See a film out to help out?

In this uncertain and unnerving year, there seems to be little light at the end of the tunnel. Particularly for people working in the UK's film industry.

This week, Cineworld confirmed its plans to place all of its cinemas and those of its Picturehouse brand in an unprecedented winter hibernation - meaning the loss of all its staff. This means around 45,000 people losing their jobs, and many of these workers are on precarious zero hours contracts. There are rumours the Odeon is scaling back its opening hours nationwide too, perhaps moving to a weekend-only model.

So, where does this leave film and cinemas? Rishi Sunak has recently pledged government support for "viable" jobs... But how exactly does The Chancellor prove an industry, a venue or a person's job is "viable"? Who decides, and what's the measurement for this?

Big questions. So, here's a few ideas for policies that could help cinemas and our film industry in the short to medium-term:

idea one: See A Film Out To Help Out

Could the government introduce an Eat Out To Help Out-style scheme for UK cinemas? For example, commit to paying 50% of all cinema tickets Monday-to-Wednesday? Taking place for a limited time in February & March 2021.

This two month window would be something for film producers, distributors and exhibitors to aim for. It'd inspire at least some confidence in film going during a crucial time, encouraging people to see the quality films released during awards season that set the cultural agenda for the year.

Learning lessons from the summer's Eat Out scheme, the film equivalent should be introduced in four or five months time - when, hopefully, the virus and infection rates are under control.

This idea would help jumpstart the wider economy during the darker winter months, would build confidence in the film & culture sector and help ancillary sectors to cinemas, such as restaurants and bars, too.

idea two: PPP Loans - Post Pandemic Production Loan scheme

It's important to remember that film is an industry. As well as the creative people writing, directing and acting in movies - film creates employment in a massively wide range of sectors. From carpenters, to drivers, electricians, sound engineers, costume designers, carpenters and beyond.

To help kickstart our economy in 2021, the government could introduce a Post Pandemic Production loan idea. A govt-backed bounce-back-loan style scheme aimed at film producers with a strong track record and an industry-rated number of production credits to their name.

These loans (with interest pegged to inflation) could be used to kickstart film production in the UK later in 2021. With our outstanding production facilities here, incredible film talent and the pound's current value - once the virus is under control the UK could again be positioned as the leading international hub for film production.

idea three: Use film as a catalyst to start 'levelling up'

We are told that we're all in the pandemic together, but it's clear the virus is having a disproportionate affect on certain places and communities.

But on a positive note, the UK is blessed with a strong and resilient regional film culture. The government should invest more in our brilliant regional hubs (such as Screen Yorkshire, Film Hub North, Tees Valley Screen, and Film Hub Midlands) to support filmmakers, exhibitors and cinema communities - using film as a lever to help level up the wider economy. Creating more high quality training for school leavers & in further education, delivering more jobs, and making more opportunities for people to be part of something again.

Targeted grants, loans and specific support to filmmaking hubs, festivals and community cinemas could really help the towns & cities and places & people that need it the most: delivering good paid employment and creative opportunities for people to come together both online and in the real world again.

idea four: out there, outdoors and thinking outside the box

Cinemas, film exhibitors and distributors shouldn't be working in isolation from the wider economy. In 2021, policies could be introduced to encourage venues, the events industry and cinemas to work together in new and creative ways.

More outdoors screenings? Could sports venues, parks and heritage venues do more to host new films?

Who could help deliver more creative Covid-secure immersive film events in unexpected venues?

And perhaps govt policies could be delivered to encourage the hospitality industry to make new creative connections with cinemas - discounts for people eating out at restaurant in their 'bubble' then seeing a film together with the same bubble of people. Helping to make going out more Covid-secure and jumpstarting the economy too?

idea five: British Film Will Help Out

Perhaps the See A Film Out To Help Out scheme should be super-targeted instead? After Brexit, could the govt specifically support British film during 2021 and 2022? Paying 50% of all cinema tickets for all truly British made films?

This circular-economy style idea would boost the number of people seeing British films, be a win for cinemas as more people choose to see the latest releases in the cinemas instead of on streaming services at home. And, crucially, it would build industry confidence - encouraging a wave of investment in the UK's film industry, kickstarting film production and bringing much needed jobs to studios and filmmaking hubs around the UK.

If done right, this idea could help create a sense of national belonging too - using film as a way to explore national identity and meaning as we go through both Brexit and recover from the pandemic.

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The shock of cinemas shutting up has really hit home - but we shouldn't lose hope. It's just been revealed that filming The Crown in the UK this summer helped the country to avoid recession, the show is among the film & TV productions contributing significantly to our GDP. With the right investment, specific support and big ideas our film industry can once again prove itself to be really resilient and a beacon of light in these dark times.