Film piracy in the UK

UK film print management protocol

FDA runs an all-industry working group tasked with producing a protocol that will help to reduce films being copied illicitly in the first place. If we can restrict or reduce instances of theft, we’ll have made a significant contribution to preventing the subsequent circulation and downloading of pirated copies.

The generic protocol – full title: UK Film Print and Digital Media Management Protocol – offers a set of procedures and benchmarks for the secure, efficient handling of film prints at every stage of the UK theatrical lifecycle.

It ranges from the creation of prints, through the pre-release and public release phases, culminating in junking or storage after exhibition. The 2006-07 edition includes an enlarged section on digital media, setting out best practice for example when taking advantage of the UK digital screen network.

You can read the protocol - (PDF 104kb)