Liam Neeson criticises UK Films Council Axe

Actor Liam Neeson, who cinema goers can currently see in The A Team, has criticised the Government’s decision to scrap the UK Film Council.

 

Actor Liam Neeson, who cinema goers can currently see alongside Jessica Biel in The A Team, has criticised the Government’s decision to scrap the UK Film Council. The coalition government announced the axing of the body earlier this week as part of its drive to cut costs across departments but the decision has been widely criticised. Speaking at the UK premier of The A Team, which is based on the classic 1980s television series, Neeson called the axing “deplorable”.

 

“We have to do something about it. We need movies. It’s a powerful industry that provides a credible entertainment for millions of people and I think it is wrong, I just think it is wrong for the government to do this” – Liam Neeson speaking to BBC Radio Five Live

 

The UK Films Council was set up in 2000 and has provided funding for 900 British films over the past ten years – £156m worth of investment within the industry. Films such as Bend It Like Beckham were made possible by funding from the council. Film maker Mike Leigh has also spoken out over the axing of the body. Leigh said the decision was “very shocking indeed” and “devastating”. His films, such as Vera Drake, were made possible by funding from the council.