BAND’s TV & Film Debut Highlights UK Producer Struggles

BAND hosted its inaugural TV & Film event in the intimate Cinema Room at The Karma Sanctum Hotel—bringing together a dynamic mix of industry professionals from across the UK. From indie producers and broadcasters to funding brokers, tax specialists, service providers, and IFAs, the event buzzed with insights, experience, and candid discussion.

At the heart of the event was a focused panel discussion on the increasingly risk-averse landscape of UK TV & Film production. As commissioners become more conservative, the conversation explored how producers can adapt—rethinking funding models, leveraging co-productions, and reconfiguring distribution strategies to get projects off the ground.

The context couldn’t have been more timely. While the UK struggles with a downturn in commissions, the Nordics are experiencing a strong resurgence—Q1 2025 saw 22 scripted titles ordered by PSBs, marking their most active quarter in four years. Meanwhile, Europe’s baseline remains steady, with public broadcasters and producer-distributors accounting for approximately 55% of scripted commissions. The UK’s lag in contrast sparked important questions: Why are we falling behind? And what practical steps can UK producers take to shift the tide?

Key Takeaways from the Panel

1. Producers Are Getting Creative with Finance
   UK producers are increasingly borrowing from the feature film world—assembling finance packages that include pre-sales, tax credits, and equity. This hybrid model is helping bridge gaps in traditional funding routes, especially as broadcasters tighten their belts.
2. Co-Productions Remain Vital—But More Strategic Than Ever
   Gone are the days when co-productions were driven solely by creative synergy. Today, they’re deeply strategic, involving multiple partners and complex financial engineering. Producers are finding success when they seek out partners not just for storytelling, but to unlock additional pots of money.
3. YouTube as a Testing Ground
   Some producers are turning to platforms like YouTube as a cost-effective R&D tool—gauging audience appetite and refining concepts. But while promising creatively, this route still lacks the financial support needed to scale without upfront investment.
4. The £1M/hour Tax Credit Threshold Is Too High
   The current tax credit rules exclude a significant portion of indie projects. Lowering the threshold could unlock a new wave of creativity and open up opportunities for smaller players who are often overlooked.
5. Treaties and Tax Credits Need Updating
   Outdated treaties and tax incentive structures are holding back growth. In many cases, film projects still receive more favorable treatment than TV productions. The industry needs reforms that reflect the evolving production landscape and support both formats equally.

A Shared Conclusion: Get a Business Advisor Early

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, one point was echoed by every speaker: producers should have a strong business advisor at their side from day one. With the right guidance, pitfalls can be avoided, funding opportunities maximized, and projects better positioned for success.

Looking Ahead

BAND’s first TV & Film event was more than just a networking opportunity—it was a call to action. As the UK grapples with shifting market conditions, events like these are crucial to fostering collaboration, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

We’re excited to continue hosting events that bring the industry together and tackle the issues that matter. Until next time—stay bold, stay creative, and stay connected.