BFI announces partnership with HP

On 22 February the BFI and Hewlett-Packard announced a new two-year partnership. HP will be the Principal Sponsor of BFI Southbank and one of the Main Sponsors of The Times BFI London Film Festival. The partnership will result in greater public access to the BFI National Archive through the use of HP digital technology. A cornerstone of this project is the new Mediatheque at BFI Southbank - HP is providing the technology to allow visitors to choose from initially hundreds and eventually thousands of films and TV programmes that have never or rarely been seen since they were originally made. HP will also make available consultancy services to help the BFI design a database to manage its digital collections.

Shaun Woodward, Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism comments;

"This is an exciting time for the BFI. This is a great partnership and will bring greater access to the BFI National Archive collection at the BFI Southbank."

Amanda Nevill, Director of the BFI says;

"This partnership represents another important first step in the long-term investment we are making in the care of and access to the BFI National Archive. It is a great example of culture and commerce working together innovatively to increase public value. One of Britain's richest cultural treasures is its film heritage and together the BFI and HP are making sure it can be enjoyed and appreciated by a broader, more diverse audience. With the opening of BFI Southbank imminent, we look forward to throwing open the doors to visitors from all over the UK, from around the world and from the local community and welcoming them to a day-long destination where, thanks to HP's technology, they can experience the wonders of the archive and enjoy and explore film in new ways."

Steve Gill, vice president and managing director, HP UK and Ireland says;

"We are very excited about this partnership. HP is at the forefront of digital technology development and we have a track record of working with Hollywood film creators like Dreamworks to revolutionise the way in which movies can be made."

"As the principal technology partner to the BFI, HP will help move the National Archive into the digital world. We will work with the archivists to develop a digital strategy that enables them to manage the amazing treasures contained in this unique cultural asset and provide exciting new opportunities for the public to view them on demand."