The Certification Unit

The Certification Unit is the first point of contact for producers wanting to qualify their film as British and to thereby access the UK's film tax credits.

Based at the BFI, 21 Stephen Street, the unit offers advice on qualification under the Cultural Test, the UK's Co-production Agreements and the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production.

Our activities include:

• Assessing applications for British Film Certification under the UK's Cultural Test.
• Assessing applications for British Film Certification under one of the UK's eight bi-lateral Co-production Agreements or under the European Convention.
• Assessing applications for EC Certificates of British Nationality.
• Offering 1-2-1 guidance to applicants on how to qualify.
• Seminars and presentations on the qualification and application process.
• Liaising with officials in Her Majesty's Government and key film industry stakeholders to maintain a pro-active and reliable service.

British films and tax relief

Useful information on qualifying your film as British; under the Cultural Test, a bi-lateral co-production treaty, or the European Convention.

Films can qualify as British in one of three ways. They must meet the requirements of one of the following:

• One of the UK's official bilateral co-production treaties; or
• The European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production; or
• The Cultural Test.

The following pages on our website have important information that you should read:

• Co-production: Information on qualifying as a British film via the UK's official bi-lateral co-production treaties or the European Convention
• Cultural Test: Information on qualifying as a British film using the Cultural Test.
• Tax relief: Information on the UK's system of tax relief for British Films.
• European Certificate of British Nationality: Information on qualifying for a European Certificate of British Nationality.

Filmmakers are encouraged to contact the Certification Unit as early as possible to discuss their applications. 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 Anna Mansi, BFI Certification Manager, on +44 (0)20 7173 3214 or e-mail: anna.mansi@bfi.org.uk or certifications@bfi.org.uk.