The Research Viewing service is available to students and non-commercial researchers wanting to view research-related material from the BFI National Archive’s moving image collections, if not available in other ways.
Many archive titles are available commercially (for example, DVD, Blu-ray or VOD platforms), or available to view in BFI Player, the BFI Reuben Library, BFI Mediatheques or through archive resources online — but for any other titles you wish to view for study, we may be able to help.
How to view materials
Use the online search facility to find the titles for your research. In the online catalogue, film or video materials that are accessible are identified with a status of ‘Viewing’.
Using the contact form, provide full details of your intended research and include item reference numbers of the viewing material that you wish to watch. A good example of what information to send would be: “BRITISH MADE (1939) — Viewing copy is item ref C-28970”.
Viewing sessions are arranged by appointment only on BFI premises. In certain circumstances we may be able to arrange research viewings at some of the UK’s regional film archives.
We recommend you allow at least:
- 10 working days notice for a viewing appointment
- 15 working days notice if you’re requesting items on film
Where you can view materials
Viewing sessions are organised at the BFI office, 21 Stephen Street, London, W1T 1LN, between 10:30am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.
You’ll use:
- Steenbeck table viewers for film
- VHS/DVD players with headphones for video
Viewing equipment is under your control at all times. We may also offer you access to digitised reference copy materials.
Fees for viewing materials
Payment will be taken in advance upon confirming a request to access the collections.
Viewing fees are based on running time (the actual duration of the material requested and not the time spent viewing). They are charged at the following rates:
Up to 60 minutes:
- Film: £16 (UK students and concessions: £10) plus VAT
- Video: £11 (UK students and concessions: £7) plus VAT
Over 60 minutes, per additional 30 minutes:
- Film: £8 (UK students and concessions: £5) plus VAT
- Video: £5.50 (UK students and concessions: £3.50) plus VAT