Film and TV Production in the U.K. Rebounds to Pre-Covid Levels in 2024
Film and TV Production in the U.K. Bounces Back Strongly in 2024
In a remarkable turnaround, film and TV production in the U.K. surged ahead in 2024, surpassing pre-Covid levels for the first time since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. The industry witnessed a sharp decline in 2023 due to the Hollywood writers and actors strikes but made a strong comeback the following year.
Record Spending on Film and TV Production in the U.K.
According to the British Film Institute (BFI), the total spend on film and high-end TV production in the U.K. reached an impressive £5.6 billion ($6.9 billion) in 2024. This marked a significant 31% increase from the previous year when £4.23 billion ($5.37 billion) was spent on 394 productions. In comparison, the total spend was £6.27 billion ($7.72 billion) in 2022.
U.K. Production Spend and Statistics
It’s important to note that U.K. production spend is counted based on the year in which principal photography commenced. This methodology provides a clear picture of the industry’s growth and economic impact.
Key Highlights of 2024 Production
In 2024, 191 feature films commenced shooting in the U.K., slightly less than the previous year’s 207 productions. Notable projects included Netflix’s "Peaky Blinders" movie and "The Fantastic Four."
Strong U.S. Presence in U.K. Film Production
65% of the total U.K. production spend on films came from productions by the five major U.S. studios and the three major U.S. streaming platforms – Netflix, Apple, and Amazon. This represented a substantial 49% increase in spending in 2024 compared to the previous year. Popular U.S. films that contributed to this growth include "The Running Man," "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," "How to Train Your Dragon," "Project Hail Mary," and "Jurassic World Rebirth."
Growth in High-End TV Productions
In 2024, the U.K. saw 181 high-end TV productions begin principal photography, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 187. The total spend on high-end TV production was £3.44 billion in 2024, a 20% increase from 2023. Notable productions included "The Immortal Man: A Peaky Blinders Film," "The Donovans," "Young Sherlock," "Man vs Baby," and "Art Detectives," among others.
Insights from BFI CEO Ben Roberts
Ben Roberts, the CEO of BFI, expressed optimism about the U.K.’s film and TV industries, highlighting their resilience and contribution to creativity, investment, and job creation. Despite challenges faced in 2023, including the impact of U.S. strikes, production spend rebounded significantly in 2024, reaching £5.6 billion. Roberts emphasized the need for continued investment in skills, infrastructure, and government support to maintain the U.K.’s position as a top destination for filmmaking.
Future Outlook and Industry Challenges
While celebrating the industry’s success in 2024, Roberts acknowledged a 22% drop in domestic high-end TV spend, indicating ongoing challenges within the sector. He emphasized the importance of sustained investment and government backing to support international productions and strengthen the independent film sector for the future.
In conclusion, the U.K.’s film and TV production industry’s resurgence in 2024 reflects its resilience, creativity, and economic importance on the global stage. Continued support and investment will be crucial to ensure sustained growth and competitiveness in the years to come.