Government formally launches its Film & TV Production Restart Scheme

Following publication of its draft rules in September 2020, the Government has today formally launched its Film & TV Production Restart Scheme (Scheme) after receiving state aid approval.

The Scheme aims to support the film and television industry in the UK, by making compensation available to eligible film and television producers that incur losses for cast member and crew illnesses and filming delays or disruptions during the course of production as a result of COVID-19.

In light of the ongoing uncertainty and the continued inability of productions to secure private insurance for COVID-19 related risks and to enable more productions to access the Scheme, the Scheme’s original deadlines for registration and start of principal photography have been extended from 31 December 2020 until 28 February 2021.  

Marsh Commercial manages the Scheme. All productions made by companies where at least half of the production budget is spent in the UK can apply to the Scheme, with the exception of the following excluded productions: i) live news or current affairs broadcasts; ii) productions that provide coverage of live events, including sport, or theatrical, musical or artistic performances given otherwise than for the purpose of being filmed; iii) productions that are filmed, whether in whole or in part, in front of a paying live audience; iv) advertisements or other promotional shows; v) training shows that will not be publicly broadcast; and vi) pornography. 

The Scheme provides compensation for costs up to a value of 20% of the production budget, with abandonment covered up to 70% upon agreement with the Government.  

Following today’s extension to the scheme, eligible productions have until 28 February 2021 to apply. Application forms are available via the Marsh Commercial website together with the Scheme eligibility and guidelines.