Film & TV in Bristol generates estimated £20.8m in 2021/22

The increasing popularity of Bristol as a destination for film and production has contributed an estimated £20.8m to the economy in the last year.

Hit shows such as The Outlaws, Chloe, Showtrial, The Girl Before and the new Am I Being Unreasonable? have helped put the city on the map and added to a boost in revenue, which rose from £17m in 2019-20.

The annual figures released by Bristol Film Office represent a 22 per cent increase on pre-pandemic income and the highest contribution to the city’s economy from the sector in a decade.

The amount of filming that took place in the city was up ten per cent, with 1,067 filming days carried out at Bottle Yard Studios and/or on location in the city. A total of 709 licences were issued by Bristol Film Office, permitting filming to take place on council-owned streets, properties and green spaces.

Commenting on the latest figures, Laura Aviles, senior film manager who oversees Bristol Film Office and The Bottle Yard Studios, said: “These figures paint an extremely healthy picture for Bristol’s thriving film and TV sector. £20.8m is the highest economic contribution generated by film and high-end TV production that we’ve seen in a decade, since the BBC took the decision to move Casualty’s production to Cardiff in 2011.

“The skilled crew, companies and facilities we work alongside all play a vital role in making Bristol one of the most film-friendly cities in the UK. With The Bottle Yard’s new TBY2 facility opening this autumn, Bristol’s capacity for production is increasing significantly and we look forward to supporting more titles in the year ahead.”

Daisy May Cooper on the set of Am I Being Unreasonable? in Bristol photo: BBC/ Boffola Pictures/ Alistair Heap)

Comedy thriller Am I Being Unreasonable? launched on BBC One on Friday.

The executive director Shane Allen said Bristol was a “terrific choice” for many practical reasons and in giving the show its identity.

Allen added: “Aside from the well-run Bottle Yard base, there is a wealthy array of city and rural location options within a relatively short radius. There’s something of the soul of the West Country in Am I Being Unreasonable? which was creatively important to co-creator and co-writer Daisy May Cooper.

“Bristol is fast becoming the destination for shows and films with its advanced production infrastructure, experienced crews and superb locations.”

Showtrial is just one of the hit shows filmed and/or produced in Bristol over the last year – photo: World Productions/ Joss Barrett

Craig Cheney, deputy mayor and cabinet member for finance, governance & performance, welcomed the latest figures, saying the film and TV sector is a valuable contributor not only to the city’s fiscal economy but to the social economy as well.

“Despite the industry continuing to recover to its full strength post-pandemic, it’s clear to see the value brought to Bristol through the hundreds of productions supported this year,” said Cheney.

“I’m delighted to see the sector continue to go from strength to strength and applaud the continued efforts of the Bristol Film Office and The Bottle Yard Studios in supporting this sector growth and continuing to meet our ambitions as a UNESCO City of Film.”

Main photo: BBC One

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