UK Film and High-End TV Production remains buoyant

The latest figures published by the BFI’s Research and Statistical Unit show that the total spend on film and high-end TV production in the UK in 2025 was £6.8billion.

In sharp contrast with the state of the US market, the film and high-end TV (HETV) sector remains buoyant, largely funded by US studios and streamers. The latest figures published by the BFI’s Research and Statistical Unit show that the total spend on film and high-end TV production in the UK in 2025 was £6.8billion. This is broken down to Film spend of £2.8billion and HETV spend of £4billion. Inward investment into the UK for film amounted to £2.5billion generated from projects including Warner Bros Discovery producing Wuthering Heights and Supergirl; Disney making Avengers-Doomsday, and Amazon wrapping the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair in December 2025. Speaking of The Thomas Crown Affair, I love the first two versions of this intriguing story and look forward to seeing the latest version starring Michael B Jordan, who is currently flying high on the success of Sinners.

Local film production costs amounted to £193 million, with the balance of £63million coming from co-productions. The UK Box Office generated £1billion in 2025. Notable successes for independent films shot here were The Roses, The Salt Path, I Swear and The Choral. The market share of UK independent films in 2025 was 6.8%, a slight decrease from 2024. Another wonderful film produced here that went straight to streaming was `The Ballad of Wallis Island` which is nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards

The £4billion spent on HETV production comprises of 59% of total spend which is 17% up from 2024. Inward investment for HETV amounted to £3.3billion which accounts for 85% of total production costs in the year.

BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts, commented that ‘our creativity remains one of our greatest exports.’  Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of British Film Commission added, ‘studios, directors and producers continue to recognise the UK as a beacon of reliability for financial incentives, infrastructure and talent.’

This is all a far cry from what is happening in the US. Film production in the past year has decreased by 35% and employment has dropped by 8% to 12%. Christopher Nolan who has recently taken on the role of President for the 19,500 member strong Directors Union described the labour market as ‘very troubling’, with the industry facing major challenges. The prospective acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery by either Netflix or Paramount will no doubt only lead to further job cuts

Related content

• MEDIA
• HIGH-END TV TAX RELIEF
• ARTICLES