UK film production spending hits all-time high

Spending on film production in the UK hit an all-time high last year, amounting to £1.2 billion on 177 movies.

That figure is more than double the amount spent in 2002.

And the growth has been in international film makers coming to make their movies in Britain, rather than more home-grown production.

Inward investment rose by 85 per cent - from £221.16 million in 2002 to £409.65 million last year.

Some of the biggest films of recent years have been largely produced in the UK - notably the Harry Potter series of movies.

The figures have been compiled by the UK Film Council.

Arts Minister Estelle Morris commented, “This is a tribute to the wealth of expertise we have to offer both behind and in front of the camera. Today's report proves what a huge contribution our film industry makes to the UK economically as well as culturally.”