Block Booking FAQs

What is the BFFS National Block Booking Scheme?

Block booking is a co-operative distribution scheme where a single film is passed efficiently along a chain of organisations who have booked it. The scheme is designed to widen the choice and diversity of film programming while minimising the considerable hassle of film booking.

What films are available on the scheme?

There are over 100 titles available spanning from classics of world cinema and recent Indie successes to home-grown dramas and inspiring documentaries
To see the full list go to the Block Booking page.
New films are constantly being added so look out for updates on the What’s New page.

Can my film society/community cinema join the scheme?

Yes, if your organisation is a Member or Associate of BFFS. If your organisation is an Affiliate of BFFS you will need to upgrade your membership to join the scheme.
To find out more go to the Join BFFS page (add internal link)

How do I join the scheme?

It’s easy – just tick the box on the 2009 Joining Form and sign the declaration on the back page.
Note that if you choose to join BFFS as an Associate and not a Member you will need to send in supporting information with your joining form.
Once we have received the signed joining form (and supporting documents) you will be sent an e-mail within 5 working days confirming your registration with BFFS and acceptance onto the scheme.

Who can book the films?

On the joining form we ask you to nominate a Block Booking contact to represent your organisation. This person will receive all Block Booking deliveries and communications from the BFFS Central Office. Please provide full contact details including an email address.
Please make sure you let us know if the nominated contact for your organisation changes.

How do I book a film?

All bookings must be submitted using the Booking Form you can download this from the Block Booking Page (add internal link)
Bookings will be accepted via email or post. You are advised to book as far in advance as possible and to provide more than one potential screening date per film to avoid disappointment. Within 5 working days of receipt BFFS will send you an email confirmation of your booking.

What do I do if I need to cancel a film?

If you need to cancel your screening please let us know as soon as possible. Note that if we have already sent you the film we will ask you to cover the cost of returning it.

When will I receive the film?

Films are either dispatched by BFFS or by the preceding organisation in the booking chain. DVDs are sent via Royal Mail First Class Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery four working days prior to your screening.

What will I receive with the film?

A list of all the scheduled screenings for the DVD including a list of addresses for all subsequent screenings, this is the booking chain for the film.
A reminder of the key features of the scheme.

What do I do when I receive the film?

On receipt of the DVD you are advised to check it for faults. Any quality issues should be reported to BFFS straight away. We have back up copies of all films and can send you a replacement copy.

Are there any restrictions on how I should publicise my screening?

NO - You may freely publicise screenings of films booked within the BFFS Block Booking Scheme.

Are there any restrictions on how I can screen the film?

The fee covers a single screening of the DVD supplied.
If you would like to arrange more than one screening of the DVD please indicate this on your booking form. Note that there will be an additional charge for this.
You may screen the film to your members, guests and the public.
You may take money at the door or accept payment in advance of a screening.
You must only screen the film indoors.
You must not copy or in any way make a recording of the DVD.
You must not screen the DVD more than once, unless you have booked a multiple screening.
You must screen from the copy of the DVD that has been provided by BFFS.

What happens following a screening?

Check the schedule enclosed with your copy of the film. This will indicate where to send the film after your screening. Post the DVD to the next organisation in the chain or return to BFFS as directed.

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