Brexit: Could there be a silver lining for the UK Film Industry?

In recent weeks the glut of “Brexicity” debates seems to have pervaded every household, British or not. A nation in flux – some declare utter doom and gloom, others see it as being saved from external control.

Historically, Britain has a strong industrial history. Not only did Britain colonise the world, but at one time, anything of value, including the best film crews and many block busters emanated from the UK.

While we worry about the loss of funding to our UK film industry, perhaps all we need to do is change our viewpoint. Consider the initial stance of the US and Germany to a “GO VOTE”, and their turn around after the final referendum count! I believe, perhaps naively, that Brexit could possibly be the very chance we need to boost and grow our UK film and TV Industry and deliver the notable quality unique to the UK.

Perhaps this perceived void, left by EU investors, should be viewed as an astute opportunity for the US to benefit from direct investment in the UK. The US is a fast expanding base with many consortiums wishing to invest in the Independent Film Market and I believe that any UK film producer fearing a loss of EU funding as a result of Brexit, needs to seriously consider investigating a symbiotic relationship with such a group.

In my opinion, opportunity abounds for the UK film makers as they are no longer bound by EU constraints and could possibly model their industry to become the go-to environment for film makers. They have been given an opportunity to create their own very exciting future. They are also in a very strong position at present with regards to Tax incentive negotiations. If they could get government to adopt similar tax models to the state of Louisiana in the US, the tax credits would be just another magnet to possible investors. Brexit may have pushed us into a very exciting future.