Industries Investment fund. There will also be funding for individual city mayors and the minister stated how keen they were to tap into creative talent all over the country.
He also commented on the speed of change in technology and that it is undoubtedly a challenge for regulators.
The minister touched on the BBC Charter Review and was very clear that the BBC must remain independent and accountable but needed to evolve, develop and survive.
Throughout the day several of the esteemed panellists, including Alan Rushbridger, called out for us all to support the BBC particularly during this current Charter Review. He wondered if the BBC Charter could be made permanent rather than having to be renewed every 10 years and stated that the BBC is hugely important to British society.
Sir Peter Bazalgette also commented on the powerful soft global power of the BBC World Service and called for more investment in it.
Other panels looked at the abundance and consolidation in the games industry, the YouTube creator economy and the new economics of scripted TV.
The chair of the British Business Bank, Stephen Welton spoke about their renewed interest in accessing start up loans for new companies via their partners in the Angel network and how they are the largest investor of venture capital in the UK and third largest in the world.
The day ended with Richard Curtis calling on film and tv makers to integrate impact work into their production budgets so there are proper plans to instigate real change.
It was a stimulating and thought provoking day brilliantly chaired by British Screen Forum’s new Chairperson, Susanna Dinnage.
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