Skillset appoints new Director of Film
6 February 2009
Skillset today appointed Neil Peplow as its new Director of Film. Skillset Chief Executive Dinah Caine said:
"Neil is a fantastic appointment for Skillset. He has an impressive track record, and brings with him a wealth of experience and contacts. He will be responsible for overseeing delivery of the next phase of A Bigger Future, an ambitious overarching strategic skills and training plan for the UK film industry, and the only national plan of its kind in the world."
Neil Peplow said:
"I am delighted to be joining Skillset at this exciting time. Like most industries at the moment, we are grappling with the impact of digital technologies and global competition within the context of an economic downturn. It is more crucial than ever that we adapt and continue to invest in the talent, skills and training of our industry. A Bigger Future is a ground breaking training plan and I'm enthused to be a part of it."
Iain Smith, Chair of the Film Industry Training Board, the Skillset Film Skills Council and Producer of films such as Children of Men, Alexander and Wanted, said:
"Neil has extensive experience and an excellent reputation in the industry. He knows the challenges that the industry is facing, and is well connected so will be able to consult widely and make sure that the next phase of the strategy continues to be firmly rooted in what the industry needs. I look forward to working with him."
Stewart Till, Deputy Chair of Skillset and Chair of the UK Film Council, said:
"Neil is exactly the right person to lead our "A Bigger Future" training strategy into its next vital stage".
Neil has extensive Production experience in the film industry. For the past two years Neil has been Managing Director and Producer at Meerkat Films, as well as working as a Consultant with film companies to build strategies and business plans to maximise growth and value.
He was previously Head of Production at The Film Consortium, where he was involved in projects such as My Summer of Love, Bright Young Things, The Proposition, and River Queen.
Neil started his career in film at Gruber Productions, where he produced Mike Bassett: England Manager, Waking Ned, and Shooting Fish.
Neil also lectures on Production for the Media Business School, Met Film School and the National Film and TV School, and used to be Chairman of the New Producers Alliance.
For all media enquiries contact:
Jennifer Walters
e: jenniferw@skillset.org
t: 0207 713 9812
Notes to editors
About Skillset
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises tv, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. Jointly funded by industry and government, our job is to help the UK creative media industries have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time, so that our industries remain competitive. For more information visit: www.skillset.org
About A Bigger Future
A Bigger Future is a strategic plan for delivering industry relevant skills in the UK film industry. The result of 12 months research and consultation with the industry - from those involved in script development to those working in exhibition - it is a £50m, five-year plan. It is funded by the National Lottery through the UK Film Council, and from contributions made to the Skills Investment Fund (SIF) from feature films, and additionally-levered sources of finance.
About Industry Training Boards
Industry Training Boards (ITBs) are statutory bodies set up to oversee mandatory training levies under the industrial Training Act 1982. Board appointments are made in accordance with the requirements of the Industrial Training Act 1982 and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). Iain Smith has been appointed for 5 years. The Film ITB Board will be in place by end of March, and the new statutory Skills Investment Fund (SIF) levy will come into effect towards the end of 2009.