UK’s high-end TV spending dives 41% as BFI data reveals impact of US strikes

House Of The Dragon

Spending on high-end television production (HETV) in the UK dived 41% last year, with inward investment down 42% at £2.07bn as the impact of last year’s US writers and actors strike was laid bare.

The decline was revealed by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit, which showed that spending on HETV shows such as House Of The Dragon and Doctor Who fell to £2.87bn ($3.66bn) last year, down from a revised total for 2022 of £4.85bn.

HETV spending in 2022 was the highest year on record, fuelled by an acceleration in production following the pandemic, and while the decline lkast year was steep, it is still a 25% increase on 2019’s revised spend of £2.47bn.

Doctor Who

The BFI said 187 HETV productions started principal photography in 2023, with the £2.07bn spend on inward investment making up 72% of the total but down markedly on 2022’s £3.63bn.

UK coproductions hit new record in 2023

Domestic production spend on shows including Call The Midwife and Rebus stood at £766m and accounted for 27% of total HETV, up 21% on 2022, while coproduction spend on seven qualifying shows rose slightly on 2022’s £36.5m to reach £38.9m in 2023.

Combined TV and film production spends on HETV shows reached £4.23bn in 2023, 32% down on 2022 but level with pre-pandemic spending.

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission, said: “Globally, the current environment for film and TV production has become challenging for a number of reasons and it will come as no surprise that as a result of industrial action in the US suspending production half way through the year, today’s figures are lower than those for 2022.

Call The Midwife

“However, despite this, we remain incredibly proud of the UK’s position as a leading global centre for film and TV production, post and visual effects, attracting international and domestic producers to make their content here.

“This is the result of our world-class crew base – in which we continue to invest, our generous tax credits – which have once again been enhanced, and our increased UK-wide stage space offer, coupled with our range of cutting-edge facilities and diverse locations.”

UK culture secretary Lucy Frazer added: “While the American strikes mean it has been a challenging year for global film production, the future for British film remains bright as it continues to bring in billions of pounds to our economy.

“Our success is built on the innate talent of our actors, writers, creatives and crews. But it is also a product of this government’s efforts – through our tax reliefs and investments in skills, technology and studio infrastructure – to make the UK the best place to write, produce and direct.”