UK film production spend reaches £1.47bn
The British Film Institute (BFI) has published new figures showing that the UK's screen industries are thriving like never before.
According to the BFI's annual statistical report, UK films are making an increasingly significant contribution to the UK economy and the past twelve months saw a massive surge in film production in the UK. The latter generated a total spend of £1.471bn in 2014, a 35% increase on 2013 and the highest recorded figure ever.
The tax reliefs for film, high-end television, animation and children's live action content are helping to generate more production investment from abroad, with many Hollywood producers choosing the UK over the US. This goes hand-in-hand with a growing confidence in the creativity and expertise of the UK's crews and production facilities.
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission and Film London said: "The significant number of ambitious, large-scale productions choosing our skills, our facilities and our locations is vital for the UK economy. But in addition, our success in attracting these productions is driving our industry forward and providing a vibrant environment in which to train our crew and talent of tomorrow."Â
During 2014, international films coming to shoot in the UK included Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Mission: Impossible 5, Alice In Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass and Pan.
And not just international films were flourishing. UK productions also benefitted from the financial measures. Features such as Testament of Youth (see photo), Dad's Army and the soon to be released Shaun the Sheep were all produced benefitting from the appropriate tax relief. On top of this, the UK government can boast that its tax rules have been detrimental in the production of major TV series such as Wolf Hall and US favourite Downton Abbey.
"The UK film industry is a powerhouse for growth and I'm delighted that 2014 saw an all-time high spend on film production," said culture secretary Sajid Javid. He also stressed once again that supporting the creative industries is a key part of the Government's long term economic plan.
Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, said: "Film is a sector alive with opportunity and energy, where creativity and fiscal policy is working hand in hand to make the UK the most exciting place on the planet to do business."
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