In the UK we have fantastic talent working across our industry from film to production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution and exhibition. But as you know it's not an easy business to be in. We all grapple with complex questions around production and our working practices. On the WorkWise for Screen Podcast we’ll get the lowdown on all your legal and people management concerns from industry experts. The programme is an initiative to improve good working practices in the screen industries with the support of the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding. https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.
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In the UK we have fantastic talent working across our industry from film to production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution and exhibition. But as you know it's not an easy business to be in. We all grapple with complex questions around production and our working practices. On the WorkWise for Screen Podcast we’ll get the lowdown on all your legal and people management concerns from industry experts. The programme is an initiative to improve good working practices in the screen industries with the support of the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding. https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.
Navigating Visa Complexity: Bringing International Talent to UK Screen Projects, with Sally McEwen
The WorkWise for Screen Podcast
23 minutes
1 month ago
Navigating Visa Complexity: Bringing International Talent to UK Screen Projects, with Sally McEwen
How do you bring a talented producer from Australia or a specialist consultant from Sweden to work on your UK production? And just how complex is the visa process for people from another country hoping to work in the UK screen industry?
In this episode, Keith Arrowsmith and Tacita Small speak with Sally McEwen, an immigration law specialist at OTB Legal, to demystify the UK visa system. With 19 years of experience and Level 2 accreditation, Sally breaks down the visa application routes available to employers and freelancers, from skilled worker visas for producers and directors to creative worker licenses for makeup artists and costume designers.
Sally explains why the screen sector has unique advantages but also faces increasing scrutiny as immigration becomes a hot political topic. She explores the difference between sponsoring employees versus working with global talent visa holders, and why getting job descriptions exactly right is critical to comply with Home Office rules.
From the importance of budgeting to the surprisingly long timelines involved, this conversation provides guidance for navigating one of the most complex and constantly changing areas of screen industry operations.
The WorkWise for Screen podcast is supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Funding.
This episode covers:
The two main visa routes for screen sector: skilled worker and creative worker visas
Realistic timelines: why you need to think in months, not days or weeks
Why legal fees are minimal compared to the cost of getting it wrong
The human impact: remembering real people and families behind every application
CHAPTER MARKERS
(00:00) Introduction with Keith and Tacita
(01:03) Understanding Visa Requirements
(02:41) Sponsorship and Visa Types
(05:13) Global Talent Visa Explained
(07:27) Visa Application Timelines and Costs
(09:30) Challenges and Responsibilities in Visa Processes
(13:39) Common Pitfalls and Compliance
(22:01) Conclusions with Keith and Tacita
LINKS
WorkWise for Screen: https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.uk/
Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharrowsmith/
Tacita Small: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacitasmall/
BFI: https://www.bfi.org.uk/
National Lottery: https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/
Sally McEwen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-mcewen-77648b27/
OTB Legal: https://www.otb-legal.co.uk/
UK Home Office Immigration Rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules
PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television): https://www.pact.co.uk/
Arts Council England: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
The WorkWise for Screen Podcast
In the UK we have fantastic talent working across our industry from film to production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution and exhibition. But as you know it's not an easy business to be in. We all grapple with complex questions around production and our working practices. On the WorkWise for Screen Podcast we’ll get the lowdown on all your legal and people management concerns from industry experts. The programme is an initiative to improve good working practices in the screen industries with the support of the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding. https://www.workwiseforscreen.org.
