Kate Winslet brings £60 million to the British economy

Kate was the first test case by the Film Council in “auditing” how much certain artists contribute to the national economy, the value determined by how much her cinematic presence contributes to Britain’s tourism and industry trades. Criteria considered included, among others, her salary (her highest being £6/ $10 million for 2004’s Finding Neverland); the “production investment effect” (which examines how her star power ensures her films are filmed in Britain); the “box office chain effect” (possible tourism boost to locations featured in the film) and “general promotional effect”.

The pioneering research was headed up by the council’s head of research and statistics, David Steele, who elaborated: “When an actor achieves international prominence, they have a general effect of boosting their country of origin that works its way through television appearances, advertising and celebrity news.”

Now called the “Winslet algorithm”, the method is expected to be taken up by businessmen and diplomats for flying the flag for the British film industry abroad and could lead to further homegrown stars such as Christian Bale and Daniel Craig also being “audited”.

Well done Kate, sounds like you’re a one woman tourist trade and always representing us Brits with class and dignity, leading us to ponder: Have you ever been inspired to do anything because of the illustrious Miss Winslet? Emulated fashions from The Holiday, read The Reader or even recreated her “I’m flying, Jack!” moment from Titanic? According to the survey – it’s all good!

[via The Telegraph]