Pact Global Talent endorsement for film and television: what you need to know

Part 1 · Who assesses

Pact assesses film, television, animation, post-production and visual effects

You apply online. The Home Office sends your application to Arts Council England, which passes film and television applications to Pact. Pact sends its decision back to Arts Council England, which sends it to the Home Office. Do not send anything to Pact directly, as it does not advise on applications or give updates.

• Screenwriting for film and television comes under Pact, not literature
• Composition for media and screen comes under Pact, not music
• Comedy and drama made for screen come under Pact, not theatre
• Screendance created for cinematic release comes under Pact

Part 2 · Talent only

Only Exceptional Talent is available in film and television

If you plan to work in these areas in the UK, you can apply under the Exceptional Talent criteria only. Pact does not endorse Exceptional Promise applications. Your CV should show a substantial professional track record from at least the last five years, with specific dates for each engagement.

Part 3 · One area

Your application must focus on one area of practice

Arts Council England and Pact cannot share an assessment. If you work in both theatre and film, for example, your evidence and letters must relate to just one of these areas. The area you choose must be shown on your application form, and an application without enough evidence for one assessor may be returned.

Part 4 · The criteria

You must meet one of four award-based criteria

Pact looks for recognition through major awards or its own Notable Industry Recognition Awards List. That list is exhaustive: awards that are not on it are not accepted. A listing or showing at a festival is not a nomination, and student awards do not count.

• Won an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe or Emmy at any time, or been nominated in the last 10 years
• Made a significant and direct contribution to winning or being nominated for one of these in the last 10 years
• At least two nominations for one of these awards in the last 15 years
• Notable industry recognition: international distribution sales and recognition, plus wins or nominations for Notable Industry Recognition Awards across at least two different productions

Part 5 · Evidence and letters

Order your 10 documents carefully and choose letter writers who worked with you

You can submit up to 10 documents, not counting letters. If you send more, Pact decides on the first 10. You also need three letters: two from well-established film and television organisations you have worked with, at least one of them in the UK, and a third from another established organisation or an individual with recognised expertise in your field.

• Award evidence must show your name, the production, the date and the award category
• For a contribution claim, provide credits and separate letters from the award recipients, in addition to your three letters
• The bar for a significant and direct contribution is high, and the contribution must be to the award itself
• International distribution can be shown through box office sales, credited official listings, and distribution or licence agreements in multiple territories
• Documents in another language need a full translation from a certified translator

Part 6 · Timing

Pact usually decides within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving your application

On average, Pact takes 2 to 3 weeks from receiving your application from Arts Council England to send its decision back. This sits within the overall Arts Council England timing of up to eight weeks for a Stage 1 decision, with no fast-track service. Decisions can be delayed if your letters do not include valid contact details for their authors.