UK Screen launches visual effects Code

UK Screen Association has launched its first ever Code of Practice for VFX members.

The code, which sets out a series of commitments towards clients, employees and suppliers, has been developed in consultation with UK Screen’s member companies. This follows the extension of the creative sector tax reliefs to include high-end television and animation earlier this year.

Alongside the changes to film tax relief announced today in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, the new tax reliefs are expected to attract more culturally-European productions to the UK and the code has been published to help these new clients, and other audiences, understand what they can expect from a UK Screen VFX company.

Split into five sections, the code includes some of the following:

• We will continue to support the Government’s tax relief programme for culturally British content/productions and will provide all assistance necessary to validate the integrity of claims (1.5)
• To protect our clients and the work we carry out for them, we will ensure that we have the necessary insurance policies in place such as Employer’s Liability, General Liability and the necessary insurance that covers on-set activities (2.3)
• We will support the creative industries’ initiatives to encourage more diversity in the workplace (3.3)
• We will endeavour to provide timely payment as agreed at the time of contract and will have available a published terms of trade (4.2)
• Where possible we will support the work of local organisations and charities within the creative sector (5.4)

Sarah Mackey, CEO of UK Screen, commented: “We welcome the Chancellor’s ongoing support for the creative industries and the changes to film tax credit announced today. In addition, it is important that potential new inward investors understand the professionalism and integrity of the businesses which make up this sector. To that end we have published this Code of Practice, to demonstrate existing good practices and the shared standards to which our members aspire.”

“Whether it is about dealing with a client’s confidential material, addressing the well-being of employees or simply paying a supplier on time, there are certain standards that can be expected of UK Screen’s VFX members. We are immensely proud that they have supported this initiative and signed up to the Code of Practice,” added Steve Norris, chairman of UK Screen.

For further information about the code, visit UK Screen’s website.