London, UK — The United Kingdom government has announced a substantial £75 million investment aimed at significantly bolstering the nation’s film and television industries. Dubbed the “Screen Growth Package,” this comprehensive initiative is poised to become a central pillar of the government’s forthcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan.
The funding injection is designed to enhance various aspects of the UK’s screen sector, from international reach and talent development to technological innovation and infrastructure. Key beneficiaries identified in the initial announcement include the UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF), the prestigious BFI London Film Festival (LFF), and the renowned National Film and Television School (NFTS).
Understanding the ‘Screen Growth Package’
The £75 million ‘Screen Growth Package’ represents a strategic commitment by the government to support and expand the creative economy. Positioned as a core element of the broader Creative Industries Sector Plan, the package underscores the sector’s importance to the UK’s cultural standing and economic prosperity.
The funding is allocated across several critical areas, signalling a multi-pronged approach to fostering sustainable growth, encouraging international collaboration, and cultivating future generations of industry professionals. While the full breakdown of all components is anticipated, initial details highlight significant boosts for specific, high-impact organisations and initiatives.
Boost for International Reach and Festivals
A major component of the package is a substantial increase in funding for the UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF). Established in 2021, the UKGSF has played a vital role in supporting the international development and distribution prospects for the UK’s independent screen sector.
Under the new package, the UKGSF will see its annual funding dramatically rise from £7 million to £18 million. This increased investment is guaranteed for a specific period, spanning from 2026 to 2029. This enhanced capacity is expected to significantly strengthen the ability of UK films and television programmes to compete on the global stage and reach wider international audiences.
Additionally, the BFI London Film Festival (LFF), one of the world’s leading film events showcasing a diverse array of global cinema, is also set to receive support from the ‘Screen Growth Package’. While specific figures for the LFF’s allocation were not immediately detailed, the inclusion signals a commitment to supporting key cultural institutions that promote UK and international film talent.
Investing in Future Talent and Infrastructure
A significant portion of the funding is dedicated to nurturing future talent and upgrading essential infrastructure. The National Film and Television School (NFTS), widely recognised as one of the world’s premier film schools, is allocated £10 million from the government package.
This £10 million is earmarked for the expansion of the NFTS’s primary site in Beaconsfield. The expansion is not only aimed at increasing capacity but also at modernising facilities and enhancing accessibility, specifically mentioning provisions to better support students with disabilities.
The investment in the NFTS is projected to have a considerable multiplier effect, anticipated to attract an additional £11 million in investment from a consortium of industry partners and private donors. Notable contributors supporting the NFTS expansion include the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation (associated with the James Bond franchise), and Sky.
Through this expansion and enhanced capacity, the NFTS aims to train a new wave of professionals, with a target of 2,000 new individuals entering the screen industry over the next ten years, addressing potential skills gaps and ensuring a pipeline of talent.
Pioneering Technology and Industry Support
The ‘Screen Growth Package’ also includes forward-looking investments in technology and broader industry support structures. A substantial £25 million is allocated for the establishment of five new CoSTAR research and development laboratories.
These state-of-the-art labs will focus on cutting-edge creative technologies, specifically mentioning areas such as augmented reality and motion capture. Complementing the labs, two dedicated showcase spaces will be created for demonstrating these innovative creative technologies, fostering industry adoption and collaboration.
Furthermore, the package includes continued support for the British Film Commission (BFC), an organisation crucial for attracting international film and television production to the UK, and an expanded BFI Film Academy, which supports young people aspiring to careers in film. While the precise funding details for these specific components are expected to be released next week, their inclusion underscores the holistic nature of the government’s approach to supporting the entire screen ecosystem.
The £75 million ‘Screen Growth Package’ represents a significant step by the UK government to reinforce the competitiveness and cultural impact of its film and television sectors, addressing needs across funding for international projects, talent development, technological innovation, and foundational industry support.
