MEDIA programme

MEDIA – which this year marks 25 years since its launch - invested £55.3 million in the United Kingdom between 2007 and 2015. In the past, movies such as The King's Speech and The Iron Lady have also been supported by the MEDIA programme. The Iron Lady received €1.5 million (£1.3m) in distribution support to encourage cinemas to screen the film outside the country where it was made.

In 2014, the European cinema releases of 62 UK films were supported with €7.8 million (£6.6m), including nearly €1 million (£848,150) for Pride and €600,000 (£508,890) for Two Faces of January.

In 2015, 67 UK films received €4.7 million (£4m) for the same, including €600,000 (£508,890) for Florence Fosters Jenkins and €400,000 (£339,260) for Paddington.

On average some 60-70 UK films receive over €6 million (£5m) a year to support their cinema distribution in Europe (outside of the UK).

The MEDIA programme supports the audiovisual sector during a time of transformation by digital technology. The programme funds initiatives that can generate a real impact across Europe, including individual works, initiatives that promote new skills, and initiatives that promote and facilitate international cooperation. It helps distribute films and television productions across the EU, widening access to them and increasing audiences. This helps movies – frequently British ones – which are successful nationally to become successful across Europe.