The government has announced a £75m funding boost for the UK’s film and TV industry as part of its Creative Industries Sector Plan.

The Screen Growth Package, worth £75 million, forms part of next week’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, “designed to enhance the UK’s status as a global creative superpower by 2035.”

The money will go towards expanding the UK Global Screen Fund to £18 million annually (2026-2029) to develop international business capabilities, enable co-productions and showcase independent UK screen content worldwide.

£10 million will be invested to expand the National Film and Television School at its primary site in Beaconsfield, unlocking £11 million in investment from industry and private supporters, including from the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation and Sky. The funds will help to modernise the facilities, making them accessible for students with disabilities, and train 2,000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade.

The funds are also aimed at opening the industry for young people from underrepresented backgrounds through a “significantly expanded” BFI Film Academy, providing hands-on filmmaking experience and specialist training for 16-25 year olds.

£25 million is earmarked for businesses creating the next phase of augmented reality and motion capture technology, which has been used for productions including Wicked, A Picture of Dorian Gray and Those About To Die. This will fund five new CoSTAR research and development labs, which will help develop the next phase of augmented reality and motion capture technology. It will also fund two showcase spaces to demonstrate new createch, film, TV and games innovations to investors.

On top of the bespoke £75 million in the Screen Growth Package, a new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund will also be devolved to six Mayoral Strategic Authorities. The funding will allow local leaders to support development of regional screen agencies and production funds to boost film and TV clusters across the country.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “From Barbie and Killing Eve to Adolescence and Saltburn, the UK already has a stellar track record of producing award-winning films and cutting-edge TV which are enjoyed by millions at home and around the world.

“But I want us to go further and to cement the UK as the best place on earth to make film and television, as we deliver our Plan for Change. This landmark Sector Plan puts the creative industries at the heart of our economic growth strategy and is key to making that ambition a reality.”

The package will also strengthen the UK’s international appeal through continued support for the prestigious BFI London Film Festival and funding for the British Film Commission to attract further inward investment.

The full Creative Industries Sector Plan will be published next week as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, identifying the film and TV industry as a high-growth sub-sector along with music, video games, and advertising. .

Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive, said: “We’re pleased the Government recognises that our world-class screen industriesdrive regional growth and add billions to the UK economy—and that the BFI plays an important part in that success. Through the BFI Film Academy we open doors for young people from under-represented backgrounds.

“The UK Global Screen Fund helps UK screen businesses expand into overseas markets, while our work with creativeclusters, partners providing industry support services and the CoSTAR research labs attracts fresh investment. And every autumn, the BFI London Film Festival brings global cinema and international filmmakers to audiences here and shines a light on UK creativity worldwide.”

Barbara Broccoli, EON Productions, said: “I’m thrilled the Government is joining forces with the National Film and Television School as part of its Industrial Strategy. The NFTS is a world-class institution that has trained some of the most talented members of our industry and I’m especially pleased this investment will focus on much needed support for persons with disabilities.”

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky, said: “Sky is proud to support the National Film and Television School’s expansion plans and growth ambitions, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. As one of the world’s leading institutions for film, television and games, the NFTS plays a vital role in developing the UK’s creative talent. Our investment underscores our commitment to skills development and sector growth, and we’re excited to see future generations benefit from the school’s outstanding work.”

Wayne Garvie, President International Production, Sony Pictures Television, said: “The NFTS is an unparalleled training ground for British creativity and it’s wonderful that the Government both recognises the importance of the film and television sector in its Industrial Strategy and the role the NFTS plays in developing the next generation of great British creative talent.”

Jon Wardle, Director, National Film and Television School, commented: “The real world impact of the Sector Plan in action will be felt through the NFTS’s expanded ability to train world-class, diverse talent and fuel growth in a sector where the UK is a global leader.

“In a challenging climate for the creative industries, the support from the government isn’t just welcome, it’s strategic.  This investment in the NFTS reinforces a commitment to skills, innovation, and the long-term future of the creative economy.”