The UK film industry continues to play an important role in the economical, social and cultural life of Britain. British films accounted for a third of the UK box office in 2005, helping the UK to counteract a worldwide box office slump, while there were 125 films made in the UK during the year with a total production value of £570 million. Research conducted for this report, meanwhile, found that half of all cinema-goers feel that it is important to support the British film industry.

The UK film industry continues to play an important role in the economical, social and cultural life of Britain. British films accounted for a third of the UK box office in 2005, helping the UK to counteract a worldwide box office slump, while there were 125 films made in the UK during the year with a total production value of £570 million. Research conducted for this report, meanwhile, found that half of all cinema-goers feel that it is important to support the British film industry.

Although film production in the UK has been affected recently by uncertain over tax, competing production destinations and a strong pound, the future is now looking extremely favourable. The UK Film Council, along with strategic partners such as the British Film Institute and Regional Screen Agencies, has spent the last five years developing strategies to build a competitive and sustainable industry. Funding is in place for ongoing production and distribution initiatives, as well as support for both industry and audience education. With the new tax regime in place, as well as the emergence of alternative distribution channels and avenues of support, the British film industry is looking stronger than ever, with a new mood of optimism for the future.

This report provides a snapshot of the industry at this important milestone, looking at production and box office statistics and highlighting the main factors to impact on the market at present. As well as containing exclusive market research into attitudes towards the UK film industry and how these relate to cinema-going habits, it also looks at how the industry is placed going forward into the future.