Spielberg studio joins row over UK Film Council axe

A letter signed by an executive from DreamWorks Studios was sent to Chancellor George Osborne last week to "express its concern" about the decision.

The letter is reported to be signed by Steven Molen, in charge of location decisions.

Among the films made by DreamWorks on location in Britain are Sweeney Todd and War Horse.

A Treasury spokeswoman refused to comment.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the decision last month as part of a drive to cut costs. He said he wanted to establish "a direct and less bureaucratic relationship with the British Film Institute" and that Government and Lottery support for film would continue.

His announcement sparked fury in the UK film industry with some of its leading lights lining up to criticise the decision.