Scared Goose Entertainment
Cultural test for film · BFI rules, 2026

BFI cultural test calculator

To claim UK film tax relief, your film has to pass the BFI cultural test: 18 points out of 35. Tick what's true for your film and see your score, whether you pass, and the quickest points to pick up if you don't.

Score my film →
01

Your film

"British" here means a UK or EEA citizen or resident, and "UK or EEA" settings count too. That's how the BFI test works.

A. Cultural content up to 18

B. Creativity, heritage, diversity up to 4

The BFI judges this section on your application, so treat these as your best guess.

C. Where the work happens up to 5

Section C1 tops out at 4 points.

D. Key people up to 8

British or EEA citizen or resident, 1 point each.

For the 53% independent rate optional

Your score
0 / 35

Needs 18 to pass

  • A. Cultural content0 / 18
  • B. Creativity, heritage, diversity0 / 4
  • C. Where the work happens0 / 5
  • D. Key people0 / 8
Quickest points to add
    Work out your tax relief →

    An estimate based on the BFI's published guidance for live-action feature films, not a certification. Documentaries and animation have extra options in section C. The BFI makes the final decision, and section B in particular is a judgement call. Official co-productions qualify through their treaty instead of this test.

    02

    How the test works

    What's the pass mark?

    18 points out of 35, across four sections: cultural content (18), creativity, heritage and diversity (4), where the work happens (5) and key people (8). Pass and the film is certified British, which unlocks UK film tax relief.

    What is the golden points rule?

    If a film scores all 19 points for language (A4), where the work happens (C) and key people (D), it still fails unless it also scores at least 2 points for setting (A1) or characters (A2), or 4 points for a British story (A3). It stops a film passing on crew and language alone.

    Does EEA count, or only the UK?

    For the cultural test, European Economic Area settings, characters and people count the same as British ones. The 53% Independent Film Tax Credit adds one stricter condition: the lead director or lead scriptwriter has to be a British citizen or UK resident.

    How are the percentages measured?

    Setting is measured by script pages (one page is about one minute), dialogue by words spoken, principal photography by shooting days, and VFX, SFX and post by spend.

    Can a US or Canadian film pass?

    Often, yes. A film shot and posted in the UK with mostly UK crew, a UK producer and heads of department, and English dialogue can reach 15 or 16 points before story, setting or casting come into it. A UK-set story or a British lead usually gets it over the line. Canadian films can also qualify as an official UK-Canada co-production.

    Want the real numbers?

    Send us your script and we'll check it properly

    Glasgow, Scotland · Send the script and your dates