The BFI and The Film and TV Charity have partnered to create the Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund in a bid to help support the UK creative community during the coronavirus pandemic.
What is the Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund?
Formed with a £1m donation from Netflix, the fund will aim to provide emergency short-term relief to active workers and freelancers who have been directly impacted by the closure of productions across the UK.
Anne Mensah, vice president, original series at Netflix, said: “From electricians to carpenters, hair and makeup artists to drivers – and many more, UK crews have always been vital to Netflix’s success and now we want to help those freelancers who most need support in these unprecedented times.”
How can I claim?
The Film and TV Charity, which is working on the precise eligibility criteria and level of individual funding, will administer the fund with support from the BFI.
It will be open to all those working in production, distribution and exhibition, and applicants are being asked to register at https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/keep-in-touch/
I need money now to pay for food and essentials, what can I do?
The charity urges those in immediate and urgent to apply for support via its existing hardship fund, which offers grants of up to £500 to provide stop-gap support. The hardship fund will sit alongside the new Covid-19 relief.
Details on eligibility and how to apply can be found at: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/coronavirus-financial-advice/
