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Films Act 1985

1985 CHAPTER 21

An Act to repeal the Films Acts 1960 to 1980; to make further provision with respect to the financing of films; and for connected purposes.

[23rd May 1985]

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 Repeal of Films Acts 1960 to 1980 and abolition of Cinematograph Films Council.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) Where anything purporting to have been done by or in relation to that Council was done before the passing of this Act at a time when the Council was constituted otherwise than as required by law it shall be treated as not having been rendered invalid by reason of the Council’s having been so constituted.

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Dissolution of National Film Finance Corporation.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) Where in consequence of an order under the said paragraph 8 (whether made by virtue of subsection (1) or not)—

(a) any property or right of the Corporation becomes vested in the Secretary of State; or

(b) any amount is received by the Secretary of State in respect of any such property or right,

the Secretary of State shall deal with that property, right or amount in such manner as he thinks fit for any purpose connected with the British film industry.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The Secretary of State may, in the case of any right to which this subsection applies, arrange for the right to be transferred, on such conditions as he thinks fit, to any British company or partnership in whose case he is satisfied as to the following matters, namely—

(a) that the company or partnership will use its best endeavours to encourage the production of relevant films on a commercially successful basis; and

(b) that it is willing and able to make financial facilities available to persons who wish to arrange for the production of relevant films;

and, subject to any such conditions, the company or partnership may dispose of the right (whether wholly or to any lesser extent) and retain any sums accruing therefrom.

(5) Subsection (4) applies to—

(a) any copyright or share of a copyright or any licence granted under a copyright;

(b) any right in, or relating to the exploitation of, a film and not within paragraph (a).

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) In this section—

(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Financial assistance by Secretary of State in connection with the production of films.

(1) The Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury may . . . give financial assistance—

(a) to any British company or partnership, being a company or partnership in whose case he is satisfied as to the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 3(4), for any purpose connected with the production of relevant films;

(b) to any person—

(i) for the purpose of enabling projects to be prepared, or other preliminary work to be undertaken or steps taken, with a view to the production of relevant films; or

(ii) for any purpose connected with the production of short films.

In this subsection “British company”, “ British partnership ” and “ relevant film ” have the meaning given by section 3(7), and “ short film ” means a relevant film with a total playing time of less than 35 minutes.

(2) Assistance under subsection (1) may be given by way of a grant or loan or in the form of a guarantee or otherwise; and in giving assistance under that subsection the Secretary of State may impose such conditions as he thinks fit, including conditions requiring a grant to be repaid in specified circumstances.

(3) The Secretary of State may appoint a person to make recommendations and provide other services in connection with the discharge by the Secretary of State of his functions under subsection (1)(b).

(4) Any sums required by the Secretary of State for making payments under subsection (1), or for meeting any expenses of any person appointed under subsection (3), shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament; and any sums received by the Secretary of State by virtue of this section shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

6 Certification of British films

Schedule 1 to this Act has effect with respect to the certification by the Secretary of State of a film as a British film for the purposes of audiovisual expenditure credit and film tax relief.

7 Repeals, etc.

(1) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 2 to this Act are repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of the Films Act 1960 the register kept under Part II of that Act shall continue to be kept by the Secretary of State in connection with the determination, for the purposes of any statutory provision, of questions relating to the registration of films under Part II of the Films Act 1960 or Part III of the Cinematograph Films Act 1938.

(4) Where any film would, but for the repeal by this Act of the Films Act 1960 and the Films Act 1970, be—

(a) a British film for the purposes of the Film Levy Finance Act 1981 by virtue of section 9(2) of that Act (interpretation); or

(b) an eligible film for the purposes of regulations made under section 6 of that Act,

that film shall be a British film, or (as the case may be) an eligible film, for those purposes notwithstanding the repeal of the said Acts of 1960 and 1970.

(5)(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument provide for such further transitional and saving provisions to have effect in connection with the coming into operation of any provision of this Act as appears to him to be necessary or expedient.

8 Short title, commencement and extent.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Films Act 1985.

(2) The following provisions of this Act shall come into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which it is passed, namely—

(a) section 6 and Schedule 1;

(b) section 7(1) and Schedule 2 so far as relating to the Finance Act 1982 and the Finance Act 1984;

(c) section 7(5) and (6).

