Film, TV Production Spend in the U.K. Reach Record Levels

Inward investment spend from high-end TV in the U.K. reached a record £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion) in 2019, according to BFI.

Inward investment on high-end TV was up 51 percent on the previous year. Key productions in 2019 included Avenue 5, Bridgerton and Brave New World. Film investment also rose, by 17 percent, to £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion). The British Film Commission (BFC) provided support to projects and companies accounting for 88 percent of all U.S. film and high-end TV inward investment spend in 2019.

“Film and high-end TV are big business, indeed we are the fastest-growing sector in the economy, and today’s record-breaking figures show the U.K. continuing to meet the growing demand for content, studio space and world-class skills, talent and technical expertise,” said Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission and Film London. “Last year saw industry heavyweights such as Netflix, Disney and Comcast strengthening their commitment to the U.K., providing further endorsement of the U.K.’s world-class infrastructure, talent and generous, reliable tax reliefs.

“As today’s figures demonstrate, the U.K. film and TV industry is very much open for business and we’re excited to continue working with our U.S. and EU partners to create award-winning content.

“It’s vital we continue to nurture and champion the exceptional talent across our screen industries, the BFC working together with our public and private partners across the U.K. to seize the growth opportunities for nations and regions, putting inclusivity and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.”

Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, added: “Today’s figures show an incredibly vibrant picture, a sector that continues to grow, delivering billions to the economy and a wide spectrum of jobs all over the U.K. It’s great to see some of our greatest home-grown talent making big international pictures such as 1917. It also underlines the importance of ensuring that the independent sector, the lifeblood for this growing success, is properly supported.”