In a revealing survey conducted by the specialist film and TV PR consultancy Percy & Warren, UK film and television producers have voiced their concerns and hopes for the industry's future. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming budget, the survey sheds light on the industry's outlook for 2025, the key areas requiring urgent support, and the specific challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Empowering the Backbone of the UK's Creative Powerhouse

Freelancers, Independent Producers, and Regional Hubs: The Lifeblood of the Industry

The survey results have highlighted the critical need for government intervention in supporting freelancers, independent producers, and regional production hubs outside of London. These sectors, often considered the backbone of the UK's creative output, are perceived to be under-resourced, and industry professionals stress the importance of targeted funding and policy measures to ensure their survival and growth. As Ed Kellie of Screendog Productions aptly stated, "Indie productions – without them, there are no indie producers and no freelance jobs." Mickey Angelov of Look Aside Films echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for support for "independent film productions (sub £3 million), as well as independent development houses."

Bridging the Financing and Commissioning Gaps

The survey also revealed that a significant portion of respondents are grappling with financial and commissioning challenges as their primary barriers to success. Securing project financing and reliable contracts remain pressing issues for producers, with many indicating that unreliable cash flow hinders their ability to deliver consistent and high-quality content. To address this, industry professionals are calling for policy initiatives, such as tax credits for unscripted productions and support for timely payments through tax credit adjustments.

Cautious Optimism and a Commitment to Growth

Despite the industry's uncertain view on its growth potential for 2025, many respondents reported intentions to invest in their own companies in the coming year. This suggests a cautious optimism among producers who, despite the challenges, are committed to sustaining and advancing the industry. However, they urge the government to take proactive steps to create a more stable environment conducive to long-term growth. As Holly Miller, Director of Percy & Warren, aptly stated, "The resilience of our industry is unmistakable, but sustained growth will require partnership and foresight from the government."

Unscripted Tax Credits: A Game-Changer for the Industry

The survey results reflect a strong demand for the introduction of tax credits for unscripted productions, similar to the recent update for scripted content. Industry professionals, such as Derek Drennan of Nest Productions, have been leading the charge for this initiative, emphasizing the need to extend the reach of the UK Tax Credit to all areas of television. Drennan argues that the lack of financial support for unscripted productions is a "massive disservice" to the industry, as it ignores the significant economic and cultural contributions of this sector.

A Call for Comprehensive Support: Investing in the Industry's Future

The survey respondents have voiced the need for a multifaceted approach to policy reforms, including not only tax credits for unscripted content but also R&D budget tax reliefs. These incentives, they believe, are crucial in stimulating the UK's competitive edge, attracting international collaborations, and bolstering independent productions. As Mickey Angelov of Look Aside Films suggests, the government should aim to implement "budgetary support for the companies' operations themselves, not only support in the form of post-funding tax relief."The UK film and television industry stands at a critical juncture, with a mix of cautious optimism and a clear need for targeted support from policymakers. The resilience and commitment of producers are evident, but the industry's sustained growth will require a collaborative effort between the government and the creative sector. As the industry eagerly awaits the upcoming budget, the call for meaningful, timely support measures has never been more urgent.