The latest official figures published by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit show that film and high-end TV production spend in the UK was £5.6 billion in 2024, a 31% increase on 2023 as parts of the sector regained momentum, generating billions to the UK economy.
The lion’s share of the total £5.6 billion production spend was contributed by HETV shows with £3.4 billion, or 62% of the total spend; with feature film production contributing £2.1 billion, or 38% of the total spend.
Inward investment and co-production films and HETV shows combined delivered £4.8 billion, or 86% of the combined production spend, continuing to demonstrate the UK’s global reputation as the world-leading centre for international film and TV production.
Of the total £3.4 billion spend on 181 HETV productions in 2024:
- inward investment shows contributed £2.8 billion (82% of total HETV spend), a 36% increase on 2023;
- domestic UK shows accounted for £598 million (17% of total HETV spend), a 22% decrease on 2023; and
- co-production spend was £19.6 million (less than 1% of total spend), a 50% decrease on 2023.
Of the total £2.1 billion spend on 191 film productions in 2024:
- inward investment films contributed £1.85 billion (87% of total film spend), a 78% increase on 2023;
- domestic UK films accounted for £185.8 million (9% of total film spend), a 24% increase on 2023; and
- co-production spend accounted for £79.8 million (4% of total film spend), a 51% decrease on 2023.
The production statistics also reveal a varying level of investment made by streamer platforms in single long-form ‘film’ productions (ie not episodic or series). In 2024, there were 25 single feature-length productions which contributed £511 million to the HETV spend of £3.4 billion. However, the methodology to collate the data requires complicated analysis; whilst most productions for streamers are captured as HETV production because they use the HETV cultural test to access tax relief, some are captured within film data because they use the film cultural test.
Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive, said: “The UK’s film and TV industries continue to be a powerhouse for creativity, investment and jobs. After a disrupted 2023, including the impact of US strikes, production spend rebounded to £5.6 billion in 2024 – up 31% on the previous year – demonstrating the UK’s strength as a world-leading destination for filmmaking. Wicked, made here in the UK, led the box office, following Barbie’s success in 2023, while independent films like Back to Black and One Life helped grow market share.
“At the same time, we know these figures don’t tell the whole story. The 22% drop in domestic HETV spend is a reminder that many in the industry are feeling the pressure, and what happens next will be critical. Continued investment in skills and infrastructure, alongside strong government support, is essential to ensuring the UK remains a magnet for international productions while strengthening our independent sector for the future.”
Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission, said: “Today’s figures reflect the buoyancy and continued growth of our inward investment film and HETV production sector in the UK. After a challenging 2023 due to US strikes, and a slower than expected return to production, these figures reflect the increased inward investment film and HETV production activity we saw in the UK as 2024 gathered pace. So we see 2024 as a transitional year.
“Looking forward, we’re cautiously optimistic. The British Film Commission is experiencing the highest level of inward investment production enquiries for many years. And while we’re still waiting for the market to settle, to reach a ‘new normal’, we have strong support from UK Government, new and enhanced tax credits – including an increased VFX tax credit and the all-new credit for independent films – a world-class skills base and a UK-wide offer of diverse locations and stage space boasting cutting edge facilities.
“The UK remains well-placed to see a competitive share of the global production spend and all signs are that we’ll see strong growth in film and HETV in coming months.”
