UK Film Productions

Caultral Test

UK IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS

Film actors, producers, directors and technicians employed by an overseas firm may qualify for a visa which allows them to work in the UK without a work permit, provided they are coming for location sequences only. This is a concession outside the UK’s Immigration Rules intended to benefit those shooting for overseas / international productions. In order to qualify for a visa, the onus is on the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer (and the legal standard is ‘on the balance of probabilities’) that s/he is:

i. Able to maintain and accommodate themselves; and

ii. Intends to leave the United Kingdom at the end of the film shoot; and

iii. Does not wish to seek alternative employment other than that of the specific film shoot.

and can demonstrate that the film is:

iv. A genuine international production, with most of the filming taking place outside the UK; and

v. That all crew members will be working on location sequences only in the UK and not in sound or recording studios or similar.

WORK PERMITS

* It may be appropriate to apply for a work permit if:

* A significant amount of filming is taking place in the UK; and / or

* You / crewmembers wish to spend more time and perform other activities, including using a recording studio, in the UK.

* Work permits are issued by Work Permits (UK), part of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) at the Home Office. Visit their website at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

* Once the work permit has been issued, the person wishing to go the UK will need to apply for a UK visa. For further information on how to do this, and the immigration requirements for work permit holders, please visit www.ukinindia.com.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

In assessing visa applications, it helps the Visa Officer make his/her decision if the applicant produces comprehensive supporting documents. These could include:

General information:

* A signed contract, with exact details of the job specification (please avoid using ‘artiste’, but give details of the job) and remuneration;

* In order to be satisfied that the majority of the filming is taking place outside the UK, it helps the Visa Officer to see at least a provisional filming schedule, which it is reasonable to expect to be in place well before any planned trip to the UK begins.

* Evidence of communication with the regional screen agency where filming will take place;

* Evidence of permission in the UK for the shoot to take place at the selected location, and of the duration of the shoot;

* Evidence to show where the sound & recording work will be undertaken, in order that the Visa Officer can be satisfied that it will not be done in the UK.

Applicant’s personal employment history:

* Evidence of previous employment, either in the form of references, photographs, industry ID cards, media clippings, etc.

Applicant’s educational qualifications:

* If an applicant has relevant technical qualifications, e.g. as a cinematographer, electrician etc, then it is helpful to see evidence of this.

Applicant’s personal financial situation:

* We acknowledge that many people in the film industry effectively work on a freelance basis, and that the company is covering all expenses. But the Immigration Rules make it clear that the applicant has to satisfy the Visa Officer that s/he meets the appropriate requirements (i – iii above).

* To assess this, it is helpful for the Visa Officer to see evidence of each applicant’s personal circumstances, such as bank statements, evidence of income (preferably over a long-term period), fixed deposits, property details etc.

ENQUIRIES

* If you have any questions about the visa process, please e-mail at bombay.visaenquiries@fco.gov.ukand ensure that the e-mail is titled ‘Film groups’, so that it can be passed on to the right people.

* If your enquiry relates to work permits, please visit www.workingintheuk.gov.uk or e-mail at wpcustomers@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. You can also contact the Sports & Entertainment Team by e-mailing them at ents.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk, or by phone on +44 114 274 3303.

We are registered with Film London under companies with Indian Production Experience and with regional screen agencies to provide services to film producers. UK Film Productions can provide a range of services including location manager and arrange public liability insurance for your filming in the UK. We can supply all the relevant documentation for your visa, providing you follow the UK Immigration Requirements to obtain visas for your group. Please see below some guidelines taken from the British High Commission website. For further information, please contact your local British Embassy:

