Film and television

Industries such as film and television are important as part of the UK’s successful knowledge and creative economy and are significant employers in the UK. As their importance has increased, industry-specific regulation has developed alongside. The rise of digital technologies and resulting industry convergence has also tested existing industry-specific regulation.

For the purposes of copyright law, the term ‘film’ means a recording, on any medium, from which a moving image may be produced by any means. A television programme is protected as a film for these purposes and the definition is intended to be technology-neutral. Intellectual property rights and, in particular, copyright and associated rights, are key to the exploitation of the works that the film and television industries generate.

For definitions of key terms relevant to film and television, see the various glossary Practice Notes included in this subtopic.

The film industry

Those working in the film industry deal with the earliest stages of development of any film project, through to its financing, structuring, production and distribution. They advise independent production companies through to multinational companies, motion picture studios, investors (including completion guarantors), distributors, sales agents,

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest TMT News

Ofcom announces decision to implement regulations for mmWave spectrum use

Ofcom has decided to implement new regulations to facilitate the use of mmWave spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands for innovative services, including 5G. This decision follows extensive consultations held between March 2023 and April 2024. Key measures include limiting the number of licences through an auction process and enabling spectrum trading to ensure the efficient allocation and use of these frequencies. The regulations aim to optimise spectrum usage in high-density areas and drive advancements in the industry.

DCMS publises 2023-24 online advertising report

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport has extended the Online Advertising Taskforce for another year to continue addressing online advertising harms, particularly in protecting children. The Taskforce, made up of government and advertising sector representatives, focuses on six key areas, including age assurance, influencer marketing, and transparency. Its aim is to improve standards, promote information sharing, and build trust in the sector. The Taskforce is also advancing initiatives such as a Gold Standard certification and a new Code of Conduct for influencer marketing.

Ofcom publishes consultation on revised procedures for investigating broadcast licence breaches

The Office of Communications (Ofcom) has published a consultation on proposed revisions to its General Procedures for investigating breaches of broadcast licences. The consultation, running from 3 December 2024 to 25 February 2025, aims to update procedures last revised in 2017 to reflect changes in the regulatory landscape and increased caseload. Key proposals include publishing a new administrative priorities framework, clarifying the approach to sharing complaint information with broadcasters, ceasing direct communication of assessment outcomes to complainants, and introducing a time limit for lodging complaints. These changes are intended to streamline the investigative process and ensure the procedures remain fit for purpose in the evolving broadcasting environment.

Council adopts new laws to bolster EU cybersecurity capabilities

The Council of the European Union has adopted two new laws to enhance the EU's cybersecurity capabilities. The EU 'cyber solidarity act' establishes an EU-wide cyber security alert system and creates a cybersecurity emergency mechanism, including an EU cybersecurity reserve. A targeted amendment to the 2019 cybersecurity act enables the future adoption of European certification schemes for managed security services. These measures aim to strengthen the EU's ability to detect, prepare for, and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents, whilst fostering cooperation and resilience across member states.