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Warner Bros' Josh Berger appointed chair of BFI Warner Bros' Josh Berger appointed chair of BFI
(35 minutes later)
Josh Berger has been appointed as chairman of the British Film Institute (BFI), the lead body for film in the UK, in succession to Greg Dyke who is due to stand down in January.Josh Berger has been appointed as chairman of the British Film Institute (BFI), the lead body for film in the UK, in succession to Greg Dyke who is due to stand down in January.
Berger is currently president of the UK offshoot of Hollywood studio Warner Bros, a post he has held since 2002 – and has also been president of Warners’ Spanish operation since 2009. During his tenure in the UK office, Warner Bros has huge global success with the Harry Potter series of films, which ended in 2010, and subsequently bought Leavesden studios, where they were shot, for £22m.Berger is currently president of the UK offshoot of Hollywood studio Warner Bros, a post he has held since 2002 – and has also been president of Warners’ Spanish operation since 2009. During his tenure in the UK office, Warner Bros has huge global success with the Harry Potter series of films, which ended in 2010, and subsequently bought Leavesden studios, where they were shot, for £22m.
The appointment was immediately welcomed by Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, who said in a statement: “Josh has already contributed so much to British Film and the BFI, with extraordinary energy and commitment. I am really confident we will sustain the momentum established under Greg’s leadership, and push ahead with our ambitious future plans.”The appointment was immediately welcomed by Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, who said in a statement: “Josh has already contributed so much to British Film and the BFI, with extraordinary energy and commitment. I am really confident we will sustain the momentum established under Greg’s leadership, and push ahead with our ambitious future plans.”
Berger is understood to have been on a shortlist of three on the government shortlist, and was heavily tipped to win the job. Berger is understood to have been on a shortlist of three on the government shortlist, and was heavily tipped to win the job. although there was some disquiet in the industry at the prospect of a Hollywood studio executive getting the job.
Berger, who has lived and worked in the UK since 1996 and been a BFI governor since 2011, said he was “honoured and excited to become chair of this important and dynamic organisation”
He added: “Our goal is to ensure that the BFI continues protecting and promoting the UK’s thriving film culture and supporting and nurturing the ideas and talent that make up our world-class British film industry, of which we are all so rightly proud.”
Dyke, a former director general of the BBC and chairman of the Football Association, welcomed the appointment. “Josh’s appointment as chair is great news for the BFI and for film in the UK,” he said. “He has an unwavering enthusiasm for the BFI and the cultural importance of film, having served on the board for the past four years and leading our international fundraising committee to secure vital resources for the archive, so there will be a good level of continuity.
“Josh has been at the heart of film in the UK for more than 20 years. He values and understands the spirit of independent film-making alongside the brilliance of our crews and facilities that are all so in demand worldwide. I wish him every success.”
John Whittingdale, the culture secretary, said on announcing the appointment: “I am delighted that Josh is to take over as chair of the BFI next year. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, both as head of a major studio in the UK and as a governor of the BFI for more than four years. I have no doubt he will be a great champion for British film.”