Local MP for Hastings and Rye, Sally-Ann Hart, welcomed the announcement last week of further funding to support the Kino cinema in Rye, as part of further support packages for the entertainment and creative sectors as the country continues to fight the Covid-19 virus.
This fund is part of a package that is supporting nine cinemas across London and the South East from the UK government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, with these funding decisions being made by the British Film Institute (BFI) to support England’s screen sector.
Hearing this announcement, Sally-Ann said, “I am delighted that further funding has been made available to support our local entertainment sector. The Kino cinema in Rye has become an important hub for the community, not just for the amazing films it shows, but also a place for residents to gather and meet for a drink and to socialise, which we will all be able to do once again soon.
“This funding will go a long way to keep the Kino on its feet through the rest of this pandemic, and I will continue to fight for more support to other venues and groups around our area.” The Rye Kino Cinema has been awarded a grant of £8,469.
Support your local cinema
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden MP said, “During lockdown many of us sought comfort in the escapism of a good film from our living rooms, but nothing can beat watching something for the first time in a cinema. This funding is just the first tranche of our help for independent cinemas with more support to come up and down the country each week.
“The government has proven that we are committed to being here for culture and I urge the public to also play their part and support their local independent cinemas too so that they have a sustainable future.
“We’re supporting our great British film industry at every step of the screen supply chain through the Film and TV Restart Scheme which will keep cameras rolling on productions across the country as well as the vital funding announced today for our independent cinemas.”
This important cash boost of more than £650,000 will help independent cinemas – the cultural organisation closest to home for so many people – weather the storm of the coronavirus pandemic.
Safety measures all in place
Matt Breckon, Kino, said, “The Culture Recovery Fund award from DCMS has helped Kino to put in place the necessary safety measures to ensure that its customers feel reassured and comfortable, so that they can relax and enjoy their visit – we’re very grateful for this financial support at such a challenging time.”
Cinemas are able to apply for Safety Grants, to help independent venues meet the additional costs of creating a safe and covid-secure environment for staff and audiences, and Business Sustainability grants of up to £200,000 to help stabilise venues as they reopen. The £30 million fund will remain open for applications until 30 October and support for cinemas making an application is available from the BFI.
To support the UK’s film industry at every point of the screen supply chain the government has also opened the application process for the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme to help productions get the cameras rolling.
Protecting vital jobs
Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said, “The UK’s cinemas and film & TV production industry are a key part of our culture – they provide thousands of jobs and help to entertain the nation. So I’m delighted that we can support independent cinemas through the Cultural Recovery Fund, and help to get productions up and running again through the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme, protecting vital jobs across the industry.”
The £500 million scheme is designed to help TV and film productions across the country that have been halted or delayed by a lack of insurance to get back up and running. The scheme will give productions the confidence they need that they will be supported if future losses are incurred due to Covid-19.
Detailed eligibility criteria for the scheme are available online so that productions can prepare applications ahead of the scheme formally opening in the coming weeks.
Source: Press release from the office of Sally-Ann Hart
Image Credits: Kino Digital .