GREAT British Film Reception to Celebrate UK Oscar Nominees

As evidence of its commitment to establish the UK as a center for excellence in filmmaking, Britain boasts over 100 film studios, nearly 5,000 film production companies, 2,500 post-production companies and has four of the world's largest visual effects firms based in Soho, London. British film studios and crews are first- class, its post-production services are groundbreaking and its actors are in constant demand. UK Film Tax Relief is one of the most generous, consistent and well-functioning in the industry and is set to continue.

The GREAT campaign invites the world to take a fresh look at everything Britain has to offer that make it a GREAT place to visit, study, work, invest and do business. The Campaign is built around key pillars of British excellence: Creativity, Technology and Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Knowledge, Green, Music, Sport, Shopping, Heritage and Countryside.

The British Film Commission (BFC) is the national body in charge of attracting, encouraging and supporting the production of international feature films in the UK. With offices in the UK and the US, the BFC provides free professional advice to help make productions in the UK a reality. The British Film Commission is managed by Film London through a public/private partnership which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport through the BFI.

VisitBritain, the national tourist board for England, Scotland and Wales, is responsible for inspiring the world to explore Britain and for developing the UK's visitor economy.

Britain's rich heritage and culture, along with its film expertise all combine to make the UK an ideal location for filming, something which has been drawing film-makers to Britain for years. Research shows that film locations can be a major draw for overseas tourists. VisitBritain research shows that just under half of potential visitors to Britain want to visit places they have seen featured in films or TV. The research also suggests that, following the release of Robin Hood, visitors to Nottingham rose 5.5%; while Alnwick Castle, the location used for Hogwarts School in Harry Potter, experienced a 230% increase in visitors and £9m in spend due to the Potter effect.