email print share on Facebook share on Twitter share on LinkedIn share on reddit pin on Pinterest

Country Focus: UK

by 

Articles, interviews, news, analysis on the UK audiovisual sector.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)
Country profile: United Kingdom

Country profile: United Kingdom

27 June 2023

Canada modernises co-production treaties with UK and Spain

Toronto 2026 - TIFF: The Market

Canada modernises co-production treaties with UK and Spain

The two agreements replace frameworks dating back to 1975 and 1985, updating Canada’s production ties with two key European partners for the digital era  

15 September 2026

Northern European broadcasters launch Northern Star Project for children’s drama

Industry / Market - UK/Belgium/Denmark/Netherlands/Norway

Northern European broadcasters launch Northern Star Project for children’s drama

Five public service broadcasters have joined forces to develop scripted series for children aged 7+, with the initiative opening its first call for projects across Northern Europe  

18 August 2026

Edinburgh International Film Festival unveils an expanded industry programme centred on independent cinema

Edinburgh 2026

Edinburgh International Film Festival unveils an expanded industry programme centred on independent cinema

Ewan McGregor, Ken Burns, Christine Vachon and Bruce Dern are among the renowned guests joining a programme which also launches the inaugural UK Film Conference  

28 July 2026

Greater Manchester launches £10.5 million production fund to boost film and TV growth

Industry / Market - UK

Greater Manchester launches £10.5 million production fund to boost film and TV growth

The new effort will support market-ready features and scripted and unscripted TV projects able to generate economic impact and strengthen the local screen ecosystem  

26 June 2026

SXSW London panel delves into the new realities of global co-productions

SXSW London 2026

SXSW London panel delves into the new realities of global co-productions

The speakers discussed how shrinking US financing, rising production costs and international co-productions are driving new models of television production  

15 June 2026

Docs Ireland Marketplace expands its international reach and talent initiatives

Docs Ireland 2026 – Docs Ireland Marketplace

Docs Ireland Marketplace expands its international reach and talent initiatives

The Belfast-based festival returns for its eighth edition with a strengthened industry programme, a robust Marketplace and enhanced opportunities for emerging documentary talent  

03 June 2026

Mubi and IPR.VC join forces to back European auteur cinema

Industry / Market - UK/Finland

Mubi and IPR.VC join forces to back European auteur cinema

The co-financing partnership aims to support a slate of European films, and is launching with Paweł Pawlikowski’s Fatherland and Felix van Groeningen’s Let Love In  

09 April 2026

The BFI expands the UK Global Screen Fund, increasing its budget to over £18 million per year until 2029

Industry / Market - UK

The BFI expands the UK Global Screen Fund, increasing its budget to over £18 million per year until 2029

The fund has also announced a number of new elements, including further support for UK sales agents, a majority co-production strand and distribution assistance for the video-game industry  

07 April 2026

Rakuten TV Enterprise launches “LIVE” event series to bring together Europe’s connected-TV industry leaders

Industry / Market - Spain/UK/Germany/Italy/Europe

Rakuten TV Enterprise launches “LIVE” event series to bring together Europe’s connected-TV industry leaders

The initiative will gather more than 150 industry leaders and decision makers in Madrid, followed by additional editions in London, Munich and Milan  

13 March 2026

UK film and high-end television spend rose to £6.8 billion in 2025, the BFI reveals

Industry / Market - UK

UK film and high-end television spend rose to £6.8 billion in 2025, the BFI reveals

The film organisation has revealed official statistics from last year, showing growth in production spend alongside box-office takings and admissions  

09 March 2026

MIP London’s Glance presentation explores streaming’s rise over linear TV and the acceleration of hyper-distribution

MIP London 2026

MIP London’s Glance presentation explores streaming’s rise over linear TV and the acceleration of hyper-distribution

At the industry gathering, new data explored streaming’s growing dominance, YouTube and Netflix audience trends, and broadcasters’s hyper-distribution strategies  

26 February 2026

The Big Picture 2026: Guy Bisson outlines five pressure points reshaping the global screen economy

