Overview

Screenonline is an online reference resource dedicated to the history of British film and television and the ways screen culture reflects social change. Developed by the British Film Institute, it presents curated material intended for general readers, students and researchers.

Content and structure

The site brings together descriptive entries and critical essays on films, television programmes and production companies, as well as thematic pieces that place screen works in broader social, cultural and political contexts. Typical entries include production details, summaries, critical commentary and recommended further reading. Where rights permit, items are accompanied by stills and short clips drawn from archive holdings.

Uses and audience

Screenonline is used by teachers, students, scholars and anyone interested in British screen heritage. It supports classroom study and independent research by providing accessible overviews alongside references to primary and secondary sources. The resource is particularly useful for exploring how film and television document everyday life, national institutions and social change.

Access, clips and licensing

Much of the descriptive content is freely viewable online. For audiovisual material, the site operates within copyright and licensing arrangements: selected clips and, in some cases, whole episodes are made available for educational use. Libraries and accredited educational institutions can obtain licensed downloads or streaming access under the site’s terms.

Development and funding

The project was developed by the British Film Institute with support from a grant provided by the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund. This funding supported the digitisation, research and editorial work required to assemble and present archival material alongside scholarly commentary.

Notable features

  • Curated essays and programme or film entries that combine historical background with critical perspective.
  • Documentation of production companies and industry context.
  • Archival clips and images available to educational partners under licence.
  • A focus on the social history illuminated by moving-image sources.