A nine-month review process at the British Film Institute (bfi) is culminating in a radical overhaul of the entire organisation, coupled with the launch of a series of new initiatives to widen access to the Institute?s archive and improve its educational provision.
The review, which led to the publication of a vision document earlier this year (ArtsProfessional issue 67, February 9, p3) was prompted by a National Audit Office report demanding that the objectives of the bfi fell into line with those of the UK Film Council, its main funder. However, in order to deliver key ambitions such as expanding its online resources and film preservation activities, bfi has had to defer plans to build a multi-screen national film centre on London?s South Bank and faces job cuts and a rationalisation of trading operations. A staffing policy permitting natural wastage has already resulted in 50 fewer posts, and a further reduction in staff numbers is envisaged.
Seven key proposals are now being taken forward, including the launch of a ?Virtual bfi? making the bfi?s film and television database available online and expanding the range of online activities including educational resources, web-casting of events, an online debating chamber, and a showcase for digital film-makers. In line with UK Film Council priorities, there will be an increase in investment for the National Film and Television Archive, and archive portals will be established to provide previously unavailable archive material through a regional network of so-called ?mediatheques? where individuals, families or groups will be able to access classic film, television and contemporary cinema on demand. The proposals also include a new young people?s initiative, the establishment of a national partnership office and the development of a ?Test Bed? film centre to act as a prototype for the deferred purpose-built landmark film centre. This centre, due to open in summer 2005, will revamp existing National Film Theatre facilities and take advantage of the premises vacated by the former Museum of the Moving Image. It will show contemporary film/art installations and include exhibition areas, a mediatheque, an enhanced space for high-profile events, a London Film Festival delegates centre, and a specialist shop and bar.
The proposals have received immediate endorsement from the UK Film Council, which has confirmed that annual funding to the bfi will increase by £1.5m to £16m. This increase, targeted at education, access and preservation, has been made possible by reductions in the Film Council?s allocation to directly fund film production over the next three years. John Woodward, the UK Film Council?s Chief Executive Officer, said: ?This is a major turning point for the bfi, which has a crucial role to play in film culture and education across the UK.?
The bfi will be conducting a feasibility study later this year to determine when it can relocate from its current head office to premises on London?s South Bank. A new trading division will be established to support its commercial activities and capitalise on the resources of the organisation, with plans to reinvest profits into education and access. A new fundraising and sponsorship campaign has also been initiated and a new Director of Development appointed. bfi Chairman, Anthony Minghella, said: ?The strategic review proposes a significant cultural shift in which the bfi turns itself inside out, moving from being an inward-looking organisation to becoming one which is engaged and outward-facing.?