Berlinale 2026 – EFM

The Big Picture 2026: Guy Bisson outlines five pressure points reshaping the global screen economy

BERLINALE 2026: The industry is confronting a hardened post-peak reality, amid flat commissioning, platform consolidation and shifting distribution logics  

14 February 2026

Wonderful Things That Work: Why courage, trust and collaboration still move audiences

Göteborg 2026 – Göteborg Industry

Wonderful Things That Work: Why courage, trust and collaboration still move audiences

A panel of producers and decision makers came to TV Drama Vision to reflect on why some projects still break through creatively and commercially, despite shrinking markets  

29 January 2026

The UK and Ireland box office tops £1.07 billion in 2025, marking strongest post-pandemic year

Box Office - UK/Ireland

The UK and Ireland box office tops £1.07 billion in 2025, marking strongest post-pandemic year

From franchise powerhouses to event cinema successes, last year confirmed renewed audience confidence across the big screen sector of the two countries  

09 January 2026

The British Film Commission and Italian Film Commissions renew collaboration with enhanced memorandum of understanding

Industry / Market - UK/Italy

The British Film Commission and Italian Film Commissions renew collaboration with enhanced memorandum of understanding

The deal reinforces bilateral efforts to attract inward investment and stimulate co-production activity between the two countries  

09 December 2025

UK TV exports surpass £2 billion as library titles fuel sector rebound

Industry / Market - UK

UK TV exports surpass £2 billion as library titles fuel sector rebound

The rise signals a clear rebound after several unsettled years for global markets, driven in part by distributors’ efforts to maximise the value of their catalogues  

21 November 2025

Film London’s Production Finance Market to embrace a wider range of creatives and early-stage IP

Industry / Market - UK

Film London’s Production Finance Market to embrace a wider range of creatives and early-stage IP

The effort will make the event the first to combine film projects and IP under one roof  

08 October 2025

The Unlocking New Audiences study analyses new television viewing habits in Spain, France, Germany and Italy

Industry / Market - Spain/France/Germany/Italy

The Unlocking New Audiences study analyses new television viewing habits in Spain, France, Germany and Italy

There is a shift towards free, ad-supported models, with 75% of respondents watching video-on-demand with adverts or FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) once a week  

16 September 2025

Disney+ expands its partnerships via deals with the UK’s ITVX, Germany’s ZDF and Spain’s Atresmedia

Industry / Market - USA/UK/Germany/Spain

Disney+ expands its partnerships via deals with the UK’s ITVX, Germany’s ZDF and Spain’s Atresmedia

The new content-sharing agreements demonstrate the global streaming service’s increased interest in the audiences of national broadcasters  

15 September 2025

Mediawan’s Plan B launches European arm under Ed Macdonald

Industry / Market - UK/USA/France

Mediawan’s Plan B launches European arm under Ed Macdonald

Brad Pitt’s production company is expanding its global reach with a new London-based subsidiary aiming to boost the firm’s production of premium TV series  

09 September 2025

Content Europe set to launch in Lisbon in April 2026

Industry / Market - Portugal/UK

Content Europe set to launch in Lisbon in April 2026

The new, three-day industry gathering initiated by C21Media is positioning itself as a sales and acquisitions hub  

25 August 2025

Karlovy Vary reveals insights into the BBC’s approach to writer development

Karlovy Vary 2025 – KVIFF Industry Days

Karlovy Vary reveals insights into the BBC’s approach to writer development

Head of new writing Jessica Loveland detailed how the UK’s national broadcaster is supporting emerging and established writers  

15 July 2025

The UK and French industries re-affirm their partnership with a new Moving Image Co-operation Agreement

Industry / Market - UK/France

The UK and French industries re-affirm their partnership with a new Moving Image Co-operation Agreement

The two national film bodies, the BFI and the CNC, have collaborated on a deal benefitting the audience, culture and industry in both countries  

