UK Film Industry Sees Remarkable Recovery in 2024: What Filmmakers Need to Know

Editor in Chief of Ikon London Magazine, journalist, film producer and founder of The DAFTA Film Awards (The DAFTAs).

The UK film and high-end television (HETV) sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, with production spend soaring to £5.6 billion in 2024 – a significant 31% increase from the previous year. For filmmakers looking to navigate this dynamic landscape, here’s what you need to know about the current state of British film and television production.

Film Production Makes a Strong Comeback

The film sector has shown particularly impressive growth, with total production spend reaching £2.1 billion, marking a substantial 56% increase from 2023. This recovery signals a robust return to form following the disruptions of recent years, including the impact of US strikes.

For independent filmmakers, there’s encouraging news: domestic UK film production saw a 24% increase, reaching £185.8 million in 2024. This growth suggests an improving landscape for homegrown productions, supported by new tax incentives, including a specific credit for independent films.

Regional Production Boom

One of the most promising developments for filmmakers is the widespread distribution of production activity across the UK. Major productions are no longer confined to London and the Southeast, with significant activity across all regions:

Northern Ireland hosted major productions like “How to Train Your Dragon”
Scotland attracted productions such as “Blood of My Blood” and “Outlander” (Season 8)
Wales saw productions including “The Man in My Basement” and “Gavin & Stacey: The Finale”
The North of England welcomed high-profile projects like “28 Years Later” and various television series

This regional spread presents opportunities for filmmakers to access diverse locations and potentially benefit from regional funding and support structures.

Streaming Platforms: A Growing Force

The streaming sector continues to be a significant player in the UK production landscape. In 2024, 25 feature-length productions for streaming platforms contributed £511 million to the overall HETV spend. This represents a substantial opportunity for filmmakers to access alternative distribution and funding models beyond traditional theatrical releases.

Market Performance and Distribution

While production figures are encouraging, the theatrical market still shows room for recovery. The 2024 box office generated £979 million, with cinema admissions reaching 126.5 million – still 28% behind pre-pandemic levels. However, success stories like “Back to Black” (£12.3 million) demonstrate that there’s still a strong appetite for British independent films, with the independent sector achieving a 6.9% market share.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Filmmakers

According to Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission, the UK is experiencing its highest level of inward investment production enquiries in many years. This surge in interest, combined with enhanced tax credits and world-class infrastructure, suggests a promising future for both domestic and international productions.

Key advantages for filmmakers include:

Enhanced tax credits, including new benefits for independent films
World-class skills base and talent pool
Diverse locations across the UK
Cutting-edge facilities and stage space
Strong government support for the sector

Making the Most of the Current Climate

For filmmakers looking to capitalise on these opportunities, consider:

Exploring regional production hubs beyond London
Investigating the new tax credit system, particularly for independent productions
Considering streaming platforms as potential partners for distribution
Taking advantage of the UK’s diverse locations and technical infrastructure
Building relationships with international partners, as co-productions remain a viable pathway

The current landscape presents a mix of challenges and opportunities, but with production spend reaching new heights and support structures strengthening across the country, there has perhaps never been a better time to be making films in the UK.

As Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive, notes, while these figures are encouraging, continued investment in skills and infrastructure, alongside strong government support, will be crucial for maintaining the UK’s position as a global production hub while strengthening its independent sector for the future.

The BFI Research and Statistics Unit’s full statistics releases for film and high-end television production and the UK box office in 2024 are published at www.bfi.org.uk/industry-data-insights/official-statistics-release-calendar