The BFI’s annual full-year production stats for 2023 show a total spend across film and high-end television (HETV) of £4.23bn.

This figure was down 32% on 2022, with the dual US strikes likely to have had a major effect. However, it was almost level with 2019 pre-pandemic production spend.

Key findings: 

• Film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022

• HETV production hit almost £2.9bn – 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013

• £2.9bn spend on HETV includes £379m from 18 ‘film’ productions made for streaming platforms

• Inward investment and co-production spend on film and HETV in the UK reached £3.31bn, 39% down on 2022 and closer to pre-pandemic levels

• UK domestic film production spend was £150.2m, only 11% of the total spend on film and a 13% decrease on spend in 2022; UK domestic HETV production spend was £76m, 27% of total HETV production, and 21% more than in 2022

Of the total £2.87bn spend on 187 HETV productions in 2023: inward investment shows contributed £2.07bn (72% of total HETV spend), a 43% decrease on 2022; domestic UK shows accounted for £766m (27% of total HETV spend), a 21% increase on 2022; and co-production spend was £38.9m (1.4% of total spend), a 7% increase on 2022.

Of the total £1.36bn spend on 207 film productions in 2023: inward investment films contributed £1.04bn (77% of total film spend), a 40% decrease on 2022;  domestic UK films accounted for £150.2m (just over 11% of total film spend) a 13% decrease on 2022 and co-production spend accounted for £162.8m (just over 12% of total film spend), more than two and a half times spend in 2022.

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.

“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.”

The Outlaws image via BBC.