Inward investment spend topped £3bn in UK for 2019

The BFI has released figures illustrating the record-breaking impact made by inward investment high-end TV projects filming in the UK over the last year.

A total of £1.294bn inward investment spend came from high-end TV projects, including Avenue 5, Bridgerton and Brave New World. This is the highest figure since records began and a 51% increase on the previous year’s total.

Inward investment feature films racked up £1.742bn in UK spend - up 17% on 2018’s total - with titles such as 1917, Morbius and Black Widow.

The British Film Commission provided production support to 88% of all US film and high-end TV inward investment spend last year.

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission and Film London, said: “Film and high-end TV are big business, indeed we are the fastest-growing sector in the economy, and today’s record breaking figures show the UK continuing to meet the growing demand for content, studio space and world-class skills, talent and technical expertise.

“Last year saw industry heavyweights such as Netflix, Disney and Comcast strengthening their commitment to the UK, providing further endorsement of the UK’s world-class infrastructure, talent and generous, reliable tax reliefs.”

Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, said: "Today’s figures show an incredibly vibrant picture, a sector that continues to grow, delivering billions to the economy and a wide spectrum of jobs all over the UK. It’s great to see some of our greatest home-grown talent making big international pictures such as 1917.

"It also underlines the importance of ensuring that the independent sector, the lifeblood for this growing success, is properly supported.”