Last year, when the government revealed plans to scrap the UK Film Council, it also said it would dissolve the network of regional screen agencies that operated under the UKFC.

In its place, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries Ed Vaizey announced the formation of Creative England, “a simpler, more efficient structure with an expanded remit to support England’;s creative industries.”

This week, Creative England started to put provide some detail in a document entitled Creative England: A Consultation on Strategic Priorities for Film for 2011/12. This sets out the draft film strategy for the coming year.

Now opened up for responses from the UK film industry, the document proposes three core film priorities. These are:

– Developing creative talent – a strategy across England to develop new talent and distinctive voices, in conjunction with the BFI, Skillset, Film London and industry partners.

– Nurturing film culture – a network of cultural programmes delivered at a local level across England, in partnership with the BFI, Arts Council England and other partners, which supports innovative approaches to the exhibition and distribution of film, increases choice and grows audiences.

– Helping to maximise inward investment – a joined up approach to attracting film production and the provision of a nationwide service to support production in partnership with Film London and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

For the year 2011/12, Creative England will have an initial budget for film-related activities of circa £2.5m Grant in Aid and circa £2m Lottery funding from the DCMS. Funding for other activities is being sought from public and commercial sources.

Commenting, Creative England Chairman John Newbigin, said: “Creative England presents a great opportunity to help creative industries flourish in the English regions. It builds on the work of the Screen Agencies and will continue to support a full range of film activity. But it will also support talented individuals and independent businesses across the creative sector, not just in film & TV.”

A Consultation on Strategic Priorities for Film is available to download from http://www.creativeengland.co.uk. Responses can be made online until March 31, 2011.