The British Film Institute (BFI) and the Film & TV Charity have partnered to create a Covid-19 Film & TV Emergency Relief Fund. Netflix has contributed to the fund with a donation of £1 million.
The fund will provide short-term support to workers in the industry who have been direcly affected by the situation in the UK. Thus, it is open to those working in production, distribution and exhibitions. Although the eligibility criteria are not fully defined yet, the charity said those in immediate need can apply for a grant of up to £500 to provide stop-gap support.
Netflix has already donated $100 mln to a fund for creatives whose jobs are directly afftected by coronavirus. However, most of the money will be assigned to Netflix’s own productions around the world. BFI CEO Ben Roberts has stated that “Netflix’s early commitment to this fund is hugely welcomed”. Moreover, they are “asking other commercial industry partners to contribute, if they are able, and play their part in helping those most in need get through the crisis”. Likewise, Alex Pumfrey, CEO of the Film & TV Charity stated being “incredibly pleased that Netflix and the BFI are working with us to kick-start this new Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund”
Similarly, Netflix VP of orgininal series, Anne Mensah, is happy about the creation of the fund. The VP added that “UK crews have always been vital to Netflix’s success and now we want to help those freelancers who most need support”.
