According to the latest figures from the BFI Research and Statistics Unit, 66 films started shooting in the UK in the first half of 2025 with a total UK production spend of £1.1bn.
There were six fewer production starts than first reported for the first half of 2024, while production spend went down by 1%.
Inward investment productions accounted for £999m – or 91% – of the total film starts, while domestic productions accounted for £62m (6% of the total) and co-production spend was £35m (3% of the total).
Films that started shooting in the UK in 2025 included: Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers; Ghost Writer, directed by JJ Abrams; The Runner, directed by Kevin Macdonald; and Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight.
Domestic UK films include A Hand Rises, Louise Stern’s directorial debut, and Chork, directed by Shane Meadows.
For high-end TV (HETV) productions, the BFI figures have shown improvement over the previous year. In total, 82 HETV productions began principal photography in the first half of 2025 with a total UK spend of £2.1bn, an increase from the £1.8bn first reported for productions in the first half of 2024.
In the first half of 2025, inward investment production spending was £1.8bn (83% of the total). Domestic productions accounted for £332m (16% of the total) and co-productions accounted for £27m (1% of the total).
Inward investment HETV productions starting principal photography in the first half of 2025 included: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3; Ahsoka Season 2; Rivals Season 2; and The Wanted Man. Domestic HETV productions included A Woman of Substance, The Lady, Secret Service, Waiting for the Out, and Betrayal.
The British Film Institute recently published a report setting out key recommendations for the UK screen sector to capitalise on AI opportunities. Discover more here.
.jpg)
BSC Expo: “AI is a real b*****d to work with”
The annual British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) Expo returned to the Evolution Centre in Battersea, London, this weekend, attracting key professionals across the production industry with its packed seminar schedule and frank discussions on the future of the film industry.
John Gore Studios acquires AI production specialist Deep Fusion
UK-based film and TV group John Gore Studios has acquired AI specialist production company Deep Fusion Films.
Sky to offer Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hayu in one subscription
Sky has announced "world-first" plans to bring together several leading streaming platforms as part a single TV subscription package.
Creative UK names Emily Cloke as Chief Executive
Creative UK has appointed former diplomat Emily Cloke as its new Chief Executive.
Rise launches Elevate programme for broadcast leaders
Rise has launched the Elevate programme, a six-week leadership course designed to fast-track the careers of mid-level women working across broadcast media technology.
