Why Shoot in the UK?


Find out more about the UK’s world-class studios and locations, highly experienced crew, exceptional acting talent and the attractive Film Tax Relief

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"Our film infrastructure across the UK is the envy of the world. The British Film Commission will ensure it is sustained, informed and supported by awareness and strategic intervention at the sharp end of the wider international business"

Producer Iain Smith (The A Team, Children of Men),
Chair of the BFC Advisory Board

Entering the UK



Migration


The UK's migration system is changing. The UK Border Agency is rolling out a new points-based system. For information on the new system visit the UK Border Agency's website.

The codes of practice for both performers and workers are now available on the UK Border Agency's website.


Employing migrant workers

UK employers can find information on employing migrant workers on the UK Border Agency's website.


Professional advice

Contact details for immigration lawyers and private companies which offer visa and passport services are available in the following UK production directories:
Please note that any person whose business is not regulated by any formal authority and who offers any form of immigration advice (work permits included), must be registered with The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner.

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Importing and exporting filming equipment



Information on the UK's regulations for importing and exporting filming equipment is available in our fact sheet.


Freight agents

Contacts details for freight agents can be found in the following UK production directories:
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Film insurance


All film productions in the UK must be insured. If you have an insurance policy from your country of origin, you must make sure that it covers filming in the UK. Film insurance is highly specialised with each production carrying different risks. The types of insurance needed and the level of premium will vary from film to film. At its most basic, your insurance should cover sickness, accident, death, physical loss and damage to equipment and assets, employers and public liability.


Different kinds of film insurance

  • Employers' liability insurance – a legal requirement. It insures employees in the event of bodily injury, disease or death arising out of their work and must be referred to in an employee's contract.

  • Public liability insurance - cover for your production in respect of injury or property damage caused by the production's activities. It is usual to have cover up to £5 million.

  • Negative insurance - protects against additional production costs incurred through the damage or loss of stock.

  • Errors and omissions insurance – covers a producer in the event that a production is sued for libel, slander, breach of copyright, invasion of privacy, unauthorised use of trademarks and slogans.

  • Props and sets insurance – particularly important if you are filming in an historic building or hiring props and vehicles.

  • Hired equipment insurance – required if you hire any equipment. Without it, you will be expected to pay for a policy arranged by the hire company.

Proof of insurance

You will need to provide proof of insurance along with contact details for your insurance company to location owners, equipment hire companies, local authorities and studios. Further information about insurance

You can find information about specialist insurance companies in a number of online directories:
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