Skills Investment Fund (SIF) FAQs
What exactly is the Skills Investment Fund (SIF) and what does it mean for me? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to tell you more about the SIF.
What is the Skills Investment Fund (SIF)?
How much has the SIF raised so far?
How is the SIF contribution calculated?
What is the future of the SIF?
Who can I talk to about the SIF?
What type of training does the SIF support?
What is the Skills Investment Fund (SIF)?
The SIF is the training levy on productions filmed wholly or partially in the UK, and provides industry with an innovative, shared approach to investing in its own skills and talent. Set up in 1999 as a response to the Film Policy Review report A Bigger Picture, the SIF is a ground breaking, industry-driven initiative originally led by PACT, the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the Federation of Entertainment Unions and the UK Film Council, in partnership with Skillset. The BFI has now joined the board that oversees its collection and investment.
The SIF is one of the funding streams, alongside National Lottery money from the BFI, which supports Skillset's UK film skills strategy A Bigger Future 2. Contributions are used to directly fund the training and development of the film industry's production workforce.
Money from the SIF is used to fund new trainees coming into the industry in priority grades and to provide specialist training for existing professionals. The Skillset Craft and Technical Skills Academy develops the skills of our current and next generation of filmmakers. Its Trainee Placement Scheme provides SIF contributors with heavily subsidised trainees, matching productions with the UK's best new talent and paying 70% of the trainees' wages in the following areas: Art Department, Camera & Lighting, Costume & Wardrobe, Editing, Hair & Make Up, Production Sound and Script Supervising.
The 2012 Film Policy Review report acknowledged that "skills and talent provides the backbone which underpins the success of the entire film sector in the UK". We need new trainees to ensure we have the depth of talent here in the UK to service domestic and incoming productions. In certain departments, such as construction, there is an ageing workforce and not enough new recruits. Training also ensures the skills of the current workforce are up to date with the latest technologies and changing roles within the industry. SIF-funded schemes train and support the best talent thereby helping to protect our competitive advantage.
How much has the SIF raised so far?
On average, the SIF receives £700,000 in contributions each year and in 2011, the SIF reached a major milestone of £8 million in contributions. Warner Bros., who has provided over 10% of the total SIF contributions to date via its film productions in the UK, helped take the SIF past the £8 million mark with a contribution from its recent blockbuster movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
How is the SIF contribution calculated?
The SIF is calculated as a 0.5% contribution of the production budget up to a maximum contribution of £39,500.^Back to top
How is the SIF contribution calculated?
TheSIF is administered by Skillset on behalf of industry. Skillset's research identifies skills gaps and we then make sure training is available to maintain the UK's reputation as having one of the best film workforces in the world. Our overall work in film is guided by our Film Skills Council. Collection and investment of the SIF is overseen by the Film Industry Training Board, which includes leading members of the production community and is chaired by producer Iain Smith.
What is the future of the SIF?
The 2012 Film Policy Review report stated that "a long-term programme of investment in skills and talent across the film sector is essential if we are to retain our leading position in film." It is crucial that productions continue to contribute to the SIF, to help keep the UK film industry's skills base amongst the best in the world.
Who can I talk to about the SIF?
Contact Kristen Platt, the SIF Coordinator at Skillset on - kristenp@skillset.org or +44 (0)207 713 9862.
What type of training does the SIF support?
SIF contributions are used to fund training in areas that have been defined as priorities, based on consultation with industry, trade associations, unions and guilds. SIF funding is invested through the Film Skills Fund as part of A Bigger Future 2, the UK film skills strategy.
In its first four years A Bigger Future has funded over 10,000 places on training initiatives including: new entrants schemes for, amongst others, Grips, Production Accountants and Wardrobe Assistants; short courses for camera including shooting on HD; schemes to promote diversity such as the Skillset Graduate Fellowship Programme and Health & Safety training for all grades.
In addition, over 1,000 individuals working in the industry have received bursaries to go on training courses to keep pace with changing industry practices.
The new Skillset Craft and Technical Skills Academy, which is funded by the SIF provides skills development, training and career opportunities for people in the film craft and technical departments.
For more information on the Academy and the training it offers please visit A Bigger Future 2.
You can also download a 4 page brochure that tells you about the SIF by clicking on the link below:
Skills Investment Fund SIF FAQ Brochure
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