The UK’s film and high-end TV production (HETV) spend reached over PS4.23bn in 2023, 35% down on 2022 in a year in which UK production was heavily impacted by the Hollywood strikes, but almost level with 2019 pre-covid production spend.
Film production reached PS1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost PS2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The PS2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes PS379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK in 2023 that were derailed by the US actors’ strike included Deadpool 3, Wicked and How To Train Your Dragon. UK projects to shoot included Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black and Steve McQueen’s Blitz.
Inward investment and co-production spend on film and high-end television in the UK reached PS3.31bn, or 78% of the combined production spend, 39% down on 2022 and closer to pre-pandemic levels.
UK domestic film production spend is PS150.2m, only 11% of the total spend on film and a 13% decrease on spend in 2022; while UK domestic HETV production spend is PS766m, 27% of total HETV production, and 21% more than in 2022.
Of the PS1.36bn spend on 207 film productions in 2023, investment films contributed PS1.04bn (77% of total film spend), a 40% decrease on 2022; and co-production spend accounted for PS162.8m (just over 12% of total film spend), more than two and a half times spend in 2022.
Of the total PS2.87bn spend on 187 HETV productions in 2023 inward investment shows contributed PS2.07bn (72% of total HETV spend), a 43% decrease on 2022; domestic UK shows accounted for PS766m (27% of total HETV spend), a 21% increase on 2022; and co-production spend was PS38.9m (1.4% of total spend), a 7% increase on 2022.
“The production and box office figures that we have published today reflect the different dynamics at play across our sector,” Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive said. “Whilst a level of film and high-end television production in the UK was disrupted by strikes in 2023, our industry continues to contribute billions to the UK economy and support a huge range of jobs.”
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission, added: “Globally, the current environment for film and TV production has become challenging for a number of reasons and it will come as no surprise that as a result of industrial action in the US suspending production half way through the year, today’s figures are lower than those for 2022.
“However, despite this, we remain incredibly proud of the UK’s position as a leading global centre for film and TV production, post and visual effects, attracting international and domestic producers to make their content here. Our world-class crew, in which we continue investing, our generous tax incentives, which have been enhanced, as well as our increased UK-wide stages space offer, along with our ranges of cutting-edge facilities, and diverse locations, are the reasons for this. Five of the ten highest grossing films in the UK box office have been made in Britain, a testament to the ability of our film industry to attract audiences to the cinemas and compete internationally. It is also the result of the government’s efforts to make the UK a great place to write, direct and produce films. This has been achieved through tax reliefs, investments in technology, studio infrastructure and skills. We will continue to champion the screen industries as we deliver on our plans to boost creative industries by PS50bn in 2030 and keep the success of UK studios, cinemas and theatres going.”
