Film and TV producers call for action to stop illegal file-sharing

A group of UK film and TV producers, directors, and writers have called upon the UK government to improve the enforcement of copyright protection. In particular they urge the government to help bring the ISPs to the negotitation table to talk about their part in the enforcement of copyright law.

In the United Kingdom over six million people share files illegally on a regular basis. When it comes to illegal downloads of TV programmes, the UK is the world leader, with up to 25 per cent of all online TV piracy taking place in the UK.

The creative economy - of which film and television is part - comprises 7 per cent of the total UK economy, and it is growing faster than any other sector. However, the ability of the sector to sustain itself is seriously challenged by illegal filesharing.