(3) The following provisions of this Act extend to Northern Ireland, namely—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) section 6 and Schedule 1;

(c) section 7 and Schedule 2;

(d) this section.

SCHEDULES

Sections 3, 5 and 6.

SCHEDULE 1 Certification of British films for purposes of audiovisual expenditure credit and film tax relief

Preliminary

1 (1) In this Schedule—

(2) For the purposes of this Schedule each part of a series of films is treated as a separate film, unless—

(a) the films form a series with not more than 26 parts,

(b) the combined playing time is not more than 26 hours, and

(c) the series constitutes a self-contained work or is a series of documentaries with a common theme,

in which case the films are treated as a single film.

(3) References in this Schedule to a film include the film soundtrack.

(4) For the purposes of this Schedule a film is completed when it is first in a form in which it can reasonably be regarded as ready for copies of it to be made and distributed for presentation to the general public.

Applications for certification

2 (1) The film production company may apply to the Secretary of State for the certification of a film as a British film.

(2) The application may be for an interim or final certificate.

(3) An interim certificate is a certificate granted before the film is completed that the film, if completed in accordance with the proposals set out in the application, will be a British film.

(4) A final certificate is a certificate granted after the film is completed that the film is a British film.

(5) The applicant must—

(a) produce to the Secretary of State such books or other documents relating to the application, and

(b) provide the Secretary of State with such other information with respect to it,

as the Secretary of State may require for the purposes of determining the application.

(6) The Secretary of State may require information provided for the purposes of the application to be accompanied by a statutory declaration, by the person providing it, as to the truth of the information.

Certification and withdrawal of certification

3 (1) If the Secretary of State is satisfied that the requirements are met for interim or final certification of a film as a British film, he shall certify the film accordingly.

(2) If the Secretary of State is not satisfied that those requirements are met, he shall refuse the application.

(3) An interim certificate—

(a) may be given subject to conditions, and (unless the Secretary of State directs otherwise) is of no effect if the conditions are not met;

(b) may be expressed to expire after a specified period, and (unless the Secretary of State directs otherwise) ceases to have effect at the end of that period; and

(c) ceases to have effect when a final certificate is issued.

(4) If it appears to the Secretary of State that a film certified by him under this Schedule ought not to have been certified, he shall revoke its certification.

Unless the Secretary of State directs otherwise, a certificate that is revoked is treated as never having had effect.

British films for purposes of the Schedule

4 (1) A film is a British film for the purposes of this Schedule if it passes the relevant cultural test (see paragraph 4A, 4B or 4C).

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide for films to be treated as British films for the purposes of this Schedule if they are made in accordance with the terms of any agreement between Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and any other government, international organisation or authority.

(6) This paragraph has effect subject to paragraph 5 (excluded films).

4A (1) The cultural test for a film other than a documentary (see paragraph 4B) or an animation (see paragraph 4C) is as follows.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), a film passes the cultural test if it is awarded at least 18 points in total.

(3) Up to 18 points shall be awarded in respect of the content of the film as follows—

(a) up to 4 points depending on the percentage of the film that is set in the United Kingdom or an EEA state as follows—

(i) 4 points for at least 75%;

(ii) 3 points for at least 66%;

(iii) 2 points for at least 50%;

(iv) 1 point for at least 25%;

(b) up to 4 points depending on the number of the characters depicted in the film that are qualifying persons as follows—

(i) if there are more than three characters depicted in the film, 4 points if two or three of the three lead characters are qualifying persons or, if only one of the three lead characters is a qualifying person , 2 points if he is the first or second lead, 1 point if he is the third lead;

(ii) if there are only three characters depicted in the film, 4 points if two or three of them are qualifying persons or, if only one of them is a qualifying person , 2 points if he is the first or second lead, 1 point if he is the third lead;

(iii) if there are only two characters depicted in the film, 4 points if both of them are qualifying persons , 2 points if one of them is;

(iv) if there is only one character depicted in the film, 4 points if he is a qualifying person ;

(c) 4 points if the film depicts a qualifying story;

(d) up to 6 points depending on the percentage of the original dialogue that is recorded in a language recognised for official purposes in the United Kingdom or an EEA state as follows—

(i) 6 points for at least 75%;

(ii) 4 points for at least 66%;

(iii) 2 points for at least 50%;

(iv) 1 point for at least 25%.

