BFI Statistical Yearbook shows UK film buoyant in 2013

The 2014 BFI Statistical Yearbook shows UK film is a leading player in a highly competitive global industry, with a UK industry turnover of £7.3 billion, an 11% share of the global box office, UK box office receipts in excess of £1 billion for the third successive year, and over £1 billion of production spend at home on new films shooting in the UK.

“Today’s figures reveal that the UK film industry continues to be not only one of the world’s greatest providers of cinematic entertainment, but also a massive driver of economic growth. With film production spend up almost 30%, and box office takings of more than £1 billion for the third consecutive year, the industry is thriving and we will continue to support this dynamic sector.” said Culture Minister Ed Vaizey 

Whilst Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive of the BFI, added:

“It is a very vibrant and buoyant picture for UK film. The Government’s solid commitment to the screen industries combined with our fantastic talent, skills and infrastructure is keeping the UK at the top of its game…The opportunities for growth in film, high-end television, animation and games are so exciting we need to keep our foot hard down on the accelerator.

With more films released in cinemas than ever before in 2013 (a total of 698, marking an average 13 titles a week), competition for audiences has never been higher, but the range of films available, the ways in which audiences can enjoy them, and the appetite for film viewing continues to grow. The Yearbook reports that distributors are releasing a greater number of specialised films, 446 during the year, earning £110 million at the box office, including foreign language and documentary films. 

The UK film industry continues to be a valuable part of the UK’s creative and screen sector with a turnover of £7.3 billion and a direct contribution to Gross Domestic Product of £2.9 billion – more than twice its 1995 contribution in real terms*. The industry exported £1.3 billion worth of services comprising £792 million in royalties and £550 million in film production services. Exports were 71% higher in 2012 than in 1995 and the UK film trade surplus was £789 million.

Film is a significant employer with more than 66,000 people (70,000 in 2012) working across the film and video industries in 2013 of whom 42,000 (46,000 in 2012) work in film and video production. Just under half of those working in production were freelance.

Compiled by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit, the Statistical Yearbook presents the most comprehensive picture of film in the UK and the performance of British films abroad during 2013. Now in its twelfth year, the Yearbook is a valuable evidence base for industry and policy-makers.

Click here for more information on BFI’s Statistical Yearbook.