FAQ

How can I find out what is held in the BFI National Archive?

Information staff can help with your enquiry about films and television programmes in the Archive - see the Archive Enquiries for more information.

To help with your enquiry, you can use the BID database in the Library to find additional information about the film, television programme, personality or subject you are looking for.

How can I watch a film or television programme held in the BFI National Archive?

Where the Archive has a designated 'viewing copy' of a film or television programme that is not generally available elsewhere, we offer a Research Viewing Service to non-commercial researchers and students wishing to view material related to their research. This takes place on BFI premises.

Can I buy copies of films from the BFI National Archive?

Unfortunately, we are unable to supply copies to private collectors or individuals for private use. However, you may be able to arrange to view the film through our Research Viewing Service.

I am looking for footage for a programme / film, can the BFI National Archive help?

Archival Footage Sales provides access to the BFI National Archive for commercial clients (e.g. film and television programme makers).

I have a film / collection of films. Would the BFI National Archive be interested?

The BFI National Archive does not have a budget to purchase items and relies entirely on donations of material to build its collection. However, space issues mean that we still have to be selective about what is acquired. If you have material that you think might be of interest to us then please contact us, providing as much information as possible to help us respond appropriately.

I have an old film, which I have heard may be highly flammable. Is it dangerous?

Until the early 1950s, 35mm film was produced on cellulose nitrate base, which is highly flammable and, once ignited, cannot be extinguished until it has burnt itself out. If you have an old 35mm film in your possession, care should be taken to check whether it is on nitrate film stock. The Film Forever website Film Forever website offers good advice on how to identify and deal with nitrate film.

'Safety' film formats, using non-flammable materials, were introduced in the 1920s and were particularly used with the smaller gauge formats such as 16mm, 9.5mm and 8mm. Films produced after 1952, or on these small gauge formats, are very unlikely to be on nitrate stock, but there are exceptions. When in doubt, it is safest to treat a film as if it were nitrate and take the appropriate precautions.

Can the BFI National Archive make copies of my films?

The Archive does not offer a duplication service for films.

Does the BFI National Archive collect video?

The Archive preserves examples of all moving images, so is obviously interested in video productions. However, just as with film, the Archive has to be selective about the material we acquire for the collection.

I have a film for sale, would the BFI National Archive be interested?

The Archive relies on donations of material to build its collections, and does not purchase material.