top of page
Search

The UK’s Film and High-End Television Production Boom in 2025

Updated: 7 days ago

The UK’s film and high-end television (HETV) production industry is thriving once again. In the first quarter of 2025, the production spend nearly tripled compared to the same period last year. This remarkable growth, according to data from the British Film Institute (BFI), is primarily driven by inward investment—foreign-funded productions that are now being filmed in the UK.


Record-Breaking Start to 2025


  • £1.17 billion was spent on film and HETV production in Q1 2025—a staggering 174% increase over Q1 2024.

  • A significant 86% of this spending came from inward investment.


This sharp rise underscores the UK’s appeal as a production hotspot. This attractiveness stems from a generous tax relief system, world-class studio infrastructure, as well as seasoned crews.


High-End Television Leads the Surge


  • High-end TV accounted for £958.5 million of Q1 production spending.

  • Major inward investment titles include Netflix’s The Immortal Man and Amazon’s Young Sherlock.


This surge builds on the momentum from 2024, a year when inward investment in HETV reached a record £3.4 billion. This was achieved despite a downturn in domestic projects.


Film Sector Bounces Back


  • Film production spending for 2024 rose to £2.1 billion, reflecting a 56% increase from the previous year.

  • This recovery followed the resolution of U.S. industry strikes that had disrupted production in 2023.


With major studio projects returning to UK facilities such as Pinewood and Leavesden, the film sector is regaining much-needed stability.


Domestic Production Under Pressure


  • UK-only HETV spending fell by 22%, dropping to £598 million in 2024.

  • Independent UK film production also experienced a decline.


Domestic producers are facing tough challenges. They cite tighter broadcaster budgets and increased competition from global streaming services as significant issues affecting their operations.


Looking Ahead: Balancing International and Domestic Needs


With total production spending for 2024 nearing £5.6 billion, the UK remains a premier destination for film and television. However, the industry must navigate the crucial task of maintaining its global appeal while also investing in and protecting its domestic creative talent.


International investment continues to rise, yet the long-term strength of the UK production sector depends on ensuring that local talent and storytelling are not overlooked. Strengthening the foundation of local content will be essential as the industry evolves.


This delicate balance will help ensure that the UK can sustain its reputation as a leader in the film and television production landscape. As streaming platforms expand and attract more audiences, the richness of local stories must be preserved to keep the industry vibrant and diverse.


Engaging with local talents and providing them with opportunities not only enriches the industry but also results in a tapestry of storytelling that reflects the social and cultural landscapes of the UK. As the demand for content grows, the capability to deliver unique and engaging narratives will determine the success of domestic projects.


Sources


 
 
 

Comments

©2025 by UNLEYEK

bottom of page