(4) Up to 4 points may be awarded in respect of the contribution of the film to the promotion, development and enhancement of one or more of the following—

(a) British creativity;

(b) British heritage;

(c) diversity .

(5) Up to 5 points shall be awarded in respect of work carried out in the making of the film as follows—

(a) 4 points if at least 80% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom (unless points are awarded under paragraphs (b) or (c) below, in which case nil)—

(i) principal photography;

(ii) visual effects;

(iii) special effects;

(b) 2 points if at least 50% of the work carried out on either of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom—

(i) principal photography;

(ii) special effects;

(c) 2 points if at least 50% of the work carried out on visual effects is carried out in the United Kingdom;

(d) 1 point if at least 50% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom—

(i) performing and recording the music score created for the film;

(ii) audio post production;

(iii) picture post production.

(6) Up to 8 points shall be awarded in respect of the personnel involved in the making of the film as follows—

(a) 1 point if the director (or, if there is more than one, the lead director) is a qualifying person;

(b) 1 point if at least one of the scriptwriters (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead scriptwriters) is a qualifying person;

(c) 1 point if at least one of the producers (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead producers) is a qualifying person;

(d) 1 point if the composer (or, if there is more than one, the lead composer) is a qualifying person;

(e) 1 point if at least one of the actors (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead actors) is a qualifying person;

(f) 1 point if at least 50% of the cast are qualifying persons;

(g) 1 point if at least one of the heads of department is a qualifying person;

(h) 1 point if at least 50% of the production crew are qualifying persons.

(7) A film that is awarded all the points available under sub-paragraphs (3)(d) (language), (5) (where work carried out) and (6) (personnel) does not pass the cultural test unless—

(a) it is awarded at least 2 points under sub-paragraph (3)(a) (setting),

(b) it is awarded at least 2 points under sub-paragraph (3)(b) (characters), or

(c) it is awarded 4 points under sub-paragraph (3)(c) (story).

4B (1) The cultural test for a documentary is as follows.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), a film passes the cultural test if it is awarded at least 18 points in total.

(3) Up to 18 points shall be awarded in respect of the content of the film as follows—

(a) up to 4 points depending on the percentage of the film that is set in the United Kingdom or an EEA state as follows—

(i) 4 points for at least 75%;

(ii) 3 points for at least 66%;

(iii) 2 points for at least 50%;

(iv) 1 point for at least 25%;

(b) up to 4 points depending on the number of the participants ... in the film that are qualifying persons as follows—

(i) if there are more than three participants ... in the film, 4 points if two or three of the three lead participants are qualifying persons or, if only one of the three lead participants is a qualifying person , 2 points if he is the first or second lead, 1 point if he is the third lead;

(ii) if there are only three participants ... in the film, 4 points if two or three of them are qualifying persons or, if only one of them is a qualifying person , 2 points if he is the first or second lead, 1 point if he is the third lead;

(iii) if there are only two participants ... in the film, 4 points if both of them are qualifying persons , 2 points if one of them is;

(iv) if there is only one participant ... in the film, 4 points if he is a qualifying person ;

(c) 4 points if the film depicts a qualifying story;

(d) up to 6 points depending on the percentage of the original dialogue that is recorded in a language recognised for official purposes in the United Kingdom or an EEA state as follows—

(i) 6 points for at least 75%;

(ii) 4 points for at least 66%;

(iii) 2 points for at least 50%;

(iv) 1 point for at least 25%.

(4) Up to 4 points may be awarded in respect of the contribution of the film to the promotion, development and enhancement of one or more of the following—

(a) British creativity;

(b) British heritage;

(c) diversity .

(5) Up to 5 points shall be awarded in respect of work carried out in the making of the film as follows—

(a) 4 points if at least 80% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom (unless points are awarded under paragraph (b) or (c) below, in which case nil)—

(i) principal photography;

(ii) visual effects;

(iii) research and development;

(iv) special effects;

(b) 2 points if at least 50% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom—

(i) principal photography;

(ii) research and development;

(iii) special effects;

(c) 2 points if at least 50% of the work carried out on visual effects is carried out in the United Kingdom;

(d) 1 point if at least 50% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom—

(i) performing and recording the music score created for the film;

(ii) audio post production;

(iii) picture post production.

