In cheering news for the British entertainment business, film and high-end television production spend in the U.K. reached over £5.64 billion in 2021, £1.27 billion higher than in the pre-pandemic year 2019.’s Research and Statistics Unit reveal that film production reached £1.55 billion, 3% up on 2020, while high-end TV production soared to £4.09 billion, nearly double pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
The number of films going into production in the U.K. in 2021 was 209, which is 75 more than COVID-affected 2020.” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” had a combined gross of £181 million, accounting for 30% of the year’s total business. “No Time To Die” is the third highest grossing film of all time in the U.K. and Ireland with £96.6 million, behind another Bond film, “Skyfall” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” .
U.K.-qualifying films, including “No Time To Die,” accounted for a 41% share of the box office compared to 46.5% in 2020, while 36.1% was accounted for by U.S.-studio backed films which is the highest share on record. This puts the balancing market share for independent U.K. films at 5%, a sharp decline from 2020’s share of 14%. However, the total box office for independent U.K.
Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive said: “The record-breaking level of film and TV production in the UK revealed today is good news for our industry and the U.K. economy and demonstrates the speed of the sector’s recovery. The groundwork for further growth is underway with expansion of studio spaces and production hot spots across our nations and regions, and working with industry to build up the skilled workforce that we need to meet demand and stay on top of our game.