So the studios are looking now at what theyre making.
The commercial performance of British films is under very serious threat, he said.
Richardss view on the current landscape was far more optimistic, citing one sole gripe.
Margot Robbie in ‘Barbie’ and Cillian Murphy stars in ‘Oppenheimer’Warner Bros/Universal
He said there arent enough films in the market to service demand.
This year there are some amazing films coming out of all genres both British, foreign, and Hollywood.
But theres just not enough of them, he said.
In 2022, there were 35% fewer films than pre-pandemic.
Last year, 20%.
This year is probably gonna be close or slightly worse than last year.
The good news is that film production has been ramping up.
I think were gonna see a large number of films return.
This is a business worth saving.
We revitalize high streets, we drive footfall to shopping centers.
We have been going from strength to strength and I think well see that return.
Richards later echoed Hamiltons concern about the commercial performance of British films and encouraged theBFIto focus on commercial talent.
Alongside his work at Vue, Richards was BFI chair from 2021 to 2024.
The BFI has done an extraordinary job in the last few years.
Not just under my tenureship but under previous ones too.
And to not be afraid to identify and nurture commercial British films.
