A new report that looks at the impact of the decision to revive and regenerate Doctor Who in 2005 and to locate the series to Cardiff has had on Wales’ creative sector has been published.
The report coincides with today’s 60th anniversary of the show’s first episode, and has been created by economists in the BBC Public Policy team, incorporating primary research conducted by Media Cymru.
The analysis considers the impact of the show from the start of production on Series 1 to the most recent series with Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor (Series 13).
It finds that for every £1 of direct economic output (GVA) generated by the production of Doctor Who, a subsequent £0.96 of economic output was generated in Wales, making its total economic contribution £1.96.
The report also finds that the regeneration of the show in Wales is widely acknowledged as the catalyst for investment in the South Wales creative cluster and its specialism in High-End television and drama production. Analysis by Cardiff University’s Centre for the Creative Economy for the report pinpoints Doctor Who as the moment the South Wales creative cluster shifted from strength to recognised excellence.
Across the UK, Doctor Who production activities generated £256 million since the show was relaunched and produced in Wales and 87 per cent of the show’s economic output was generated in the UK creative industries.
Speaking about the report, director-general of the BBC, Tim Davie, said: “In 2004 we decided to reboot Doctor Who in Wales. That decision has a tremendous legacy we can be proud of. It has delivered over £134 million to the Welsh economy – and over a quarter of a billion to the UK as whole. That is truly remarkable.
“Doctor Who’s lasting legacy in Wales is being replicated across the UK as more and more BBC programmes and services move their content outside of London and into the nations and regions. We’re harnessing the creative economy across the UK; something which is paying huge dividends – for communities and for audiences.”
The full report is available to read here.
The report does not include the 60th anniversary episodes or forthcoming season that have been produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios and Disney Branded Television, as the economic data beyond Series 13 is not yet complete nor available, said the BBC.
