PRIDE AND PREJUDICE screenwriter decries tax changes
The Guardian has a column written by PRIDE AND PREJUDICE screenwriter Deborah Moggach bemoaning tax code changes in the UK that led to severe drop-offs in film production. Filming was almost ready to commence on an adapation of her novel Tulip Fever when the changes were announced. All work on the film, which was to star Keira Knightley, Jude Law and Jim Broadbent, was halted shortly thereafter. The tax code changes, which were announced last February, contributed to 2004’s 40% decline in film production in the UK.
She does find one bright spot:
My only solace is that our stars are still enthusiastic and that Alison Owen is a terrific producer. Somehow our film will get made. Meanwhile, at this moment, Working Title is putting the finishing touches to my adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. And guess what: of all delicious ironies, Elizabeth Bennet is played by - yes, Keira Knightley.
It sounds as though Gordon Brown will be persona non grata at the upcoming BAFTA award ceremony.
January 21st, 2005 at 9:39 am
I read the first three articles linked in your post. It seems to me the tax code changes are perfectly fair & reasonable. Capitalists always squeal when they are prevented from making quite so much money as they think they are entitled to. No doubt the film industry will adjust and films will continue to be made in the UK.
January 21st, 2005 at 9:58 am
The changes themselves may have been fair enough.
But having them apply to and thus kill off films already in production wasn’t, imho.
January 21st, 2005 at 8:03 pm
I confess to not being as conversant in UK tax law as I should be to comment meaningfully on the changes themselves, but I’m not certain if they’re squealing about not making as much money as they’re entitled to, or if in the light of reduced returns with no corresponding reduction in risk, they found the investment in the movie no longer offered an acceptable return.
It remains to be seen if the film industry will come back. Reduced returns means fewer dollars will be invested, so I don’t know if it’s a matter of adjustment or if more filming will be moved to places like Eastern Europe.
February 18th, 2005 at 11:28 am
Where did Jude Law and Jim Broadbent go to?