(6) Up to 8 points shall be awarded in respect of the personnel involved in the making of the film as follows—

(a) 1 point if the director (or, if there is more than one, the lead director) is a qualifying person;

(b) 1 point if at least one of the scriptwriters (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead scriptwriters) is a qualifying person;

(c) 1 point if at least one of the producers (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead producers) is a qualifying person;

(d) 1 point if the composer (or, if there is more than one, the lead composer) is a qualifying person;

(e) 1 point if at least one of the participants (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead participants) is a qualifying person;

(f) 1 point if at least 50% of the participants are qualifying persons;

(g) 1 point if at least one of the heads of department is a qualifying person;

(h) 1 point if at least 50% of the production crew are qualifying persons.

(7) A film that is awarded all the points available under sub-paragraphs (3)(d) (language), (5) (where work carried out) and (6) (personnel) does not pass the cultural test unless—

(a) it is awarded at least 2 points under sub-paragraph (3)(a) (setting),

(b) it is awarded at least 2 points under sub-paragraph (3)(b) ( participants ), or

(c) it is awarded 4 points under sub-paragraph (3)(c) (story).

4C (1) The cultural test for an animation is as follows.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), a film passes the cultural test if it is awarded at least 18 points in total.

(3) Up to 18 points shall be awarded in respect of the content of the film as follows—

(a) up to 4 points depending on the percentage of the film that is set in the United Kingdom or an EEA state as follows—

(i) 4 points for at least 75%;

(ii) 3 points for at least 66%;

(iii) 2 points for at least 50%;

(iv) 1 point for at least 25%;

(b) up to 4 points depending on the number of the characters depicted in the film that are qualifying persons as follows—

(i) if there are more than three characters depicted in the film, 4 points if two or three of the three lead characters are qualifying persons or, if only one of the three lead characters is a qualifying person , 2 points if he is the first or second lead, 1 point if he is the third lead;

(ii) if there are only three characters depicted in the film, 4 points of two or three of them are qualifying persons or, if only one of them is a qualifying person , 2 points if he is the first or second lead, 1 point if he is the third lead;

(iii) if there are only two characters depicted in the film, 4 points both of them are qualifying persons , 2 points if one of them is;

(iv) if there is only one character depicted in the film, 4 points if he is a qualifying person ;

(c) 4 points if the film depicts a qualifying story;

(d) up to 6 points depending on the percentage of the original dialogue that is recorded in a language recognised for official purposes in the United Kingdom or an EEA state as follows—

(i) 6 points for at least 75%;

(ii) 4 points for at least 66%;

(iii) 2 points for at least 50%;

(iv) 1 point for at least 25%.

(4) Up to 4 points may be awarded in respect of the contribution of the film to the promotion, development and enhancement of one or more of the following—

(a) British creativity;

(b) British heritage;

(c) diversity .

(5) Up to 5 points shall be awarded in respect of work carried out in the making of the film as follows—

(a) 4 points if at least 80% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom (unless points are awarded under paragraph (b) or (c) below, in which case nil)—

(i) shooting;

(ii) visual design;

(iii) layout and storyboarding;

(iv) visual effects;

(v) special effects;

(b) 2 points if at least 50% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom—

(i) shooting;

(ii) visual design;

(iii) layout and storyboarding;

(iv) special effects;

(c) 2 points if at least 50% of the work carried out on visual effects is carried out in the United Kingdom;

(d) 1 point if at least 50% of the work carried out on any of the following is carried out in the United Kingdom—

(i) performing and recording the music score created for the film;

(ii) voice recording;

(iii) audio post production;

(iv) picture post production.

(6) Up to 8 points shall be awarded in respect of the personnel involved in the making of the film as follows—

(a) 1 point if the director (or, if there is more than one, the lead director) is a qualifying person;

(b) 1 point if at least one of the scriptwriters (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead scriptwriters) is a qualifying person;

(c) 1 point if at least one of the producers (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead producers) is a qualifying person;

(d) 1 point if the composer (or, if there is more than one, the lead composer) is a qualifying person;

(e) 1 point if at least one of the actors (or, if there are more than three, of the three lead actors) is a qualifying person;

(f) 1 point if at least 50% of the cast are qualifying persons;

(g) 1 point if at least one of the heads of department is a qualifying person;

(h) 1 point if at least 50% of the production crew are qualifying persons.

