U.K. TV Programme Sales Reach Record $1.97 Billion

According to a report from producers’ trade body PACT covering April 2019 to March 2020, the U.K. TV export market rose to a record $1.97 billion (£1.48 billion) in 2019/20, representing a 6% increase from the year prior. 

Scripted drama made up 48% of that revenue through major series’ produced by U.K. production companies including His Dark Materials, Chernobyl, Doctor Who and The War of the Worlds. 

Factual programming, with shows such as One Planet, were responsible for 28% of revenue. A 5% year-on-year increase.

The key U.S. market 

The U.S. holds its position as the most important and consistent market for the U.K., accounting for 32% of all revenue ($621 million) in the 2019/20 financial year, a 22% year-on-year increase. France and Australia rounded out the top three markets with $136 million (£102 million) and $130 million (£98 million) respectively. 

Reflecting on the report, Pact CEO John McVay, said: “British TV content – and in particular drama – continues to be attractive to a global audience. The quality of UK production is admired around the world and this is evident from these record figures.

“Despite the pandemic, Pact has been working hard to ensure that our members are able to continue to meet with and showcase their work to international buyers, through our Content Without Borders events and ongoing support of markets such as MIPCOM and Realscreen.”

The future of U.K. exports 

The report indicates that sales of finished programmes continued to surge as the category remained the largest source of income, totalling 70% of revenue and surpassing £1 billion ($1.3 million) for the first time. The milestone marks a 7% increase from the prior period. The sale of formats also increased to $158 million (£119 million), with 51% of deals being done with Europe. The amount represents a 38% increase. 

The current 2020/21 period is set to see a rise in business with both China and Latin America through key upcoming productions with the former noted in the report to have generated a 25% year-on-year increase to $53 million (£40 million). 

Ruth Berry, MD, Global Distribution, ITV Studios, said: “It’s fantastic to see the global appetite for British television continuing, and not surprisingly given the amazing talent we have in the UK creating such impressive shows. This year has seen viewers across the world discovering both new and existing content, and our extensive catalogue has come into its own as partners have sought a wide range of programming to offer their audiences.

“From pre-sales of World Production’s forthcoming thriller Vigil and the Golden Globe and BAFTA-award winning Bodyguard making its way around the world for a second time, to new sales for classic series such as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Poirot, our buyers know that our brilliant British content will always provide them with entertaining shows. Despite the challenges we have faced this year, we have been able to keep the market fully across what we can offer through virtual innovations like our inaugural Fall Festival in September.”