Film Council study finds post-production sector generates £1.4b for UK economy

British film industry creative and technical expertise has helped to generate £1.39 billion and 15,000 jobs in the UK economy, a major new report published by the Film Council has revealed.

According to the report, ‘Post-production in the UK’, close to 1,000 UK companies employing 15,000 people currently provide sound, graphics, music, and physical and visual effects for film, television, commercial and corporate productions across the globe, and the UK’s post-production sector ranks with the USA as one of the top providers of visual special effects for the global film industry. The report shows that internationally the UK post-production industry is regarded as innovative and an early adopter of new technology, and that overall the sector grew by 4% in the period 2001/2002. Also, the share of overall budgets spent on post-production is increasing - the sector now accounts for 25% of all production budget spending, up from 13% two years ago, and the sector is characterised by a substantial and highly skilled workforce working in a sector with a broad range of capabilities and world class companies.

The report revealed that more than 96% of post-production companies surveyed support the creation of a new industry organisation to raise the profile of and expand the post-production sector still further.

A new single voice for the post-production community will be financed initially by companies within the sector with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry (which also funded the report) and the Film Council. A Chief Executive is currently being recruited.

Unveiling the report British Film Commissioner Steve Norris, who as head of the UK Film Council’s International Department is responsible for attracting inward investment into the UK, said: “The UK has a wealth of creative and technical talent and it’s important that we make the most of it. The post-production sector in the UK has a world-renowned reputation and this report points the way to ensuring we build on our current success in the future.”

Communications Minister Stephen Timms added: “These results are a resounding endorsement of the world class excellence of the British Film industry and its central role in the UK economy.

“The creation of an industry association, run by the industry for the industry, will maintain the creative drive that’s delivering jobs and money for the UK.”

Films Minister Estelle Morris said: "The British film industry can be proud of its cutting edge post production sector. This report finally gives the sector the recognition it so richly deserves. I look forward to working closely with the new trade body to help the sector develop and grow."

(GB)