The future of film could be the price of Olympic’s legacy

I’m as quietly patriotic as the next man and I cheered – really, I did – as Jess, Mo, Ed and co stormed to gold in the Olympic Games.

Yet part of me still wonders whether the billions poured into the Olympics was money well-spent for a 16-day event.

Yes, it was a shop window for the UK’s ability to deliver a stupendous event on a world stage.

Yes, it was a magnificent showcase for our sporting elite. Yes, it proves that the UK can deliver even in these times of austerity.

And therein lies the rub. Doubtless the cash that was poured into the Olympics’ facilities was ring-fenced, meaning that other aspects of our cultural offer – like the arts – were not sacrificed in favour of sport.

But there is still the niggling feeling that as long-term funding is being cut or centralised into one giant pot, with many mouths to feed someone or something is missing out.

There has been much talk during the games of their legacy – the lasting effect left behind for future generations to enjoy. Be it bricks and mortar or the glint of 29 gold medals, there has to be something tangible.

It is still too early to say whether the efforts of Jessica Ennis and her cohorts will translate into genuine flesh-and-blood acolytes – that their struggles and dedication will inspire today’s kids to do the same.

What is evident is that our arts are facing a bleak future. Investment in film in this country can be measured in the millions, not billions. And in an age when the average Hollywood blockbuster costs in excess of $200m, then the miserly production fund on offer from the Government wouldn’t even cover a fraction of that. And so our film industry continues to limp on, forever finding itself in the position of being forced to beg for a few crumbs from the top table.

For arguably the last 40 years the British film industry has been dependent on foreign – namely American – productions to come into UK studios and shore up our industry. There are low-budget films out there – and increasingly movies have to be of the low-budget variety to get made – but not many of them get that all-important, encouraging, caring pat on the head from an official body – more crucial than you might think – and if they do, they are competing with scores of others for a slice of a shrinking pie.

UK cinema needs a shot in the arm. In fact it’s needed first aid for a long time. Right now it requires the sort of bullish approach that helped make London 2012 a flag-waving phenomenon for the masses – and not just us Brits.

Some foreign commentators said that London’s secret weapon might have been its commitment to a legacy.

Other past Olympic Games organisers have been content to break even. Legacy wasn’t even on the radar.

Film has a legacy, too. It’s also a revenue generator. It’s sexy, youth-orientated and, done well, a cultural badge of honour. It’s invidious to set sport and art against one another but something needs to be done to balance the scales, not by stealing from Peter to pay Paul, but to ensure longevity.

Legacy isn’t a big word but it’s an important one. The Olympics have pushed it to the fore. Now let’s see some support for those that entertain us off the running track, tennis court and dressage field.