UK television, film and commercial producers spent£47m more on post-production in 2002 than they did in the previous year, according to a new report from the UK Film Council.
Counteracting the perception that it is an industry in decline, figures for 2001/2002 revealed that post-production in this country was worth£1.387bn, some£47m (4%) more than in the previous 12 months.
The figure represents a third year-on-year rise for the sector. The growth has been put down to the increasing share of production budgets taken by post rather than an increase in the quantity of business or number of productions. The turnover figure was based on companies working across television, film and commercials.
Unfortunately, despite the rise in the percentage of budget being put into post-production, it would seem that television post-production companies are not reaping the benefits. The report claimed that TV producers dedicate just 2% of their budget to post, while film producers put aside nearer 25% of their available funds, reflecting the increased demand for special effects for movies.
The report also highlighted the need for a post-production trade body that would provide a voice for the industry. Without one, the report concluded, post-production would "continue as a largely unrecognised collection of disparate and smaller companies".
As a result, the DTI and the UK Film Council have announced that they are to provide funding for a team to instigate the formation of this association ( Broadcast, 28.11.2003).
According to the report's figures, the post sector in the UK contains more than 900 companies and employs more than 15,000 people, a third of whom are freelance.
The report, Post-production in the UK, was based on survey results and discussion with 85 post-production companies. More than 50 other media organisations and experts contributed
to the survey which was carried out by Salix Management Consultants on behalf of the UK Film Council and the Department for Trade & Industry.
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