Following up on a shower of awards at the BAFTAs and Golden Globes, British film Slumdog Millionaire picked up eight Oscars at this year's ceremony, including best director and best picture.

The film is based on the novel 'Q&A' by Vikas Swarup which was originally optioned and developed by Film4 and subsequently co-financed with Celador. At the Oscars, Director Danny Boyle praised the courage of the film's financing partners and emphasized the importance of independent film making, "because that's where it all starts". We couldn't agree more.

As well as being a sweeping, intoxicating, eye-catching journey through the "maximum city" of Mumbai, for those of us in the land of marketing, the story is also a compelling demonstration of TV's ability to bring people together in large numbers and provide some really compelling social glue. Advertisers too, should be proud of the part their TV budgets have played in funding the success of this utterly brilliant movie. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Skins, Millionaire and commitment to new ideas

Eighteen-year-old Dev Patel got his big break in 2007, playing the role of Anwar Kharral, a British Pakistani teenager in the E4 dram series Skins. Danny Boyle's daughter, a fan of Skins, recommended Patel for the role of Jamal Malik.

In Slumdog Millionaire, Jamal Malik, finds himself a contestant on Kaun Banega Crorepati the Indian version of ITV's flagship entertainment programme Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? a format devised by David Briggs for Celedor. This UK originated programme has become one of the most internationally popular television franchise of all time, having aired in over 100 countries worldwide.

The UK TV industry continues to innovate and punch far beyond its weight: 53 per cent of global TV formats emanate from the UK.

Channel 4 has been responsible for many of the most distinctive British films of the last 25 years, and for discovering much of the nation's top film talent, in front of the camera as well as behind it. The story has been one of consistent commitment to new talent and new ideas. Notable successes include Happy-Go-Lucky, How To Lose Friends & Alienate People, The Last King Of Scotland, Venus, This Is England, Me And You And Everyone We Know, My Beautiful Launderette, East Is East, The Madness Of King George, Trainspotting, Shallow Grave, Slumdog Millionaire and In Bruges.

Tessa Ross, Controller of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama said, "This is an incredibly exciting time for British film. We are thrilled with the recognition that our films are receiving - it is proof that taking risks and investing in films that may otherwise not get off the starting block pays off. So much creative talent exists in the UK: at Film4 it's our mission to help nurture and develop it, bringing fantastic projects like Slumdog Millionaire and Hunger to life."

Links

BAFTA - British Academy of Film and Television Arts
http://www.bafta.org

The Oscars
http://oscar.com

Film4 Productions
http://www.channel4.com/film/ffproductions

Celador films
http://www.celadorfilms.com

Slumdog Millionaire Official site
http://www.slumdogmillionairemovie.co.uk

Skins website
http://www.e4.com/skins

Who wants to be a Millionaire
http://millionaire.itv.com