Following on from a strong year for production in 2006, 2007 was a good year for the UK film industry. UK films not only accounted for 28% of the UK box office (up from just 19%), but also picked up a string of accolades – including six Oscars.

Although the bedding in of the new Film Tax Relief saw production levels fall slightly in 2007, it is hoped that the new system will bring a degree of stability to the industry and help improve the quality and marketability of UK films. Altogether 117 films were made in the UK in 2007, with a production value of £746.9 million. Of these, domestic UK feature films accounted for 19% by value (the same as in 2006), with the majority of the money coming from inward investment.

This report looks at the UK film industry in this transitional period and provides analysis of how it fits in with the filmed entertainment market as a whole. It tracks consumer attitudes towards the UK film industry and examines what people look for when choosing a film. Overall, it explores the hypothesis: “How important is it for cinema-goers to support the British film industry?”

Key themes of the report:

How well do British films perform in the filmed entertainment market?

What agencies exist to support British film?

What are the effects of increased Internet and multichannel TV penetration? How about piracy?

What is the value of the UK film industry? How has the new Film Tax Relief affected the market?

Given the dominance of the major distributors, how easy is it for smaller companies to compete?

What are people’s attitudes towards the UK film industry? Do they consider it something to be proud of? Do they think that it is important to support it?

What attributes do people look for in a film? How does this impact on the UK film industry?