Cultural Test
Note to applicants: Please be advised that you should allow a 28 working day turnaround from receipt of a fully completed application form until a certificate is issued. Applications for approval under the Cultural Test may be processed quicker if only the minimum 16 points out of 31 are applied for.
Qualifying as a British film via the Cultural Test provides a number of advantages; productions are eligible to apply for British Film Institute funding and for the benefits of the UK's tax relief system.
Films that are not official co-productions must pass the Cultural Test to qualify as British. The Cultural Test is made up of four sections:
A) Cultural content
B) Cultural contribution
C) Cultural hubs
D) Cultural practitioners
A film needs to score 16 out of a possible 31 points, subject to a "golden points rule". See Cultural Test points.
The test should be completed in conjunction with our guidance notes:
Once you have read through the guidance notes you can make an application. There is only one application form for both interim and final certification:
Applications for British Film Certification
Producers can apply for Interim certification at any point before or during production. This enables the film production company (FPC) to know whether the film will pass the Cultural Test, based on the information provided. Interim certification before or during production is voluntary, however it is required if a claim for tax relief is being made to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) at the end of an accounting period, before the film is completed.
Producers can only apply for Final Certification after the film is completed. Final certification is essential before a final claim is made to HMRC, on completion of the film.
Producers who are not yet ready to make a full application (information may be incomplete or missing a signed Statutory Declaration) can submit a draft application and receive a letter of comfort. This provides producers with reassurance on their plans and may help with financing.
Filmmakers are encouraged to contact the Certification Unit as early as possible to discuss their application. 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.
Applications for British Film Certification should be sent to the BFI Certification Unit:
Certification Unit
British Film Institute
21 Stephen Street
London W1T 1LN
List of productions which have received final certification under the Cultural Test.
