A new report that looked at the state of the film and TV industry across West London including Ealing has revealed that the area is firmly established as a go to destination creating opportunities both for those working in the industry as well as those supplying associated products and services to the industry.
The report, by Saffery Champness LLP and Nordicity, was commissioned by Hounslow Borough Council on behalf of Creative Enterprise Zone West and Screen Capital West, with support from the Mayor of London’s office.
Hollywood sees the UK as being one of its strongest filming destinations and last year nearly $2 billion was spent on film production in the UK. Also in 2022 the UK’s film and TV production industry received over $5.4 billion in inward investment production.
West London (Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow) is home to many thousands of film and TV workers – and is among the most popular places for TV and film businesses to be based in and hire staff in the UK.
The film and TV supply chain is vast covering everything from building materials, security services, studio hire, to equipment hire and catering.
The report reveals there are over 71 companies supporting film production located in West London, including six film studios and 65 supply chain companies.
According to the report, a 100,000 sq. ft. stage space can deliver between $60 million and $80 million in annual film and TV production expenditure per year.
Bill Boler, partnerships director, West London Business and Creative Enterprise West said of the findings: “Most film and TV audits only look at job creation, whereas this study looked at the businesses in the film and TV supply chain, and so the wider economic impact of the film and TV industry. Given the setbacks experienced by the industry in 2023, this report shows the growth potential from the inevitable pent-up demand for production services that are expected in 2024 and beyond.”
Michelle Jenkins, head of production services at Film London added: “As a freelance and often transient industry, key statistics regarding benefits for local regions are usually difficult to obtain. So, it’s incredibly useful to have a study that provides the deep-dive data that we all need to highlight the true value of film and TV to West London, the original home of the British film industry. I am delighted to see that this report provides crucial information that will empower the region to invest, resource and ultimately grow our industry in the area to the benefit of local residents and businesses.”
Barry Bassett, managing director of Acton-based VMI.TV said: “This is an incredibly positive report which stresses the importance of the value and impact of supply chains across our industry to generate the current $6bn+ annual GVA and which is projected to rise to $8bn by 2026 for the UK TV/Film Industry. Ours is an incredibly integrated ecosystem, which sees all crafts benefiting in an expanding market and it is gratifying to hear the Government restate their commitment to supporting our world-class freelance workforce”.
Ryan Dean, company director, RD Studios commented: “As the owner of a film studio in Park Royal, it’s exciting to see the tangible impact our creative sector has on the local economy. This study not only underscores the vital role of film and TV studios in driving economic growth but highlights our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem that not only supports a diverse array of talents and businesses. Film studios are more than just production spaces; they are heartbeats of local communities, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vibrancy of West London.”
