Film and tv Production restart scheme

What is the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme?

The Film and TV Production Restart Scheme helps film and TV shows struggling to get insurance for Covid-related risks to get back into production. The Scheme makes direct compensation available to producers that incur costs caused by coronavirus abandonment or delays to eligible pre-existing and new productions.

It is important that that film and television production companies register as soon as possible for the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme, well in advance of production start dates, in order to access the scheme.

Who can apply?

The funding is available to all productions made by companies where at least half of the production budget is spent in the UK. Shows will receive compensation for costs up to a value of 20% of the production budget, with abandonment covered up to 70% upon agreement with the Government.

How to make a claim

Please download and complete the claim form below in full. Once complete, email your form along with all supporting documentation to restartschemeclaims@marshcommercial.co.uk.

Please note that submitting incomplete claim forms or failure to supply supporting documentation may delay the processing of your claim.

Download claims form.

How to apply

Please complete the relevant application form and email your completed form to restartscheme@marshcommercial.co.uk.

LEAD PRODUCER

If you are the lead or sole producer registering a production to the scheme, please download your application form here.

Download Lead Producer Application

CO-PRODUCER

If you are a co-producer, please download your application form here.

Download Co-Producer Application

Useful links

Film and TV Production Restart Scheme eligibility and guidelines

BFI Co-production Split Budget Template

Pro Forma

Any questions?

If have any questions, please call our dedicated team on 0333 015 1253.

Alternatively, for general enquiries you can email restartscheme@marshcommercial.co.uk or for claim enquiries please email restartschemeclaims@marshcommercial.co.uk.

FAQs

Where can I find the scheme rules?

The scheme rules are located on the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/film-tv-production-restart-scheme/film-tv-production-restart-scheme-draft-rules#introduction If you wish to view the explanatory notes which can be read alongside the scheme rules, please use the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/film-tv-production-restart-scheme/film-tv-production-restart-scheme-draft-explanatory-notes

What are the applicable deductions?

The applicable deductions are classed as the following Further information on the applicable deductions can be found using the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/film-tv-production-restart-scheme/film-tv-production-restart-scheme-draft-rules#annex-1---definitions-and-interpretation if you wish to discuss these further, please call 0333 015 1253 and press option 1.

Can I claim without being accepted onto the scheme?

No - Once you have completed the application process, paid the scheme fee and received your certificate of acceptance onto the scheme, you can then submit a claim.

What does the scheme cover and what is the maximum amount I can claim for?

The scheme is designed to cover you for cast losses and civil authority losses that are incurred after the 28th July 2020. If you have had to delay or postpone your production, the maximum amount you can submit a request for compensation is 20% of your production budget. In the case of abandonment, the maximum you can claim is 70% of your production budget. The maximum value of compensation available is £5million.

What is the formal notification from a commissioning broadcaster?

This is asking for a letter from your broadcaster / finance stating that the production wasn't allowed to restart as a result of a lack of COVID-19 coverage, or that they were happy for you to continue filming on the anticipation that you will be accepted onto the scheme.

How do I supply proof I'm not in a self or group insurance structure?

Please send an email or letter confirming that you are not part of either of these structures or anything similar relating to the restart schemes coverage

What is the premium to enter the scheme?

This is 1% of your budget minus the applicable deductions as per the scheme rules.

Am I covered for civil authority losses abroad?

No - This is not covered as part of the scheme.

Are over 70s covered by the scheme?

You can name 2 key cast members or the director who are over the age of 70 to be covered under the scheme effective from the 20/12/2020. This will increase your entry fee to 1.25% and also your excess on the over 70s to 15%

Can I take the production fee out of my Production Budget?

Yes.

The broadcaster has continued to release funds for filming and hasn't required the production to be part of the restart scheme, am I eligible?

No - If the broadcaster/financer provider has allowed for filming to continue without requiring the production to be part of the scheme, the production is not eligible to apply. If you are unsure about this, please get in contact so we can discuss this further

Is there an excess for the scheme?

Yes - This is the greater of £1,000 or 10% of your loss.

What is the closing date for applications?

30th April 2021, however you must have completed at least 5 days or 20% of the filming scheduled by this date.

Is the scheme fee classed as an applicable deduction?

Yes.

What happens if I have a member of the crew has Covid-19 symptoms or has been told to self-isolate or quarantine?

They must go and have a MHRA approved test (or equivalent if outside ok the UK) as soon as possible. If the test comes back negative, they must make every effort to resume their role as soon as practically possible whilst following the government guidelines on self isolation. A successful payment for compensation is dependent on these steps being taken.

What does Cast Losses mean?

There are the losses a producer incurs when a production has to be interrupted, postponed or abandoned, as a result of:
(I) one or more members of the cast or crew (whose roles are necessary elements in the production) contracting COVID-19 and having to stop working (either through death or illness); or
(ii) one or more Named Persons needing to take time off work because of the death or critical illness of a member of their immediate family due to COVID-19.

Do I need to register all of my budget if I had already used a portion of the Production Budget prior to July 28th and how much will I pay?

No - Please only register your remaining budget from the 28th July onwards. Your fee will be 1% of your budget post 28th July?

Are we still eligible where a commissioning broadcaster pays on delivery and has not released any money in line with the Commercial Viability criteria?

Yes - As long as the broadcaster has authorised you to continue production in line with being accepted onto the restart scheme.

Can we still apply without a signed production agreement?

Yes - A trust letter of finance agreement would be great. If you are unable to provide any of these, please contact us so we can discuss further.