15 July 2025

RTL Group to acquire Sky Deutschland in landmark €150 million deal

Industry / Market - Germany/Luxembourg/UK

RTL Group to acquire Sky Deutschland in landmark €150 million deal

The acquisition marks RTL Group’s biggest transaction since its founding, merging two major players in European broadcasting and sports content  

30 June 2025

UK government unveils £380 million Creative Industries Sector Plan to boost film, TV and global growth

Industry / Market - UK

UK government unveils £380 million Creative Industries Sector Plan to boost film, TV and global growth

The plan earmarks £75 million specifically to strengthen BFI initiatives; support has also been announced for other industry bodies in the country  

26 June 2025

Docs Ireland Marketplace broadens its scope with Irish-language initiatives and a strong slate

Docs Ireland 2025 – Docs Ireland Marketplace

Docs Ireland Marketplace broadens its scope with Irish-language initiatives and a strong slate

The seventh edition of Docs Ireland strengthens its industry programme with new talent development strands, an expanded Marketplace and a dynamic selection of documentary projects  

19 June 2025

SXSW London highlights the UK’s evolving film tax incentives

SXSW London 2025

SXSW London highlights the UK’s evolving film tax incentives

Experts have outlined the country’s tax-incentive updates targeting VFX and independent films, and emphasised the system’s stability and simplicity  

13 June 2025

Traditional and new media converge at SXSW London

Industry / Market - SXSW London 2025

Traditional and new media converge at SXSW London

The first edition of the festival featured Banijay’s Marco Bassetti and The Sidemen’s Jason Schwarzenberger discussing the topic of “Building a Powerhouse”  

11 June 2025

The Ex Oriente Film workshop announces the selection for its 2025 edition

Institute of Documentary Film 2025

The Ex Oriente Film workshop announces the selection for its 2025 edition

The three-part residential workshop kicks off this June in Sheffield and La Rochelle with a fresh selection of 16 forward-thinking documentary projects  

26 May 2025

UK-French VFX synergies explored at the Marché du Film

Cannes 2025 – Marché du Film

UK-French VFX synergies explored at the Marché du Film

CANNES 2025: Representatives of both countries discussed enhanced VFX tax incentives, burgeoning co-productions and cross-border collaboration  

18 May 2025

Industry leaders explore the shifting power dynamics in genre filmmaking at Cannes

Cannes 2025 – Marché du Film

Industry leaders explore the shifting power dynamics in genre filmmaking at Cannes

CANNES 2025: A panel examined audience behaviour, marketing strategies and the data-driven forces transforming how genre films are made, marketed and consumed  

15 May 2025

BFI awards over £448,000 in new UK Global Screen Fund grants

Industry / Market - UK

BFI awards over £448,000 in new UK Global Screen Fund grants

The fourteen awarded titles, which include Hard Truths and The Thing with Feathers, aim to strengthen UK cinema’s presence across global territories and markets  

09 May 2025

Donald Trump's 100% film tariff threat shakes long-standing UK–US industry ties

Industry / Market - USA/UK

Donald Trump's 100% film tariff threat shakes long-standing UK–US industry ties

The UK film sector scrambles for clarity after the US President’s announcement, amid concerns over financial repercussions  

06 May 2025

Leverage Point Entertainment launches, aiming to embed systemic sustainability in film and TV production

Industry / Market - UK/Hungary

Leverage Point Entertainment launches, aiming to embed systemic sustainability in film and TV production

The services of the London- and Budapest-based venture will range from carbon budgeting and decarbonisation strategies to script consulting and sustainable storytelling  

25 April 2025

House of Commons report trains the spotlight on the challenges faced by British film and high-end TV

Industry / Market - UK

House of Commons report trains the spotlight on the challenges faced by British film and high-end TV

The British Film Commission has commented on the governmental analysis that delves into the state of the sector’s economy  

15 April 2025

Mark Cousins speaks about AI and creativity at CPH:DOX

CPH:DOX 2025 – CPH:DOX Industry

Mark Cousins speaks about AI and creativity at CPH:DOX

The revered Northern Irish helmer's conversation with Toronto programmer Thom Powers sparked a broader reflection on tech and imagination  

