Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund (SIF) – which receives money from UK film productions and reinvests it into training – has reached the £9m mark. Set up in 1999, the SIF has received more than 800 contributions from film productions.

Mike Leigh’s upcoming biopic about British painter J.M.W. Turner helped the SIF reach the figure. Leigh said: “We are delighted to have played a part in the SIF reaching this significant milestone. Investment in schemes which plug key skills gaps is vital for industry growth and development, and this is why we pay into the SIF and encourage other productions to do the same.

“Creative Skillset works very closely with industry to determine the priority areas which need support. This ensures filmmakers have access to high quality training where they need it and new entrants are ready and able to hit the ground running.”

Previous films to have contributed to the SIF include the Harry Potter series, Fast and Furious 6, Snow White and the Huntsman and the Bond films. Studio giant Warner Bros. has so far contributed the largest amount, investing over £1m from 27 films.

“Since 1999 the SIF has gone from strength to strength thanks to the continued support of UK film productions. To have reached the £9m milestone is a significant achievement for the industry. New government investment will enable us to continue our work supporting existing professionals and a new generation of diverse talent across film and the new SIF sectors, ensuring that they have the skills and capacity to compete on a global level”, said Dinah Caine CBE, CEO of Creative Skillset.

Further information on the SIF can be found by clicking here.