The new inquiry will investigate what needs to be done to maintain and enhance the UK as a global destination for production, how the indie film sector can be supported, issues around skills and retention and the challenge of AI.

The inquiry comes 20 years on from the predecessor committee’s report on the British film industry, which made recommendations around the tax regime and training and development and helped shape the modern British film industry.

The Committee is now inviting written submissions by Tuesday 19 September on the following areas:

• How attractive is the UK as a global destination for the production of film and high-end television?
  • What are the barriers to maintaining and increasing overseas investment in the sector?
  • What are the benefits and challenges of overseas investment for the UK’s film-making capacity?
• What are the current challenges facing the UK’s independent film production sector?
  • What is the demand for and capacity for production of films with a clear British identity?
  • Are the nations and regions of the UK adequately represented and supported in the production of British films?
• What more can be done to incentivise film and high-end television production in the UK?
  • Are the current funding routes, tax credits and governance for the industry fit for purpose?
• What are the issues facing the UK’s film exhibition sector?
• What more can be done to protect and promote the UK’s screen heritage?
• What can the industry and Government do to ensure British film and high-end television can adapt for the future?
  • What should be prioritised to ensure a strong skills pipeline and retention in the film and high-end TV industry?
  • What are the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence to the sector?
  • What needs to change to ensure the industry is supporting inclusivity and sustainability.

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Chair, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said: “Thousands of cinemagoers enjoying the new Barbie film this weekend will get to see the latest success story for the British film and high-end TV industry, with the construction of Barbieland from scratch at a studio in the UK demonstrating the sector’s excellent track-record in attracting blockbusters to our shores.

“We will be looking at how to maintain the attractiveness of the UK as a global destination for production while ensuring independent films, similar to recent hits Rye Lane and Aftersun, can be made and seen. The financial problems encountered by big name cinema chains have highlighted the importance of protecting and promoting the UK’s screen heritage, while the actors and writers strikes in the United States show the importance of getting ahead of the game in adapting skills and responding to the challenges of artificial intelligence.

“The challenge now is to make sure the industry and Government are thinking of the future to maintain and enhance an industry that is hugely important both to the economy and to the culture of the UK and its power on the world stage.”