(7) A film that is awarded all the points available under sub-paragraphs (3)(d) (language), (5) (where work carried out) and (6) (personnel) does not pass the cultural test unless—

(a) it is awarded at least 2 points under sub-paragraph (3)(a) (setting),

(b) it is awarded at least 2 points under sub-paragraph (3)(b) (characters), or

(c) it is awarded 4 points under sub-paragraph (3)(c) (story).

4D (1) In paragraphs 4A to 4C—

(2) “Heads of department” means—

(a) in paragraph 4A, the lead cinematographer, the lead production designer, the lead costume designer, the lead editor, the lead sound designer, the lead visual effects supervisor and the lead hair and makeup supervisor;

(b) in paragraph 4B, the lead cameraman, the lead sound recordist, the lead editor and the lead researcher;

(c) in paragraph 4C, the lead layout supervisor, the lead production designer, the lead character designer, the lead editor, the lead sound designer, the lead visual effects supervisor and the lead modelling supervisor.

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs 4A to 4C—

(a) a film is set in the United Kingdom or an EEA state if it is set in a country which is now part of the United Kingdom or an EEA state ; and

(b) a film depicts a qualifying story if the subject matter of the film or the underlying material on which the film is based is from the United Kingdom or an EEA state .

(4) The amount of work that is carried out in the United Kingdom or elsewhere shall be determined—

(a) for the purposes of paragraphs 4A(5)(a)(i) and (b)(i) and 4B(5)(a)(i) and (b)(i) (principal photography), by reference to the number of days spent on the work;

(b) for the purposes of the rest of paragraphs 4A(5) and 4B(5) and paragraph 4C(5) (other matters), by reference to the amount of expenditure on the work.

(5) No points shall be awarded under any provision of paragraph 4A(5), 4B(5) or 4C(5) (where work carried out) in respect of work the expenditure on which is, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, insignificant in relation to the expenditure on all the work carried out in the making of the film.

Excluded films

5 (1) A film must not be certified as a British film for the purposes of this Schedule if parts of the film whose playing time exceeds 10% of the total playing time of the film are derived from a previous film, unless—

(a) the two films have the same film production company or producer, and

(b) the previous film has not been certified under this Schedule.

(2) The Secretary of State may direct that sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to a film if in his opinion–

(a) it is a documentary; and

(b) its subject matter makes it appropriate for sub-paragraph (1) not to be applied.

(3) For the purposes of this paragraph—

(a) the film soundtrack shall be left out of account;

(b) “ producer ” means the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the making of the film are undertaken;

(c) in relation to certification before the commencement of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Finance Act 2006, references to certification of a film shall be read as references to certification of the master negative, tape or disc of the film.

Ascertainment of labour costs and playing time

6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Determination of requisite amount of labour costs

7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power of Secretary of State to direct alteration of labour costs

8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Determination of disputes

9 (1) Any person who is aggrieved by any decision of the Secretary of State under paragraph 3 may , subject to rules of court, apply to the High Court, and the decision of that Court shall be final.

(2) In relation to any person whose principal place of business is in Scotland, sub-paragraph (1) shall have effect as if for any reference to the High Court there were substituted a reference to the Court of Session.

Regulations and orders

10 (1) The Secretary of State may make regulations—

(a) prescribing the form of applications under paragraph 2;

(b) prescribing the particulars and evidence necessary for satisfying the Secretary of State that a film is a British film for the purposes of this Schedule;

(c) providing that any statutory declaration which is required by paragraph 2(6) to be made by any person shall be deemed to be properly made if it is made on his behalf by any such person as may be specified in the regulations.

(2) The Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury may by order make such modifications of any of the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 4 to 5 as he considers appropriate; and any such order may contain such incidental, supplemental and transitional provisions as he considers appropriate in connection with the order.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2) “ modifications ” includes additions, omissions and alterations.

(4) Any regulations or order under this paragraph shall be made by statutory instrument.

