16/08/2011

The number of domestic UK features being produced is down with 79 being produced in 2010 as opposed to 87 in 2009, according to figures released by the British Film Institute (BFI) in its annual Statistical Yearbook.

UK production spend was £175.8 million, a 22% drop from 2009. The number of co-productions fell from 27 in 2009 to 21 last year. Because of the decline in the median budget of domestic UK features, the 2011 Yearbook for the first time includes feature films with budgets under £500,000. This reveals that 147 films were produced within this budget bracket in 2010, up from 133 in 2009.

The box office front shows cheerier news with UK cinemas grossing £988 million in 2010, with UK films attracting a 24% share of the box office, up from 17% in 2009.

The value of UK production, including inward investment feature films, domestic feature films and co-production, in 2010 increased by 7% compared with 2009, making 2010 the highest production year on record. This increase was fuelled by a inward investment of £935 million.

Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive of the BFI said, “It is essential that there is continued invest in innovation, skills and new talent to ensure Britain’s position remains competitive, with a focus on education to help grow audiences, instilling a passion for film and encouraging them to be more adventurous.”