Film

Government tells UK Film Council to stop lobbying for its continued existence

Darren Atwater | Wednesday 18 August, 2010 10:42

The government continues to wage damage control over the planned closure of the UK Film Council.

Why are they concerned? Because while the UK public may demand that their services be cut in the age of austerity, they tend to listen when their stars like Clint Eastwood, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, and Bill Nighy start complaining publicly about the decision.

In a letter to the Council, Arts Minister Ed Vaizey wrote:

I am very concerned about what has come to light. It looks as though sources at the Film Council have been overzealously briefing in order to protect their interests. As a result they may be damaging the film industry that they purport to represent. This is completely wrong and I will be seeking urgent reassurances that the Film Council will promote the interests of the film industry rather than its own from now on.

“Promote the interests of the film industry rather than its own from now on” is a hilarious complaint coming from the Minister, considering that “from now on” means “until April 2012” when he will finally close the office.

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