(5) Any regulations under this paragraph shall be laid before Parliament after being made; but no order shall be made under this paragraph unless it has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

SCHEDULE 2 Repeals

Chapter Short title Extent of repeal
1956 c. 74. The Copyright Act 1956. In section 13, in subsection (3) the proviso, and subsection (11).
1960 c. 57. The Films Act 1960. The whole Act.
1964 c. 52. The Films Act 1964. The whole Act.
1966 c. 29. The Singapore Act 1966. In the Schedule, paragraph 13.
1966 c. 48. The Films Act 1966. The whole Act.
1970 c. 26. The Films Act 1970. The whole Act.
1972 c. 68. The European Communities Act 1972. Section 8.
1973 c. 49. The Bangladesh Act 1973. In the Schedule, paragraph 9.
1975 c. 25. The Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975. In Part III of Schedule 1, the entry relating to the Cinematograph Films Council.
1975 c. 71. The Employment Protection Act 1975. In Part IV of Schedule 16, paragraph 8.
1979 c. 9. The Films Act 1979. The whole Act.
1980 c. 41. The Films Act 1980. The whole Act.
1981 c. 15. The National Film Finance Corporation Act 1981. In Schedule 1, paragraph 8(4).
1982 c. 39. The Finance Act 1982. In section 72, in subsection (2)(a) the words from “(except” to “requires)”, and subsection (8).
1984 c. 43. The Finance Act 1984. Section 62(6).
Status: Films Act 1985 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 09 February 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Films Act 1985 (1985/21)

