Bristol’s growing reputation as a ‘film-friendly’ location has helped boost its economy by more than £18m over the past year as an increasing number of TV shows and movies are shot the city.
The £18.3m contribution to the city’s coffers from the industry during the 2016/17 financial year was 11% up on the previous 12 months.
Film permits issued by Bristol Film Office climbed by nearly a third to 484 productions during the year, while the number of filming days taking place in the city rose by 11% to 1,050. Since 2014/15, filming days have soared by 83%. 
The upbeat picture emerged this week from financial figures from Bristol Film Office and the Bottle Yard Studios – both owned by the city council – and do not include the contributions of the city’s independent TV and film production firms or the BBC’s TV output.
The Bottle Yard, with its eight stages and onsite community of supplier businesses to the film and TV industries, coupled with Bristol’s experienced crew and wider specialist facilities, are viewed as key drivers for the growth of the industry in the city.
As a result, a number of production companies chose Bristol to shoot new series, including lavish costume drama The White Princess (STARZ), powerful drama Three Girls (BBC) and comedy thriller Crazyhead (E4/Netflix), pictured.
At the same time some major titles returned to the city, among them hit dramas Broadchurch (ITV), pictured below, Poldark (BBC) and Doctor Who (BBC).
Tax incentives for filming in the UK have also played a major role in attracting more big budget TV and film productions, many of which look outside London for studios and cost-effective locations. 
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “Bristol’s cultural sector is a thriving environment of creativity, industry, opportunity and diversity. This is in part fuelled by our growing reputation as a filming destination, attracting some of the biggest names in UK TV and film to either base their productions in Bristol or use the city as a backdrop.
“At the forefront of this success are the Bristol Film Office and The Bottle Yard Studios, whose good work is evidenced by these latest figures.”
Natalie Moore of Bristol Film Office, pictured below, added: “2016-17 was an excellent year for TV and film production in Bristol. The inward investment reflects our success in attracting productions and also highlights how significant this industry is to Bristol’s economy.
“Not only are more productions opting to film here, but we’re also seeing a rise in recorded filming days. This means more work for local crew and is great news for Bristol businesses in other sectors like hospitality and transport, which benefit from workforces buying more products and services. 
“Bristol’s track-record in producing first-class film and TV is well established. Our period and urban architecture, beautiful green spaces and historic harbourside can meet most location needs, while the skill of our specialist crew and award-winning companies is world-class.
“With The Bottle Yard Studios providing studio base, stages and green screen, Bristol is catering more comprehensively for filming needs than ever before. Incoming productions can find everything they need here.
“Another busy year is underway and our work continues to help ensure the city remains competitive as a worldwide filming destination in the year ahead.”
Upcoming productions made in Bristol so far this year in Bristol include feature films Stan & Ollie (starring John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan as Laurel & Hardy) and The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Society (starring Lily James and Glen Powell).
Sky Atlantic comedy drama Bliss (starring Heather Graham, Stephen Mangam and Jo Hartley) and the new series of cult gameshow The Crystal Maze (Channel 4), pictured below, and new CBeebies’ green screen series Andy’s Safari Adventures - both made at The Bottle Yard – are among the small screen productions. 
Over the years Bristol has been home to some of the UK’s biggest ever TV hits, including Casualty, Skins, Being Human, Only Fools and Horses and The Young Ones.
Bristol Film Office has been supporting filming in the city since 2003 and The Bottle Yard Studios has been accommodating productions on its Hengrove site – a former wine warehouse and bottling plant – since 2010.
The Crystal Maze photo courtesy of Channel 4
