Mandy Girder, Partner, said:

There needs to be greater support from the UK government for mid-budget films, as well as measures in place to strengthen market access in territories such as North America, that will enable independent producers to grow in a sustainable way and continue to compete globally.

There is clear global demand for UK storytelling, but the challenge seems to be around scale particularly access to capital and international distribution. These challenges are being amplified by growing global consolidation, with fewer, larger players controlling IP, financing, and distribution. This is increasing barriers to entry and placing additional pressure on mid-sized UK independents, who risk being squeezed out of the most valuable parts of the value chain.

Recent BFI data shows that UK film generated $5.3 billion globally in 2025, but underlying structural gaps remain in independent scale and IP ownership.

UK qualifying films achieved a 19.7% global box office share, according to BFI data released on 19 March 2026. While revenues increased slightly year on year, market share declined from 20.8% in 2024, reflecting intensifying global competition.

Performance continues to be driven by a small number of large, studio backed productions. The top 20 UK qualifying films accounted for around 90% of total revenues, led by Jurassic World Rebirth, which generated $738 million.

In contrast, UK qualifying independent films delivered just 1.3% of the global box office, down from 1.7% in 2024. This highlights ongoing challenges around scale, financing, and international distribution. The leading independent title, The Roses, generated $45 million, performing strongly in markets such as New Zealand (5.8%) and Australia (4.0%), but achieving limited share in key territories including North America (1.1%) and Europe (1.9%).

For some independents the answer will be to consolidate. However, there needs to be targeted support for smaller UK independent producers that are not yet ready to scale through consolidation. For these businesses the priority is improving access to development funding and the UK government need to do more to incentivise and support the retention of intellectual property in the UK. The UK has been attractive for inward investment due to tax reliefs available and it has the talent and infrastructure to remain a global leader, but the next aim is to create long term value through ownership and not just delivery.

Mandy concluded:

Not every independent needs to consolidate – but every independent needs a pathway to scale, retain IP and access global markets. The government need to have additional funding and policies which support that journey, not force an early exit.

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If you have any questions, please get it touch with your usual Blick Rothenberg contact or Mandy using the form below.