The economic importance of our film industry has long been recognised and, following publication of the independent Hargreaves Review into intellectual property, the Parliamentary Information Office is currently following closely developments in this and our other creative industries.
In October this year, 2012, the Parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Committee launched a new inquiry into support for the creative economy and the impact on the creative industries of the independent Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth together with the Government’s Response to it.
The Committee invited written submissions and requesting views on the following issues:
· How best to develop the legacy from the Olympics and Paralympics of the display of UK talent in the creative industries in both Opening and Closing ceremonies and more generally in the design of the Games
· Barriers to growth in the creative industries—such as difficulties in accessing private finance—and the ways in which Government policy should address them. Whether lack of co-ordination between government departments inhibits this sector
· The impact on the creative industries of the independent Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth, and the Government’s Response to it. The impact of the failure, as yet, to implement the Digital Economy Act, which was intended to strengthen copyright enforcement. The impact of proposals to change copyright law without recourse to primary legislation (under the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill currently before Parliament)
· The extent to which taxation supports the growth of the creative economy, including whether it would be desirable to extend the tax reliefs targeted at certain sectors in the 2012 Budget
· Ways to establish a strong skills base to support the creative economy, including the role of further and higher education in this
· The importance of “clusters” and “hubs” in facilitating innovation and growth in the creative sector. Whether there is too much focus on hubs at the expense of encouraging a greater geographical spread of companies through effective universal communication; and
· The work of the Creative Industries Council and other public bodies responsible for supporting the sector.
· The Committee wished to focus on particular sectors as examples of the creative industries, especially the film, music, television, design and games sectors.
Today, 13th November 2012, is the first evidence session of the Committee’s inquiry and provides an opportunity for the Committee to question Pinewood Shepperton plc and the Design Council about their views on barriers to growth within their respective industries and actions the government could take to further encourage business to engage in training activities and apprenticeships.
The Pinewood Studios Group is one of the leading providers of studio and related services to the worldwide film and television industries; and Pinewood Studios is a major hub within the global film industry.
The Design Council is a charity, supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Communities and Local Government. The Council played a key role in the success of the Olympics, from the Olympic torch to the architecture of the Olympic Park venues.
Witnesses
Tuesday 13 November 2012, Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster
At 10.30am
· Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive, Pinewood Shepperton plc
· Andrew Smith, Director of Strategy and Communications, Pinewood Shepperton plc
At 11.15 am
· John Mathers, Chief Executive, Design Council
· Mat Hunter, Chief Design Officer, Design Council
The Parliamentary Information Office will be reporting further on the progress of the inquiry and will be adding to the article as there are further developments.
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