Film Finance

Film Finance

In Film Finance, For Companies

About BMS Finance in relation to film finance

The UK film industry has been through a period of considerable uncertainty as a result of attempts by the UK Treasury to stamp out tax avoidance via film tax shelters. Recently, substantial financial incentives, such as film tax credit provisions introduced in the Finance Act 2006, have helped revive the industry. However, the tax credits (20% if the film’s budget is up to £20m and 15% thereafter) are only available to film production companies once the relevant film has been produced and certified as being British by the UK Department of Culture Media and Sport.

To bridge the gap between day one of filming, and the time it takes for the film to be certified as being British, BMS Finance releases funds to clients secured on the tax credit yet to be granted.

Our clients

Both producers and film production companies look to BMS Finance, for tax credit advances, to fund projects. Whatever the prospective film’s budget BMS Finance can help put together a suitable package, allowing clients to concentrate their efforts on the creative process.

Approach

BMS can advance up to 100% of the value of the anticipated film tax credit (20% of film’s budget), with repayment of the return element coming from film revenue. This differs from other offerings in the market, which generally advance up to 90% of the film tax credit. BMS aims to streamline the timeframe required to finalise funding in comparison with banks or other sources.

BMS also provides pre-sales discounting and gap funding for both UK and overseas productions. For clients requiring a combination of all three types of funding (tax credit, gap financing and pre-sales discounts) BMS offers a package that can be tailored to suit individual needs.

Sources of funds

BMS has access to a variety of dedicated sources of film financing.

Track Record

BMS has been instrumental in the financing of seventeen feature films since September 2007, including sci-fi thriller ‘Moon’ starring Sam Rockwell, family drama ‘From Time to Time’ written and directed by Oscar winner Julian Fellowes and starring Maggie Smith, Irish black comedy ‘Perrier’s Bounty’ starring Cillian Murphy, and comedy “We Want Sex” from Director Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls) starring Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins and Miranda Richardson.