"I'm as tempted as anyone by the thought of getting something for nothing but if people don’t buy legitimate cinema tickets, DVDs, Blu-ray discs and downloads, it has a serious affect on the wages and jobs of the thousands of people employed in front of and behind the camera."
The launch is announced as Digital Britain’s pledge of faster broadband brings the promise of digital innovation but also the threat of digital copyright theft, as access to unauthorised film and TV content is set to become more readily available than ever.
Hustler star and Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Matt di Angelo commented:
"The Brits love film and TV and this campaign is a great way of celebrating a proud national passion. But we also need to realise that it’s only by buying official DVDs, downloads and cinema tickets that we can enjoy the TV dramas and blockbuster films that we watch on a regular basis. We all have to recognise our responsibility to buy and download legally."
BAFTA winning writer, actor and director Noel Clarke said:
"I’m lucky that I’m able to work hard in a job I love, the UK industry supports thousands of jobs and we couldn’t do it without continued support from the public. Watch any film and wait for the end credits.
"There’s normally hundreds of hard working, creative people involved in any production. Do something positive and sign the pledge to show your respect for me, my colleagues and anyone working in British film and TV!"
Celebrities who have also pledged their support include Tamzin Outhwaite, Ben Barnes, Trudie Styler, Philip Glenister and St Trinian’s / Dorian Gray producer Barnaby Thompson. Adding to a spirit of championing British film and TV, Sir Mick Jagger recently joined a long list of celebrity supporters in trying to save a Grade II listed cinema in north London, and described cinemas as "the lifeblood of our cultural history.
Liz Bales, director general of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness said:
" With the digital revolution set to open up access to more unauthorised film and TV content, it’s going to be more important than ever for people to understand the positive connection they have to the British creative industries"
She continued: "Film and TV is the industry that we as a nation are most proud of and it’s easy to see why. We produce award-winning films and TV shows that are enjoyed by millions globally. We're thankful for all the support so far and urge the public to visit the website, sign the pledge and see how they're connected to British TV and film. "
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