UK film and high-end television production spend surged to a record £6.8 billion in 2025, according to Cineuropa. The record £6.8 billion spend confirms a robust recovery and expansion for the UK and Ireland's film and television sector, with significant new TV projects anticipated into 2026. The commercial success, marked by a record £6.8 billion spend, arrives alongside strategic public funding increases.
Despite these record highs, significant public and institutional funds are still being deployed to ensure diverse growth and support for smaller, independent players. The BFI Global Screen Fund's budget has been increased to over £18 million per year until 2029, according to Cineuropa. Public funding remains a priority even amidst booming commercial success.
The UK and Ireland's screen industries are poised for sustained growth, but this will be increasingly shaped by strategic public investment and international co-production efforts rather than solely market forces. New elements of support for UK sales agents have also been announced, according to Cineuropa, driving global content export.
Recent High-Profile UK and Ireland TV Projects
- Gemma Arterton stars as MI6 operative Kate Henderson in the spy thriller 'Secret Service', which investigates a suspected Russian asset within the UK government, according to The Irish Times.
- Richard Gadd's new series 'Half Man', starring Gadd and Jamie Bell, explores the volatile relationship between two sworn brothers over 30 years, according to The Irish Times.
- The new RTÉ series 'Masters: Keepers of Tradition' follows Irish craftspeople, with the first episode featuring stonemason Julia Gebel, according to The Irish Times.
The diverse narratives, including espionage thrillers, intimate character studies, and cultural showcases, confirm the sector's broad appeal and its capacity to resonate with both domestic and international audiences. The listed projects attract global attention and fortify the sector's robust commercial standing.