FILM GROUPS
UK IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
Film actors, producers, directors and technicians employed by an overseas firm may qualify for a visa which allows them to work in the UK without a work permit, provided they are coming for location sequences only. This is a concession outside the UK’s Immigration Rules intended to benefit those shooting for overseas / international productions. In order to qualify for a visa, the onus is on the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer (and the legal standard is ‘on the balance of probabilities’) that s/he is:
i. Able to maintain and accommodate themselves; and
ii. Intends to leave the United Kingdom at the end of the film shoot; and
iii. Does not wish to seek alternative employment other than that of the specific film shoot.
and can demonstrate that the film is:
iv. A genuine international production, with most of the filming taking place outside the UK; and
v. That all crew members will be working on location sequences only in the UK and not in sound or recording studios or similar.
WORK PERMITS
* It may be appropriate to apply for a work permit if:
* A significant amount of filming is taking place in the UK; and / or
* You / crewmembers wish to spend more time and perform other activities, including using a recording studio, in the UK.
* Work permits are issued by Work Permits (UK), part of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) at the Home Office. Visit their website at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
* Once the work permit has been issued, the person wishing to go the UK will need to apply for a UK visa. For further information on how to do this, and the immigration requirements for work permit holders, please visit www.ukinindia.com.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
In assessing visa applications, it helps the Visa Officer make his/her decision if the applicant produces comprehensive supporting documents. These could include:
General information:
* A signed contract, with exact details of the job specification (please avoid using ‘artiste’, but give details of the job) and remuneration;
* In order to be satisfied that the majority of the filming is taking place outside the UK, it helps the Visa Officer to see at least a provisional filming schedule, which it is reasonable to expect to be in place well before any planned trip to the UK begins.
* Evidence of communication with the regional screen agency where filming will take place;
* Evidence of permission in the UK for the shoot to take place at the selected location, and of the duration of the shoot;
* Evidence to show where the sound & recording work will be undertaken, in order that the Visa Officer can be satisfied that it will not be done in the UK.
Applicant’s personal employment history:
* Evidence of previous employment, either in the form of references, photographs, industry ID cards, media clippings, etc.
Applicant’s educational qualifications:
* If an applicant has relevant technical qualifications, e.g. as a cinematographer, electrician etc, then it is helpful to see evidence of this.
Applicant’s personal financial situation:
* We acknowledge that many people in the film industry effectively work on a freelance basis, and that the company is covering all expenses. But the Immigration Rules make it clear that the applicant has to satisfy the Visa Officer that s/he meets the appropriate requirements (i – iii above).
* To assess this, it is helpful for the Visa Officer to see evidence of each applicant’s personal circumstances, such as bank statements, evidence of income (preferably over a long-term period), fixed deposits, property details etc.
ENQUIRIES
* If you have any questions about the visa process, please e-mail at bombay.visaenquiries@fco.gov.ukand ensure that the e-mail is titled ‘Film groups’, so that it can be passed on to the right people.
* If your enquiry relates to work permits, please visit www.workingintheuk.gov.uk or e-mail at wpcustomers@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. You can also contact the Sports & Entertainment Team by e-mailing them at ents.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk, or by phone on +44 114 274 3303.
CULTURAL TEST – please add the text below:

Qualifying as a British film via the Cultural Test provides a number of advantages; productions are eligible to apply for UK Film Council funding and for the benefits of the UK's tax relief system.
Films that are not official co-productions must pass the Cultural Test to qualify as British. The Cultural Test is made up of four sections:
A) Cultural content
B) Cultural contribution
C) Cultural hubs
D) Cultural practitioners
A film needs to score 16 out of a possible 31 points, subject to a "golden points rule". See Cultural Test points.
The test should be completed in conjunction with our guidance notes:

Cultural Test guidance notes

Once you have read through the guidance notes you can make an application. There is only one application form for both interim and final certification:

Applications for British Film Certification
Producers can apply for Interim certification at any point before or during production. This enables the film production company (FPC) to know whether the film will pass the Cultural Test, based on the information provided. Interim certification before or during production is voluntary, however it is required if a claim for tax relief is being made to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) at the end of an accounting period, before the film is completed.
Producers can only apply for Final Certification after the film is completed. Final certification is essential before a final claim is made to HMRC, on completion of the film.
Producers who are not yet ready to make a full application (information may be incomplete or missing a signed Statutory Declaration) can submit a draft application and receive a letter of comfort. This provides producers with reassurance on their plans and may help with financing.
Filmmakers are encouraged to contact the Certification Unit as early as possible to discuss their application. The unit is happy to meet producers at any stage of development and work with them on their applications. For further details on the Cultural Test or to discuss a particular project please telephone Thalia Baldwin, UK Film Council Certification Manager, on +44 (0)20 7861 7521 or e-mail: Thalia.Baldwin@ukfilmcouncil.org.uk or certification@ukfilmcouncil.org.uk.
Applications for British Film Certification should be sent to the UK Film Council Certification Unit.
The Certification Unit
UK Film Council
10 Little Portland Street
London W1W 7JG
List of productions which have received final certification under the Cultural Test.
Information extracted from www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/culturaltest

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