Deadline pushed back by another two months
The UK’s £500m Film and TV Production Restart Scheme has been extended until April 2021 and rolled out to cast and crew over the age of 70.
The widely-praised initiative, from which productions can receive compensation for coronavirus-related losses including filming delays from cast and crew illness, had previously been extended from December to the end of February.
It has already assured nearly 100 productions that they will be supported if future losses are incurred due to Covid-19 and the extension will give more film and TV projects the security to start shooting in the spring.
From today (December 20), the scope of the scheme has also been extended so that cast and crew over the age of 70 can be included in the cover provided. The changes will enable productions to receive compensation for Covid-related delays affecting up to two cast or crew members over 70 years old.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The extension of the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme means the UK will be producing even more great content as the cinema industry recovers, keeping us at the forefront of the creative industries.”
Edel Ryan, who helps administer the fund and runs insurance broker Marsh’s entertainment, sport and media division, told Broadcast last week indies will be unlikely to secure traditional insurance for another two years.
Today’s extension is therefore crucial, with the Covid vaccine still seemingly several months away from having an impact.
A version of this article first appeared on our sister site screendaily.com
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