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1.Scope

This Section of the Rating Manual covers all film and TV studios whether converted buildings or purpose built. It also covers dedicated film sets.

The range of properties in this class is very diverse with substantial variations in the physical characteristics of film and television studios. They can range from purpose-built premises (with or without open air sets) through to adapted warehouse/factory or office accommodation or even a real life complex. Permanent purpose built outdoor film sets are also included in this class.

In general there are two types of TV studio, production and non-production. Main production studios contain purpose-built and designed production studios where major television series are created. Non-production studios tend to be more concerned with regional news programmes and do not have extensive studio accommodation. It should be remembered that height is a critical factor for lighting and production purposes and sound proofing is also a major consideration.

Film studios no longer tend to be occupied solely by a single large film company making numerous films of their own. The modern approach is for film makers to hire the use of facilities such as film stages, rehearsal rooms, offices, cutting rooms, dubbing and preview theatres etc. in order to produce their own films.

Purpose built outdoor film sets vary, a standard layout may be used for years, or the land used may be subject to regular remodeling between productions. It is in the nature of film and TV sets to be subject to such change and this constant remodeling has to be envisaged within this particular mode and category of use.

2.List Description and Special Category Code

For film and TV studios, Special Category Code (SCat Code) 100 should be adopted. The relevant suffix letter will be S, as film and TV studios are a specialist class. Responsibility for ensuring effective co-ordination of SCat 100 assessments rests with specialists.

The Special Category Code (SCat), Primary Description Code (P Desc Code) and primary description available for retail warehouses is as follows:* SCat Code: 100 Film and TV Studios* P Desc Code: CX, overwriting the description as appropriate. This overwritten primary description should describe the nature of the hereditament adequately; suggestions include: Film Studio and Premises, TV Studio and Premises or Film Set and Premises

The default primary description associated with the CX primary description code must not be used. It must be overwritten.

3.Responsible Teams

Film and TV studios are a specialist class and the responsibility of specialists in the National Valuation Unit (NVU).

In respect of TV Studios, requests for Information should be made on forms of return (FOR) as appropriate; FOR VO 6003 is sufficient to seek the information needed to make valuations, but follow-up with VO 6005 may be required to seek further and better particulars about fitting out, including specialised floor and wall finishes and other plant and machinery.

In respect of Film Studios, requests for information on FOR may be of assistance, particularly in respect of the costs of construction of sound stages and other specialised rateable elements. Assistance may be required from building surveyors where appropriate, and this should be considered by the Specialist responsible.

Film and TV sets should be considered with assistance from building surveyors and National Specialist Unit as considered appropriate, dependent on the size and complexity presented by the land in question.

4.Co-ordination

4.1 Generally

The Film and TV Studio Class Co-ordination Team (CCT) has high level responsibility for the co-ordination of this class. You can find contact details here. The CCT is responsible for examining the approach to making valuations for Film Studios, TV Studios and Film Sets. The CCT will deliver Practice Notes describing the valuation basis for revaluation and provide advice as necessary during the life of the rating lists.

The framework for co-ordination is shown in Rating Manual Section 6 Part 1. Additionally, and where available, this class is subject to the co-ordination procedures outlined in the appropriate practice notes attached to RM Volume 2:1.

4.2 Specifically

The Film and TV Studio Class deals with the production sector of an industry that involves production, distribution and exhibition. All three sectors make up the Film Industry.

With that in mind, it is recommended that caseworkers consider Rating Manual guidance in respect of cinemas at Rating Manual Volume 5: Section 240.

5.Legal Framework

5.1 Generally

The guidance contained in Rating Manuals Volumes 1 to 4 should be consulted as appropriate. In particular, occupation and the hereditament at Rating Manual Volume 4: Section 2 and rental adjustment at Rating Manual Volume 4: Section 5.

5.2 Rateability

No difficulty should arise in establishing rateability of film and TV Studios and Sets. The four tenets of rateable occupation as set out in J Laing & Son v Kingswood AC [1949] 1KB 344.

6. Survey Requirements

6.1 Basis of Measurement - Overall GIA/NIA

For Film Studios, the basis of measurement is Gross Internal Area (GIA). For TV Studios the basis of measurement is Net Internal Area (NIA). land used for film sets should be measured overall as appropriate. Where measuring to GIA or NIA, reference should be made to the relevant Code of Measuring Practice for Rating Purposes in England and Wales.

6.2 Value Sensitive Aspects

All features likely to have a bearing on value should be recorded in sufficient detail. Prominence of position is of particular relevance to the valuation. Also of significance are:* the age and type of the particular building, and of its surroundings * the size and shape of the film sets, sound stages, workshops and offices* the amount and position of the workshops relative to the sound stages or film set * the age, of the sound stages and the external height and internal clear working heights* the nature of the construction of the sound stages, including the quality of insulation, power supplies, lighting, lighting support rigs and other structures* the age, construction type and quality of any workshops* the age, construction and quality of any offices* the convenience of the access/loading facilities and the ease and adequacy of parking, for both loading, trailers, cars and associated movement of large items of film sets* individual characteristics which need noting include storage heights, varying floor levels, and the position of pillars or any other obstructions.

6.3 Surveys

Whilst carrying out the survey, the general inspection checklist should be used. Special attention should be given to the following features:

6.4 Plant and Machinery

Adequate information regarding all items of Plant & Machiner

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