Spending on UK TV and film productions hit a record high in 2017 according to new figures from the BFI.
TV production generated a record £684 million in inward investment spend – a 27.6 per cent increase on 2016. In film, the figure was higher with investment spend reaching £1.69 billion – the highest figure since records began and a 23 per cent increase.
Each of the UK’s regions and nations served as a significant draw for high-end TV projects, often benefitting from ‘return business’: Scotland saw the return of Outlander for its fourth season; the final season of Game of Thrones is currently in production in Northern Ireland and Wales-based drama Requiem is soon to be broadcast. Meanwhile England’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ – including Yorkshire and the cities of Manchester and Liverpool – demonstrated its status as a creative force, hosting returning series Peaky Blinders and Victoria.
The BFI said the quality of British talent, crews, VFX and production services, locations and supportive tax regime drove the figures.
