Gov't coin for Brit pix at top fests

Blighty's Film Council funds sales cos with UK films

By ARCHIE THOMAS

The UK Film Council will award £70,000 ($130,000) to UK and European sales companies working on behalf of UK pics premiering internationally at the Sundance, Rotterdam and Berlin fests, it was announced November 25.

The Film Council has launched the International Festival Sales Support (IFFS) scheme as part of its ongoing attempt to boost the earnings and raise the profile of UK pics internationally. Sales cos will be awarded a minimum of £1,500 ($2,790) if their applica-tion meets the eligibility criteria. Co-productions must be UK certified majority co-production.

Coin from the IFFS scheme can be used to fund the production of subtitling prints, travel and accommodation for filmmakers and talent, press campaigns or marketing items. Guidelines and application forms for the scheme, which closes 31 March 2005, are to be found at www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk