The Prime Minister, David Cameron, today announced the extension of the film tax relief until at least 2015.

The popular scheme is the Government's tax break for the British film industry, and it is key to ensuring the UK can maintain its position as one of the most popular destinations for film-makers across the world.

The news has been welcomed by the British Film Commission (BFC), a division of Film London and the national body responsible for attracting, encouraging and supporting the production of international feature films in the UK.

The film tax relief promotes the sustainable production of Culturally British films. In 2009/10, the policy provided around £95 million of support to the British film industry, supporting over £1 billion worth of investment in 208 feature films.

Recent productions which have been certified as British include multi-Oscar®-winner The King's Speech, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Attack the Block, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (parts I and 2).

Brad Pitt's World War Z, Ridley Scott's Prometheus and Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Charlize Theron are titles which have recently shot in the UK and the 23rd Bond film, Skyfall, started shooting in the UK this week.

Reflecting on the announcement, Iain Smith, Chair of the British Film Commission, said: "Not only does it demonstrate the Government understands the vital role that the art and business of film-making plays in our economic and cultural landscape, but it also ensures the UK can maintain its global competitiveness. It puts a level of stability in place which allows us as the BFC, with our international partners, to continue to drive the industry forward and grow and develop the film industry in this country."

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission also commented: "The renewal of the film tax relief is a crucial element of the UK's offer to the international industry. This support from the Government gives us continuity and a fantastic foundation, which in turn allows us to aggressively market our world-class talent, facilities and locations across the globe."

For more details, please read the full press release.