Working Title topper, Tim Bevan, will be the new chair of the UK Film Council, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw announced today. Bevan will take over from outgoing chairman Stewart Till. The appointment is for four years and will start on 30 July 2009. The move is a boost to the UK Film council and was expected by the British film industry. "Tim is one of the UK's most successful producers with a hugely impressive list of credits to his name. The UK film sector is very fortunate to have someone as experienced and talented as Tim to help ensure its continued success,” Ben sadi Bradshaw. "This is an interesting time to become Chair of the UK Film Council. British film is enjoying great critical and commercial success, but at the same time everyone is facing the transition to a new digital era, the very real challenges of the credit crisis and the impact of online piracy. We must adapt and consolidate to respond to those new realities, working with Government, listening to our stakeholders, and carrying out a comprehensive review of all our activities, both industrial and cultural. My first priority is to ensure that we have a UK Film Council that is right and ready for these challenging times," Tim Bevan added.