Carlyle urges support for film industry

Scottish actor Robert Carlyle today urged the British government to help out the UK film industry, which is struggling in the wake of the financial crisis.

The 'Trainspotting' and 'Full Monty' actor said the UK was not attractive to foreign production companies, as it was too expensive to film there.

He suggested the British government bring in tax breaks to encourage film companies back into the UK.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, he said: “It’s all too easy for the government to jump on the bandwagon when we have a hit, by slinging their arms around film-makers and actors.

“I’d like to see that support when they don’t need our votes, like a tax incentive to attract foreign productions here.

“Of course the Americans don’t want to film here. The government have made it harder and even more expensive. It’s crazy.”

Carlyle, 48, said there was a huge reserve of film talent in the UK, but it needed support.