Displaying information

Status of this instrument

footnotecommentarytransitional and savingsin force statusrelated provisionsgeo extentinsert/omitsource countin force adj
C1Act applied in part (with modifications) (as amended by 2009 c. 4, Sch. 2 para. 131) (29.3.2007) by Corporation Tax (Taxation of Films) (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1050) , regs. 1(1) , regs. 3-12
C2Act amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 2007/1050 reg. 3-12 (1.4.2009) by Corporation Tax Act 2009 (c. 4) , s. 1329(1) , Sch. 2 para. 131 (with Sch. 2 Pt. 1 , 2 )
C3S. 3(7) amended (27.8.1999) by S.I. 1999/2386 , art. 1(3)
F1S. 1(1) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14) , Sch. 1 Pt. 5 , Group 19repealed
F2S. 1(2) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14) , Sch. 1 Pt. 5 , Group 19repealed
F3S. 2 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50 , s. 1(1) , Sch. 1 Pt.IX .repealed
F4S. 3(1) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14) , Sch. 1 Pt. 5 , Group 19repealed
F5S. 3(3),(6) and (8) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50 , s. 1(1) , Sch. 1 Pt.IX .repealed
F6S. 4 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50 , s. 1(1) , Sch. 1 Pt.IX .repealed
F7Words in s. 5(1) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50 , s. 1(1) , Sch. 1 Pt.IX .repealed
F8S. 6 substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 15 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F9Words in s. 6 inserted (22.2.2024) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3) , Sch. 2 para. 2(2) (with Sch. 2 paras. 16(1) , 17-25 )this amendment (text inserted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.inserted
F10S. 7(2) repealed by Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (c. 48, SIF 67A) , s. 303(2) , Sch. 8repealed
F11S. 7(5)(6) repealed by Capital Allowances Act 1990 (c. 1, SIF 63:1) , ss. 82 , 164 , Sch. 2repealed
F12S. 8(3)(a) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50 , s. 1(1) , Sch. 1 Pt.IX .repealed
F13Sch. 1 heading substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 16 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F14Words in Sch. 1 heading inserted (22.2.2024) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3) , Sch. 2 para. 2(3)(a) (with Sch. 2 paras. 16(1) , 17-25 )this amendment (text inserted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.inserted
F15Sch. 1 para. 1 substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 17 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F16Words in Sch. 1 para. 1(1) substituted (22.2.2024) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3) , Sch. 2 para. 2(3)(b) (with Sch. 2 paras. 16(1) , 17-25 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F17Words in Sch. 1 para. 2 heading substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 18 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F18Sch. 1 para. 2 substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 18 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F19Words in Sch. 1 para. 3 heading substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 19 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F20Sch. 1 para. 3 substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 19 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F21Sch. 1 paras. 4-4D substituted for Sch. 1 para. 4 (1.4.2006) by Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 4 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F21Sch. 1 paras. 4-4D substituted for Sch. 1 para. 4 (1.4.2006) by Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 4 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F21Sch. 1 paras. 4-4D substituted for Sch. 1 para. 4 (1.4.2006) by Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 4 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F21Sch. 1 paras. 4-4D substituted for Sch. 1 para. 4 (1.4.2006) by Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 4 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F21Sch. 1 paras. 4-4D substituted for Sch. 1 para. 4 (1.4.2006) by Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 4 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F22Sch. 1 para. 4(1) substituted for Sch. 1 para. 4(1)-(3) (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 20 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F23Sch. 1 para. 4(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(2) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)omitted
F24Sch. 1 paras. 4A-4C substituted (1.1.2007) by Films (Definition of British Film) (No.2) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3430) , arts. 1(1)(a) , 3 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F24Sch. 1 paras. 4A-4C substituted (1.1.2007) by Films (Definition of British Film) (No.2) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3430) , arts. 1(1)(a) , 3 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F24Sch. 1 paras. 4A-4C substituted (1.1.2007) by Films (Definition of British Film) (No.2) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3430) , arts. 1(1)(a) , 3 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F25Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(2) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(2) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F26Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(3)(a) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F27Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(3)(a) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F28Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(3)(c)(i) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F29Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(3)(c)(ii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F30Word in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(c) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(3)(d) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F31Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(3)(e)(i) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F32Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(3)(e)(ii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F33Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(d) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(3)(b) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F34Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(3)(e)(iii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F35Words in Sch. 1 para. 4A(4) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(4) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F36Sch. 1 para. 4A(5) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 3(5) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F37Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(2) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(2) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F38Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(a) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F39Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(4)(a) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F40Word in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(c)(i) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F41Word in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(b) omitted (29.1.2015) by virtue of The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(c)(ii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text omitted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.omitted
F42Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(c)(iii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F43Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(c)(iv) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F44Word in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(c)(v) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F45Word in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(c) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(d) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F46Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(e)(i) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F47Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(e)(ii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F48Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(d) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(4)(b) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F49Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(3)(e)(iii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F50Words in Sch. 1 para. 4B(4) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(4) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F51Sch. 1 para. 4B(5) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(5) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F52Word in Sch. 1 para. 4B(7)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 4(6) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F53Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(2) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(2) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F54Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(3)(a) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F55Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(5)(a) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F56Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(3)(c)(i) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F57Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(3)(c)(ii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F58Word