Menu
20/02/2008
Iconic Office Of Information Film Archive Boosted
The iconic British Central Office of Information films - that steered a nation at war through its darkest days to final victory and then through a newly nervous 'nuclear threat' world - are to be made more widely available thanks to a new agreement.
The 1960s road safety star 'Tufty' and other television icons are also going to be available for posterity thanks to the British Film Institute (BFI) securing an agreement with the Central Office of Information (COI) over the archive, representing as it does one of the most significant contributions ever made to cinematography and TV by a government agency.
The deal will see the BFI manage and commercially represent the entire collection of public information films.
The arrangement, which comes into effect immediately, will create a combined collection of 20,000 films; the biggest single source of moving image material produced by the Government, which is now being cared for by the BFI National Archive.
The COI collection charts the attitudes and preoccupations of British society through every decade from the 1930s and provides a unique insight into Government's changing priorities for public information, from simple messages telling children how to cross the road through to more hard-hitting information about how to survive a nuclear bomb.
Originally shown in cinemas, the films are an excellent example of social commentary and reflect the important social issues of the day.
For example, in 1939, the Ministry of Information was preparing Britain for war and the threat of air attacks.
In the 1950s, with the growth of TV, films delivered shorter and snappier messages that are now household phrases such as 'Cough and Sneezes spread diseases' and 'Clunk Click - Every Trip' on car seat belt usage.
The 1970s saw classic characters like Charley the Cat, Tufty the Squirrel and the Green Cross Code Man (Dave Prowse) promote personal and road safety, and today's films cover important subjects such as climate change and internet safety.
Broadcasters from all over the world make requests for COI material on an almost daily basis and now that these films are available in one place at BFI, access to footage will be much easier and quicker.
Peter Fydler, Head of Footage Sales at the BFI, said: "It makes good sense to bring the COI collection under one roof. Firstly, from a curatorial perspective a more complete body of work can be presented contextually and secondly, it is quicker and more efficient for customers when they come to us looking to use footage from the collection."
(CD)(BMcC)
The 1960s road safety star 'Tufty' and other television icons are also going to be available for posterity thanks to the British Film Institute (BFI) securing an agreement with the Central Office of Information (COI) over the archive, representing as it does one of the most significant contributions ever made to cinematography and TV by a government agency.
The deal will see the BFI manage and commercially represent the entire collection of public information films.
The arrangement, which comes into effect immediately, will create a combined collection of 20,000 films; the biggest single source of moving image material produced by the Government, which is now being cared for by the BFI National Archive.
The COI collection charts the attitudes and preoccupations of British society through every decade from the 1930s and provides a unique insight into Government's changing priorities for public information, from simple messages telling children how to cross the road through to more hard-hitting information about how to survive a nuclear bomb.
Originally shown in cinemas, the films are an excellent example of social commentary and reflect the important social issues of the day.
For example, in 1939, the Ministry of Information was preparing Britain for war and the threat of air attacks.
In the 1950s, with the growth of TV, films delivered shorter and snappier messages that are now household phrases such as 'Cough and Sneezes spread diseases' and 'Clunk Click - Every Trip' on car seat belt usage.
The 1970s saw classic characters like Charley the Cat, Tufty the Squirrel and the Green Cross Code Man (Dave Prowse) promote personal and road safety, and today's films cover important subjects such as climate change and internet safety.
Broadcasters from all over the world make requests for COI material on an almost daily basis and now that these films are available in one place at BFI, access to footage will be much easier and quicker.
Peter Fydler, Head of Footage Sales at the BFI, said: "It makes good sense to bring the COI collection under one roof. Firstly, from a curatorial perspective a more complete body of work can be presented contextually and secondly, it is quicker and more efficient for customers when they come to us looking to use footage from the collection."
(CD)(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 August 2009
Merger Proposed For Flagship Film Bodies
Plans to merge the UK Film Council (UKFC) and the British Film Institute (BFI) into a single body to support film could benefit both the film-going public and the industry, Film Minister Sion Simon has announced.
Merger Proposed For Flagship Film Bodies
Plans to merge the UK Film Council (UKFC) and the British Film Institute (BFI) into a single body to support film could benefit both the film-going public and the industry, Film Minister Sion Simon has announced.
12 January 2012
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
13 October 2003
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
23 April 2004
Blueprint unveiled for film-friendly London
London’s new film and media agency, Film London, has unveiled a variety of measures aimed at making the Capital more film-friendly.
Blueprint unveiled for film-friendly London
London’s new film and media agency, Film London, has unveiled a variety of measures aimed at making the Capital more film-friendly.
31 March 2011
Mayor Confirms Funding For Film London
Film London has announced that the Mayor of London will continue to invest in the agency. This commitment of funding ensures the UK capital has a dedicated film and media agency supporting and driving growth in London's production sector. With funding in place, Film London will continue to deliver its core activities.
Mayor Confirms Funding For Film London
Film London has announced that the Mayor of London will continue to invest in the agency. This commitment of funding ensures the UK capital has a dedicated film and media agency supporting and driving growth in London's production sector. With funding in place, Film London will continue to deliver its core activities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
