Why the Film and TV Charity supports cinema

People sometimes ask us: why cinema? After all, it’s not in our name. But in truth, our connection to cinema is deep and long-standing. For most of our history, we were known as the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF).

And while our name has evolved, our belief hasn’t changed: cinema is a critical part of the screen sector ecosystem. A healthy cinema sector underpins a healthy film and TV sector. They are interdependent, and together they make the industry stronger.

Why cinema matters: the industry’s revenue engine

Cinemas remain one of the most important revenue drivers for film releases. Films that premiere with a theatrical window not only generate higher box office returns but also perform better on streaming platforms later.

This success sustains production investment, supports jobs, and creates stability across the whole sector. 

The publicity and cultural impact

Cinemas are more than just screens – they are launchpads. A successful theatrical release creates buzz, generates reviews, and fuels the cultural conversation in ways that streaming alone cannot.

National cinema days and community screenings remind us that the shared cinema experience can reignite audience engagement and transform viewing habits. 

It’s a pipeline for talent

Many of today’s film and TV professionals found their passion in the dark of a cinema. For countless creatives, cinema is the gateway – the place where the spark was lit.

Protecting and supporting the exhibition sector means protecting a vital pipeline of future storytellers, directors, producers, and technicians. 

The economic and social value

Cinemas also play a vital role in local economies and communities. They bring people together, create jobs, and offer accessible cultural experiences.

At a time when wellbeing across the screen sector is under pressure, cinema continues to provide a space where stories are shared and where workers report better-than-average levels of stability and mental health. 

The strategic alignment with the whole sector

The Film and TV Charity takes a holistic approach to the screen sector. That means recognising the interdependence of film, TV, and cinema. Supporting one part of the chain helps strengthen the whole.

Cinema workers we’re here for you!

Our support for cinema workers is not simply a nod to our past – it’s an essential part of our vision for the future. By standing alongside those who bring stories to audiences on the big screen, we’re helping to sustain the creative, economic, and cultural ecosystem that allows film and TV to thrive.

If you work in cinema, we want you to know that we are here for you!

• Our Stop-Gap Grants* and financial guidance are here for you
• Our Support Line and Bullying Advice Service are here for you
• And our wide range of wellbeing services are also here for you

And possibly, most importantly, our industry and community events that bring everyone who works in the screen industries together are here for you to join!

Put simply: when the people who work in cinema thrive, the people who work in film and TV thrive too. And when the whole screen sector is healthy, we can all continue to do what we do best – tell the stories that shape our culture, inspire our communities, and bring people together.

*Please check the eligibility criteria