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Oct. 18, 2024
Bafta Addresses Distributor Concerns Over New Fee Structure
Distributors expressed concern over the new £11,000 fee to enter a title in the best film category.
UK - The British Academy of Film and
Television Arts (Bafta) has taken swift action to address growing concerns
among UK distributors regarding the new fee structure for submissions to the
2025 Bafta Film Awards. Distributors were alarmed by the significant increase
in fees, particularly the £11,000 charge for submitting titles into the best
film category, which was a substantial rise from the previous year’s £8,000.
This fee applied even if the films were also being submitted into categories
like best documentary, film not in the English language (FNIEL), and
outstanding British film, which previously required only an £850 fee.
The confusion stemmed from unclear language in Bafta’s
rulebook and a miscommunication earlier this month. In response, Bafta issued
an apology and clarified the fee structure, ensuring that films qualifying for
outstanding British film, documentary, or FNIEL can enter all other categories,
including best film, for the lower fee of £850. Additionally, Bafta extended
the submission deadline to October 23, 2024, to give distributors more time to
adjust their entry plans.
This move has been welcomed by distributors, who were
previously contemplating not entering certain categories due to the high costs.
Bafta’s executive director of awards and content, Emma Baehr, emphasized the
organization’s commitment to supporting films of all budgets.