31 March 2025

University of Glasgow’s spinout company Design Otherwise publishes “Make Freelancing Pay” report

Industry / Market - UK

University of Glasgow’s spinout company Design Otherwise publishes “Make Freelancing Pay” report

The research, aiming to rethink taxes and benefits for UK screen freelancers, examines policies from Germany, France, South Korea, Spain, Ireland and Sweden  

21 March 2025

At MIP London, experts discuss how to navigate the digital-first landscape

MIP London 2025

At MIP London, experts discuss how to navigate the digital-first landscape

The session covered creative strategies, distribution models, and commissioning practices to unlock new opportunities in the evolving TV industry  

05 March 2025

Industry experts debate market trends and streamers’ needs at MIP London

MIP London 2025

Industry experts debate market trends and streamers’ needs at MIP London

Amazon Prime Video and SkyShowtime's UK heads discussed the needs and duties of the contemporary streaming world  

05 March 2025

At MIP London, experts discussed the opportunities, challenges, and the future of storytelling in relation to AI

MIP London 2025

At MIP London, experts discussed the opportunities, challenges, and the future of storytelling in relation to AI

The panel highlighted AI-generated storytelling, ethical concerns, industry shifts and tools like StoryBoarder.ai and ElevenLabs’ Voice Changer  

04 March 2025

YouTube and Channel 4 discuss partnerships between the online platform and broadcasters at MIP London

MIP London 2025

YouTube and Channel 4 discuss partnerships between the online platform and broadcasters at MIP London

The panel focused on the platform's growing role in broadcasting and the channel's audience expansion and rising engagement, especially in documentary formats  

27 February 2025

Film Constellation brings a rich slate of films to the EFM, spearheaded by Fernando Eimbcke’s Olmo

Berlinale 2025 – EFM

Film Constellation brings a rich slate of films to the EFM, spearheaded by Fernando Eimbcke’s Olmo

The sales agent headquartered in London and Paris is also repping Alejandro Amenábar’s new epic The Captive, among other titles  

12 February 2025

Yorgos Tsemberopoulos’ Stelios captivates Greek audiences and sets its sights on global markets

Distribution / Releases / Exhibitors - Greece/UK

Yorgos Tsemberopoulos’ Stelios captivates Greek audiences and sets its sights on global markets

The biographical film about Stelios Kazantzidis, one of Greece's musical legends, has had an impressive run in national cinemas and will be distributed in the UK by Two Fresh Distribution  

11 February 2025

StudioCanal jumpstarts Sixth Dimension, a new in-house outfit dedicated to genre cinema

Industry / Market - France/UK

StudioCanal jumpstarts Sixth Dimension, a new in-house outfit dedicated to genre cinema

The European genre label will take its first sales title to the European Film Market, a remake of the cult horror classic Silent Night, Deadly Night  

10 February 2025

2024 was a transitional year for the UK film industry, according to the BFI

Industry / Market - UK

2024 was a transitional year for the UK film industry, according to the BFI

Statistics reveal increased overall spending in film and high-end television production in the UK, yet a worrying 22% decrease in domestic HETV production spend  

07 February 2025

Research published by Birmingham City University digs deep into the experiences of deaf film and TV professionals in the UK

Industry / Market - UK

Research published by Birmingham City University digs deep into the experiences of deaf film and TV professionals in the UK

The study revealed how only 5% of respondents believe there are enough resources and opportunities for deaf film and TV industry professionals  

27 January 2025

Total box-office revenue in the UK and Ireland surpasses £1 billion in 2024

Box Office - UK/Ireland

Total box-office revenue in the UK and Ireland surpasses £1 billion in 2024

The result makes 2024 the second post-pandemic year in which this milestone was achieved, on a par with 2023  

23 January 2025

CinePlatform set to streamline film production management

Industry / Market - UK

CinePlatform set to streamline film production management

The new platform will officially launch on 2 December, offering a centralised and affordable solution for filmmakers, production companies and educational institutions  

29 November 2024

Privacy Policy

Creative Europe MEDIA