UK film production spending has seen an extraordinary surge in the first quarter of 2025, nearly tripling from £211 million in Q1 2024 to a remarkable £632 million. This sharp rise marks one of the strongest first-quarter performances in the history of the UK film industry.
Inward investment continues to be a major driver of this growth, with £592 million (94% of the total spend) coming from 15 major international productions. Notable films such as Warner Bros’ Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Amazon’s Masters of the Universe, and Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights are among the projects helping to fuel the UK’s rise as a top destination for global filmmakers.
However, it’s not just the high-profile international films making waves. 13 homegrown UK productions also began filming in Q1 2025, contributing £26 million to the total spend, a 9% increase from last year. Films like Animol, directed by Ashley Walters, and Tinsel Town, starring Rebel Wilson and Kiefer Sutherland, demonstrate the ongoing strength and growth of the UK’s domestic film scene.
What’s Next for UK Film?
With the UK’s total film production spend reaching a record £1.53 billion for the 2024-2025 period, it’s clear that the UK film industry is thriving more than ever. This remarkable growth is underpinned by a combination of factors, including world-class production facilities, a skilled workforce, and attractive tax incentives for filmmakers.
One key initiative helping to sustain this momentum is the UK government’s 40% business rates relief for film studios, which is expected to provide substantial financial relief for filmmakers over the next nine years. Alongside other generous tax incentives, such as the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC), this relief ensures that the UK remains a competitive and appealing destination for both local and international production companies.
As the global demand for content continues to rise, the UK’s film and TV industries are well-positioned to lead the charge, creating more jobs, attracting further investment, and producing world-class content that resonates with audiences around the globe. With these continued efforts, the UK is set to maintain its standing as a global leader in film and television production.