The British government has rolled out a £75 million Screen Growth Package aimed at boosting the nation’s film and television sectors, nurturing fresh talent, and reinforcing the U.K.’s status as a global production powerhouse.
Announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, the funding injection anchors next week’s forthcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan and dovetails with Labour’s broader economic strategy to position the creative industries as a key growth engine by 2035.
Key Pillars of the Screen Growth Package
| Initiative | Funding Allocation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Expanded U.K. Global Screen Fund | £18 million per year (2026‑29) | Co‑production support, international business development, showcase U.K. indie content abroad |
| National Film & Television School Revamp | £10 million public + £11 million private (Disney, Broccoli Foundation, Sky) | Modernize Beaconsfield campus, ensure full accessibility, train 2,000 new students over next decade |
| BFI Film Academy Expansion | Undisclosed slice of package | Hands‑on training for 16‑25‑year‑olds from under‑represented backgrounds |
| British Film Commission & BFI London Film Festival Support | Continued backing | Attract inward investment, strengthen U.K.’s international profile |
| Advanced Tech Investment | £25 million | Propel augmented‑reality and motion‑capture businesses that service studio releases like Wicked |
By channeling funds into both infrastructure (NFTS overhaul) and international outreach (Global Screen Fund), the Screen Growth Package seeks to tackle post‑pandemic skills shortages and rising competition from production hubs such as Georgia, Ontario and the Canary Islands.
Why Now? Economic Context and Strategic Goals
While Chancellor James Graham wrestles with inflation and anemic GDP growth, culture officials argue the screen industries generate £15 billion in annual GVA. Nandy underscored Hollywood’s affection for Britain: “From Barbie to Killing Eve, our backlots and sound stages shape global pop culture. The Screen Growth Package cements the U.K. as the best place on Earth to make film and television.”
2035 “Creative Superpower” Vision
- Double high‑skilled production jobs to 400,000
- Elevate regional studios in Manchester, Bristol, Belfast
- Achieve net‑zero soundstage operations via AR/virtual production
- Grow screen‑sector exports to £20 billion—40 percent above pre‑COVID levels
Industry Reaction
- Ben Roberts, BFI CEO: “The Screen Growth Package ensures our international competitiveness while opening doors for young, diverse voices.”
- Barbara Broccoli, EON Productions: Praised the NFTS investment—“vital for disabled access and next‑gen Bond crews.”
- Sky Studios CCO Cecile Frot‑Coutaz: “Strengthening skills pipelines underpins long‑term sector growth.”
Notably absent from the statement roster: Netflix and Amazon, both major investors in U.K. original content. Insiders say streamers support the package but await details on how Global Screen Fund allocations will be adjudicated.
How the Screen Growth Package Interfaces With Existing Tax Reliefs
The U.K. already boasts a 34‑39 percent film & high‑end TV expenditure credit—among Europe’s most generous. The new funds do not alter tax rates; rather, they complement relief by addressing bottlenecks:
- Skills Shortage – NFTS expansion tackles a projected 30,000‑person shortfall in crew by 2028.
- Co‑Pro Complexity – Global Screen Fund grants offset legal and marketing costs when partnering with European or Commonwealth entities.
- Technological Leap – £25 million AR/MoCap pot positions the U.K. ahead in virtual production, reducing carbon footprint and location costs.
Regional Impact: Beyond the M25
Complementing the Screen Growth Package, a new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund empowers councils in Manchester, Sunderland, Bristol and Birmingham to launch regional screen agencies and production funds. Goal: decentralize London’s dominance and replicate the success of Belfast’s Titanic Studios (Game of Thrones). Local leaders may match government seed money, potentially doubling the effect.
Timeline and Next Steps
- Sector Plan Release – Mid‑July 2025, detailing governance and application criteria.
- Global Screen Fund Call – Q1 2026 for FY26‑27 projects.
- NFTS Construction – Groundbreaking early 2026, facility completion by 2029.
- BFI Academy Expansion – Pilot cohorts launch September 2025.
Challenges on the Horizon
- Budget Scrutiny: With NHS and social‑care cuts looming, opposition MPs may critique the £75 million outlay as “showbiz spending.”
- Brexit Red Tape: Co‑production flows still face visa and customs hurdles post‑EU exit; the package allocates no direct funds for red‑tape mitigation.
- Virtual Production Bubble?: Analysts warn that AR/MoCap tech build‑outs risk overcapacity if global production softens.
Bottom Line
The Screen Growth Package fortifies the U.K.’s competitive edge just as a global content slowdown pressures stage utilisation rates. By doubling down on talent, technology and international reach, Whitehall bets £75 million that Hollywood’s love affair with Britain will deepen—even as Georgia, Ontario and Spain wave bigger chequebooks. Success hinges on rapid deployment: streamers and studios plan 2026 slates now, and they’ll follow the money—and the crew base—to whichever island offers the best deal.
