The UK film and high-end TV industry is facing a critical challenge as it faces growing competition from foreign productions and the increasing dominance of streaming giants. A new report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS) calls for urgent government action to preserve British creativity and ensure culturally distinctive British content continues to thrive.

Tax relief and support for independent productions

The report highlights that tax incentives, including a proposed 5% levy on UK revenues from major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, should be introduced to support the funding of culturally significant UK productions. This would help improve competition for domestic filmmakers struggling with the influx of high-budget international projects. The report also argues for expanded support for independent films, including a distribution tax credit and increased funding for lower budget productions.

Challenges posed by artificial intelligence and labour protection

Another key issue is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry. The report calls on the government to introduce licensing for all creative works used to train AI models to ensure that AI does not jeopardise the livelihoods of UK creatives. The Committee also calls for stronger protections and support for the industry's workforce, including the appointment of a Freelancers' Commissioner to address issues around labour rights, harassment and worker wellbeing.

Support for independent cinemas and distribution

The report emphasises the importance of independent cinemas and calls for core funding to ensure their survival in the face of rising costs and changing audience habits. It also recommends tax relief for the distribution of independent films to reduce the financial burden on distributors and ensure that British films reach audiences.

Cultural fund for British viewers

To further support UK content, the report recommends that streaming platforms pay 5% of their UK subscription revenue into a cultural fund specifically designed to finance dramas aimed at UK audiences. This would ensure that stories that matter to local audiences are not crowded out by the global appeal of international productions.

An appeal to the government

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, emphasised the need for government intervention, stating: "If just one part of the industry is neglected, it puts the whole ecosystem at risk." The report serves as a roadmap to revitalise the UK's film and TV industries by strengthening domestic production capacity, ensuring fairer competition and securing the talented new talent that drives the UK's cultural influence globally.

This urgent call to action from the CMS Committee outlines a comprehensive strategy to protect and support the UK film and TV industries that will help them continue to thrive in an increasingly globalised market. With the right investment, the UK can remain a global leader in content creation and continue to deliver unique and meaningful stories to the world.