Co-production

Qualifying as a British film, high-end television programme, animation programme or children’s television programme under one of the UK’s official co-production treaties can enable you to access the UK’s tax relief. For film it also allows you to apply to the BFI Film Fund or for funding in the UK’s nations and regions. British qualification can also be a requirement for entry to some film festivals or awards ceremonies.

Making an application

The application form for co-production is now online and all co-production applications should be made using the online form below. Before you make your online application please read through the co-production guidelines. Applications for British certification should be made to the BFI Certification Unit. Applicants should apply for interim certification at least 4 weeks before principal photography/key animation starts.

Guidelines

Please read the guidance notes which will help you complete your application.

Application Form

British certification co-production application form

Supporting Documents

The following documents must be completed and are required to be attached to the online application form alongside all other supporting documents.

A printed statutory declared hardcopy of your application form (including Parts 9 to 15 above) must be sent to us with every section completed, even if some sections are marked N/A.

Where an individual in a position other than the director or secretary of the Production Company has signed the Statutory Declaration the company director or company secretary will need to let us know in writing that they have been authorised to do so. This can be sent via email.

If you are applying for final certification as an official co-production we will also require an accountant’s report to be completed (not required for television programmes that are not seeking tax relief).

The hardcopy application form with the Statutory Declaration and any supporting documents must be sent to:

The Certification Unit
British Film Institute
21 Stephen Street
London W1T 1LN

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your project: Tel: +44 (0)20 7173 3214 or e-mail: anna.mansi@bfi.org.uk or certifications@bfi.org.uk.

Your account

To access in-progress and submitted applications, you can log in to your account by clicking on the link below:

• Account login

Bi-lateral co-production treaties

The UK currently has eleven active bi-lateral treaties with:

• Australia (PDF)
• Canada (PDF)
• China (PDF)
• France (PDF)
• India (PDF)
• Israel (PDF)
• Jamaica (PDF)
• Morocco (PDF)
• New Zealand (PDF)
• Occupied Palestinian Territories (PDF)
• South Africa (PDF)
• South Africa TV (PDF)

European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production

The UK is one of many countries that is a signatory to the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production. You can view a copy of the agreement and list signatories on the Council of Europe website.

Forthcoming Treaties

The UK government signed a treaty with Brazil on 28 September 2012. The press release is available here. It will be subject to constitutional procedures in both countries before it can be ratified and come into force.

The UK/Morocco co-production treaty is now in force.

Further Information

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Certification Unit as early as possible to discuss their application. The unit are happy to meet applicants at any stage of development and work with them on their projects. For further details on the 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.

Specialist Advice

You can also view HMRC’s guidance on tax relief and co-productions on their website. For further information on UK tax relief, click here. Media lawyers and accountants can provide advice on British qualification and accessing UK tax relief. Contacts can be found in the UK production directories below.

How to find a UK co-producer

The following sources are useful for finding contacts for UK producers/production companies:

• The UK directory of independent producers, published by PACT (The Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television).
• The British Films Catalogue, produced by the British Council Films Department.

Here is a list of productions which have received final certification under a co-production agreement.