British government serious about those television tax breaks, holding on to Wallace and Gromit

By Margaret Eby | June 18, 2012 | 4:25pm

Aux Features TV

Looking to nab a bigger chunk of the tech industry, today the United Kingdom began consultations on how to design a tax relief package for videogames, animation, and so-called “high-end” television production. Treasury secretary George Osborne announced plans for the breaks this spring when revealing the budget at the House Of Commons, stating he hoped to “keep Wallace and Gromit exactly where they are.” Seems like he was serious about holding on to those lovable claymation figures. According to Deadline, the new tax cuts will represent a serious investment in the British film industry, what Osborne calls “among the most generous available anywhere.”

Essentially, Osborne wants to lure more lavish, high-budget television shows like Downton Abbey—those that cost around $1 million an episode to film. To be eligible for the breaks, prospective projects have to pass a cultural test, in addition to constraining at least 25% of the spending within the UK. Osborne’s taking suggestions on how to structure the plan from industry folks until September. So now’s your time to infiltrate parliament, animation fans.