Filming in the UK - FAQs
The British Film Commission receives many enquiries about filming in the UK and we have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions arranged by subject.
Travelling to the UK
What are the flight times from the US?
- Los Angeles - 10.5 hours
- New York - 7 hours
Where can I find out about visas and work permits?
- Our Entering the UK section contains details on how to obtain visas and work permits.
How do I bring equipment into the UK?
- We have a section on our website which contains information on bringing equipment into the UK.
General information
What time zone is the UK in?
- The UK is in the Western European Time Zone; GMT is the Standard Time and in summer British Summer Time. Click here to find out what time it is in the UK.
How do I telephone the UK?
- To telephone in to the UK dial +44, drop the first 0, input the remaining number.
Where can I find the dates of public holidays?
- Information on bank and public holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is available at the UK Government's website Directgov.
- The dates of Scotland's bank holidays can be found at the website of the Scottish Government.
What are the rules on smoking?
- A ban on smoking in enclosed public places came into force in England on 1 July 2007. The ban applies to film sets just as it does to other venues, however, if an actor is required to smoke as part of his or her role then there is an exemption to allow them to do so for that part of the shoot. The regulations can be viewed in full at the Office of Public Sector Information website.
Where can I find information on exchange rate movements?
- In spring 2007, the British Film Commission commissioned some research into UK competitiveness and exchange rate movements. The work is updated periodically. View the latest update from March 2008 and the original research in our Publications A-Z, Filming in the UK.
Where can I find more information on the UK?
- VisitBritain's website has lots of useful information.
Filming in the UK
How do I find crew?
- We have a section on finding Crew on our website.
How do I find studios?
- You can find information about studios on our website.
Where can I find information on tax relief?
- Our website contains a section on British films and tax relief.
Where can I find more information on filming in the UK?
- The website of the British Film Commission is a good place to start.
On location
How do I find locations?
- We have a section which will help you to find locations in the UK.
How can I find out about distances and travelling times between cities?
- Information on distances, routes and travelling times is available at the websites of the AA and the RAC.
Where can I find information on sunlight hours?
- Information on sunrise and sunset times is compiled by HM Nautical Almanac Office.
Where can I find information on the weather?
- Information on current weather conditions and future forecasts is available at the website of the Met Office.
Films made in the UK
Where can I find information on films made in the UK?
- We have a database of major feature films made in the UK up until 2010.
Where can I find information on levels of production?
- The BFI Research and Strategy Unit releases annual statistics on the UK film industry.
(In 2007, figures showed that production spending totalled $1.46bn (£722.9m), with the UK involved in the making of 112 feature films. Inward investment from the USA brought $1bn (£508m) into the British economy. Such films included Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Sweeney Todd, The Dark Knight and The Young Victoria. For more information, read the press release in our news section.)
Contact information
Who do I contact for information on filming?
- You can contact the British Film Commission for any information you require on filming in the UK.
Where can I find contact details for the UK screen agencies?
- Please contact Creative England.