in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(c) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(3)(d) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F59Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(3)(e)(i) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F60Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(3)(e)(ii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F61Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(d) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(5)(b) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F62Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(3)(d) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(3)(e)(iii) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F63Words in Sch. 1 para. 4C(4) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(4) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F64Sch. 1 para. 4C(5) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 5(5) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F65Words in Sch. 1 para. 4D(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(6)(a) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)inserted
F66Words in Sch. 1 para. 4D(1) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 6(2)(a) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F67Definition in Sch. 1 para. 4D(1) omitted (29.1.2015) by virtue of The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 6(2)(b) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text omitted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.omitted
F68Sch. 1 para. 4D(3) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 6(3) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F69Words in Sch. 1 para. 4D(3)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(6)(b)(i) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F70Words in Sch. 1 para. 4D(3)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Cultural Tests (Films, Television Programmes and Video Games) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1105) , regs. 1 , 2(6)(b)(ii) ; 2020 c. 1 , Sch. 5 para. 1(1)substituted
F71Words in Sch. 1 para. 4D(4)(a) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 6(4)(a) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F72Sch. 1 para. 4D(4)(b) substituted (1.1.2007) by Films (Definition of British Film) (No.2) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3430) , arts. 1(1)(a) , 4(3) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F73Words in Sch. 1 para. 4D(4)(b) substituted (29.1.2015) by The Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/86) , arts. 1 , 6(4)(b) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F74Words in Sch. 1 para. 4D(5) substituted (1.1.2007) by Films (Definition of British Film) (No.2) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3430) , arts. 1(1)(a) , 4(4) (with art. 2 )this amendment (text substituted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.substituted
F75Sch. 1 para. 5 substituted (27.8.1999) by S.I. 1999/2386 , arts. 2 , 7 , Appendix Sch. 1substituted
F76Sch. 1 para. 5(1) substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 21(2) ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F77Sch. 1 para. 5(3) inserted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 21(3) ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2inserted
F78Sch. 1 para. 6 omitted (1.4.2006) by virtue of Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 5 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text omitted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.omitted
F79Sch. 1 para. 7 omitted (1.4.2006) by virtue of Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 5 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text omitted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.omitted
F80Sch. 1 para. 8 omitted (1.4.2006) by virtue of Films (Definition of British Film) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/643) , arts. 1(1) , 5 (with art. 2 )this amendment (text omitted) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.omitted
F81Words in Sch. 1 para. 9 substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 22 ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F82Reference in Sch. 1 para. 10(1)(c) substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 23(a) ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
F83Words in Sch. 1 para. 10(2) substituted (1.1.2007) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25) , s. 53(1) , Sch. 5 para. 23(b) ; S.I. 2006/3399 , art. 2substituted
I1Act partly in force at Royal Assent; wholly in force at 23.7.1985, see s. 8(2)
M11907 c. 24 .
M21960 c. 57 .
M31938 c. 17 .
M41970 c. 26 .
M51981 c. 16 .
M61982 c. 39 .
M71984 c. 43 .
Defined TermSection/ArticleIDScope of Application
British companys. 3legTermwM5rioCX
British companys. 5British_co_rtdS9Gj
British partnerships. 3legTermda5IdiM8
British partnerships. 5legTerm86rhRCHv
castpara 4D of SCHEDULE 1cast_rtVEPxfalert
controls. 3legTermw67ZqMIl
filmpara 1 of SCHEDULE 1legTerm5AepgvfQ
film production companypara 1 of SCHEDULE 1legTerm4kQ89647
heads of departmentpara 4D of SCHEDULE 1heads_of_d_rtRnoAyalert
Heads of departmentpara 4D of SCHEDULE 1Heads_of_d_rt2TdOl
modificationspara 10 of SCHEDULE 1legTermDBbDObUq
participantpara 4D of SCHEDULE 1participan_rtqxtvSalert
producerpara 5 of SCHEDULE 1legTerms2GZ0Vtv
production crewpara 4D of SCHEDULE 1production_rtLA9Z4alert
qualifying personpara 4D of SCHEDULE 1qualifying_rteB4gwalert
relevant films. 3legTermjJgFi71K
relevant films. 5legTerm728Ax5cP
short films. 5legTermiyJjGN0c
special effectspara 4D of SCHEDULE 1special_ef_rt4zhafalert
visual effectspara 4D of SCHEDULE 1visual_eff_rtwj7Z5alert
Changes that affect Made by
Sort descending by Changed Legislation Sort descending by Year and Number Changed Provision Type of effect Sort descending by Affecting Legislation Title Sort descending by Year and Number Affecting Provision Sort descending by Changes made to website text Note
Films Act 1985 1985 c. 21 s. 6 words omitted Finance Act 2024 2024 c. 3 Sch. 2 para. 8(2) Not yet
Films Act 1985 1985 c. 21 Sch. 1 heading words omitted Finance Act 2024 2024 c. 3 Sch. 2 para. 8(3)(a) Not yet
Films Act 1985 1985 c. 21 Sch. 1 para. 1(1) words omitted Finance Act 2024 2024 c. 3 Sch. 2 para. 8(3)(b) Not yet
Films Act 1985 1985 c. 21 Blanket amendment words substituted The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 2011 No. 1043 art. 3 4 See note
  • Council of Europe Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (revised) Order 2020 (2020/159)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2001 (2001/3931)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2002 (2002/2635)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2003 (2003/2630)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2004 (2004/3043)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) (No.2) Order 2004 (2004/2031)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) (No.2) Order 2005 (2005/1464)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) Order 2000 (2000/1555)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) Order 2001 (2001/411)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) Order 2002 (2002/1398)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) Order 2003 (2003/828)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) Order 2004 (2004/724)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production (Amendment) Order 2005 (2005/247)
  • European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production Order 2006 (2006/2656)
  • Films (Certification) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (2006/642)
  • Films (Certification) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (2007/3478)
  • Films (Certification) Regulations 2006 (2006/3281)
  • Films (Definition of “British Film”) (No. 2) Order 2006 (2006/3430)
  • Films (Definition of “British Film”) Order 2006 (2006/643)
  • Films (Definition of “British Film”) Order 2015 (2015/86)
  • Films (Modification of the Definitionof “British Film”) Order 2000 (2000/756)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2000 (2000/740)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2006 (2006/1921)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2007 (2007/2125)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2008 (2008/1783)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2009 (2009/3009)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2011 (2011/236)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2014 (2014/1561)
  • Films Co-Production Agreements (Amendment) Order 2015 (2015/1886)

Status of changes to instrument text

The list includes made instruments, both those in force and those yet to come into force. Typically, instruments that are not yet in force (hence their changes are not incorporated into the text above) are indicated by description 'not yet' in the changes made column.