Film revenue boosts UK Economy

Movies contribute more than £3 billion to treasury coffers

by Amber Wilkinson

The UK film industry was worth more three billion pounds to the UK economy last year, including its impact on attracting tourists.

A report by Oxford Economic Forecasting, commissioned by the UK Film Council and Pinewood Shepperton studios, also concluded the UK film industry directly employed 31,000 people and indirectly employed a further 66,500.

Pinewood Shepperton chairman Michael Grade said it "puts to rest any view that the British film industry is a luxury item".

"In fact it is a significant contributor to the UK economy."

The figures were released as the UK government brings to an end, next month, consultation on possible new taxes affecting the industry.

The report says the uncertainty created by the consultation exercise alone has resulted in a fall in outsiders using UK locations and studios, compared to last year.

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