The British Film Institute recently released its annual report,  highlighting a significant resurgence in the UK’s screen industries. After a challenging 2023, marked by industry strikes, the total production spend in 2024 reached a record £5.6 billion, a 31% increase from the previous year.

High-end television production was a major contributor, with 181 HETV projects accounting for £3.44 billion of the total spend. Notably, inward investment productions, such as “The Immortal Man: A Peaky Blinders Film” and “Young Sherlock,” comprised 82% of this expenditure, totaling £2.82 billion—a 36% rise from 2023. In contrast, domestic UK HETV productions saw a 22% decrease, with spending dropping to £598.2 million.

The feature film sector also experienced growth, with 191 films contributing £2.1 billion to the total production spend. Inward investment and co-productions were significant drivers, underscoring the UK’s appeal as a premier destination for international filmmaking. High-profile projects included Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” and Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Bugonia.”

Film and television production generated local business activity and jobs across the UK. and productions were spread around the whole country highlighting the increase in regional filming. 

Despite the overall growth, the industry faces challenges. Domestic UK HETV production spending decreased by 22%, and the cinema box office remained 22% below pre-pandemic levels, totaling £979 million in 2024. The top-grossing film was “Wicked,” earning £59.6 million.