A recently-announced nine-year business tax relief scheme for UK film studios will promote job growth for the UK's creative sector. Where international talent is part of the mix, we can help to get Creative Worker or Global Talent visas in place.
On 17 February 2025, the government confirmed the commencement of a new 40% business rates tax relief for UK film studios, which will last until 2034. This development recognises the vital contribution that the UK's film industry has already made to the UK economy through huge global box office hits and highlights the support for its further potential.
The tax relief is expected to help the Government deliver their 'Plan for Change' by bringing a positive boost to the creative sector and, amongst the various benefits, stimulate job creation for the already increasing number of UK-based film productions. While a proportion of this increased job creation will be filled by home-grown creative talent, the relief will inevitably benefit and attract international creative workers too, including freelancers e.g. TV/film cast and crew, entourage, animators, VFX artists, composers, producers, directors and other post-production specialists.
These overseas hires, usually engaged for short-term stays on specific productions, can be facilitated through the UK's immigration system, and particularly the Temporary Work – Creative Worker route. This is designed to be a relatively quick and cost-effective option for engaging overseas talent in the UK. The Creative Worker route requires a licensed sponsor, which is usually the production company itself, but can also be facilitated through Lewis Silkin's Creative Worker sponsorship service.
Exceptionally talented creative individuals in arts, culture, film and TV may also be eligible for a non-sponsored Global Talent visa, allowing for a longer-term stay in the UK on multiple projects.
To assist with meeting the timelines for planned productions, we encourage studios and production companies to contact us for advice on regulatory and visa requirements as early as possible.
