08/11/2013 - Event highlighted the benefits of the new tax reliefs and the ways in which animators can access these

Leading figures from the UK’s thriving animation sector gathered on Thursday at the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank for an Animation Day hosted by the BFI Certification Unit to educate the industry about the new tax reliefs for animation programmes. The event opened with keynote addresses from BFI CEO, Amanda Nevill and Creative Industries Minister, Ed Vaizey. During his speech the Minister spoke about the new animation tax relief certification procedures and noted that the new system is already proving valuable to the UK’s animation companies.

Vaizey said, “From The Clangers (photo) to Wallace and Gromit, Britain has a rich and vibrant animation heritage, and the tax relief now in place will ensure that those working in the field today have the best possible chance to be part of that heritage for future generations. The tax credit is turning the tide back in Britain’s favour, driving growth and jobs, and will hopefully encourage investment from some of the bigger international players in what is a dynamic and unique sector.”

Sixteen animation programmes have now received certification from the BFI, the first step in accessing the UK’s competitive new tax relief for animation programmes, and a further eight have received letters confirming they qualify as British and will be eligible for the tax relief.

The 16 animation projects to so far receive certification from the BFI include The Clangers, a co-production between CBeebies, Coolabi, Smallfilms and Sprout, which will return to the small screen in 2015; Danger Dog from Spider Eye; Q Pootle 5 from Snapper Productions; and The Numtums from A Productions.