BFI statistics show 3.4 billion UK high-end TV production spend

The HETV figures represent almost two thirds of the overall UK production spend

By Matthew Corrigan

Published: February 7, 2025

The HETV figures represent almost two thirds of the overall UK production spend

target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin> The HETV figures represent almost two thirds of the overall UK production spend

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The BFI's Research and Statistics Unit has released its latest official statistics.

The figures reveal the UK's film and high-end TV (HETV) production spend reached £5.6 billion in 2024, a 31 per cent increase over the previous year. £3.4 billion was contributed by 181 HETV shows, representing 62 per cent of the overall total. Feature film production amounted for £2.1 billion. Inward investment and co-production films and HETV amounted to £4.8 billion, or 86 per cent of the combined production spend.

Spend on inward investment on the shows that started principal photography in 2024 accounted for 82 per cent of the total, or £2.82 billion. This represented a 36 per cent increase on the previous year's figure of £2.07 billion.

The £598.2 million domestic show spend accounted for 17 per cent of the total HETV spend, a 22 per cent decrease on 2023. Co-productions accounted for £19.6 million, less than 1 per cent of the total.

Inward investment HETV productions included The Immortal Man: A Peaky Blinders Film, The Donovans, Young Sherlock, Man vs Baby and Art Detectives while domestic HETV productions included Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, Inheritance, Transaction and Man Like Mobeen (series 5).

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

The remainder was made up by co-productions, includingTen Pound Poms, Austin (series 2) and Professor T (series 4).

Ben Roberts, BFI chief executive, commented, 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, added, 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.

The full statistcs for UK film and HETV production are available here.

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