David Cameron urges British film industry to 'be more mainstream'

David Cameron has said that the British film industry should attempt to make more movies with mainstream appeal.

The prime minister is expected to back the findings of a review into the government's film policy during a visit to Pinewood Studios today, recommending that more national lottery funding be assigned to "commercially successful pictures".



The review - led by Lord Chris Smith and compiled by eight industry experts including Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes - will reportedly stress support for production companies able to launch such projects, while also championing "culturally rewarding films".

The UK film industry is worth £4.2bn, but arts minister Ed Vaizey said upon announcing the review in May 2011 that it is "still not as profitable as it should be for British filmmakers".

Cameron echoed the minister's sentiment ahead of his talk with industry players, saying: "We should aim even higher, building on the incredible success of recent years."

The Guardian quotes him as saying: "Our role, and that of the BFI, should be to support the sector in becoming even more dynamic and entrepreneurial, helping UK producers to make commercially successful pictures that rival the quality and impact of the best international productions.

"Just as the British Film Commission has played a crucial role in attracting the biggest and best international studios to produce their films here, so we must incentivise UK producers to chase new markets both here and overseas."

2011 saw The King's Speech become the highest-grossing independent British film of all time and pick up four Academy Awards, while The Inbetweeners Movie recorded the biggest opening for a UK-produced comedy with £13.2m.