Observers should be wary of pronouncing a renaissance for the British film industry after the success of 'Slumdog Millionaire' at the Oscars, director Danny Boyle wrote Tuesday.
In a comment piece in The Times, Boyle, whose best director gong was one of eight the film picked up at the 81st Academy Awards, warned that film companies in Britain would have to remain well-funded and directors and writers would have to persist.
"You've got to be careful of claiming that this marks the renaissance of the British film industry," Boyle wrote.
"It's one film. To any director or writer out there, I say persist. Keep going. Do all you can do."
He added that British film companies such as "Film 4, BBC Films and Working Title are havens. It would certainly be very bad news if they were diminished."
The Independent newspaper echoed Boyle's warnings, noting that while there had been "a magnificent rejuvenation" of British film in recent years, "what is needed is strong leadership and long-term investment."
"The success of 'Slumdog Millionaire' has shown what the British film industry is capable of, given the right backing," it wrote in an editorial.
"It would be a terrible pity if the journey were to end here."
Other papers were more positive, noting that the night had been dominated by British triumph at the Oscars -- along with the best picture prize for "Slumdog", Kate Winslett took home the best actress award for her performance in Holocaust drama "The Reader".
"Britain's fabulous Night at the Oscars was a scriptwriter's fantasy come true," The Sun tabloid wrote.
"And in one of this country's finest Academy Award performances, nearly all the stars were home grown."
It continued: "The Oscars were a night to remember for Great Britain. And a reminder in these tough times that, with grit, energy and a touch of genius, we can still lead the world when it counts."
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