Let us know about free updates
Just sign up for media Myft Digest – Delivered directly to your inbox.
The boss of the working title at a British film studio warns that the UK government is planning to undermine copyright laws to appease AI developers.
“We've been making movies there for 40 years. [and] Eric Ferner, who co-chaired the group behind the Bridget Jones franchise since the early 1990s, said:
“The creative industry is currently one of the most important parts of the UK economy,” he told the Financial Times. “If they're going to hand out IPs to tech companies, it will create a huge dent in our future operating capabilities and our future ability to generate revenue in the UK.”
The Minister has consulted on plans that require artists, writers and businesses to “opt-out” to be used to train AI programs. The proposal has been criticized by thousands of British musicians and artists, including Kate Bush, Damon Albern, Clash and Hans Zimmer.
Filmmaking has become a major source of economic growth in the UK, with a generous system of tax credits to attract Hollywood studios and create blockbuster films on sites such as Leavesden, Pinewood and Shepperton.
According to BFI, film and high-end television production spending in the UK was £5.6 billion in 2024. This is ahead of almost a third of 2023 and Covid production spending in 2019.
The working title is best known for some of the rom-coms with Richard Curtis Notting Hill, Four weddings and funeralsand Actually I love itbut there is also a huge portfolio of more serious dramas. Senna, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyand recently material.
The fourth Bridget Jones film, which opened this month, will be the largest in the company's history, and it said it expects it to surpass the last record of the £48 million group.
“All the territory has opened larger than any of the other three Bridget films,” he added. Bridget Jones: I'm angry about the boy It achieved the best ever opening of a romantic comedy in the UK and the best ever opening of a working title film.
Fans flocked to its warmth and comfort when news was often dark, but critics say the film has played into a trend of authenticity popular among younger generations. He added: “How do teenager crowds enjoy stories of people in their 50s suffering from grief and trying to date?”
Meanwhile, the older generation remembers the popularity of the original taboo bust book, which means the first film, and a nostalgic evening with old friends.
Ferner said the audience “had been surprised by the fact that the script was really good. The story is far more meaningful and emotional than everyone expected.”
He said it's rare to see an actress who played Part Age in a film character.
“Usually people tend to recast,” he added, but “We love characters and are truly proud of the fact that characters tell stories for over 20 years and that it's very rare for an actress to age with a character.”
He said too often in the sequel, “Creativity is tired.” It's very difficult to be creative in a world where we already tell three stories. ”
