Bristol is home to the largest independent film and television production sector outside London. Film and TV production is a major part of the city's economy. Around 190 independent production companies contribute towards an aggregate turnover of over £288 million, in an industry that employs more than 5,000 people.
The BBC‘s Bristol headquarters produce internationally renowned radio, drama, factual and wildlife television whilst the iconic BBC Natural History Unit sits at the centre of ‘Green Hollywood’, the world’s largest concentration of firms producing wildlife content. Channel 4 set up their creative hub in Bristol in 2019, as part of its relocation out of London.
As well as being home to award-winning production companies including Aardman and Plimsoll Productions, Bristol is also well known for its skilled post production houses such as Films@59, Evolutions and The Farm.
- 'Go West! 2 Bristol's Film and Television Industries (Andrew Spicer & Steve Presence, UWE Bristol, 2022)
- ‘Go West! Bristol’s Film and Television Industries’ (Andrew Spicer & Steve Presence, UWE Bristol, 2017)
- ‘An Invisible Army: The Role of Freelance Labour in Bristol’s Film & Television Industries’ (Amy Genders, UWE Bristol)
- Natural History Network: The hub of the international wildife industry
The sector is well supported by Bristol Film Office providing locations and filming assistance and The Bottle Yard Studios, the largest facility of its kind in the West of England. Recent film and TV credits made in Bristol include The Outlaws, Alex Rider, Sanditon, Stan & Ollie, Hellboy, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and Early Man.
Meanwhile, groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of what can be achieved on screen are continually explored at Pervasive Media Studio and the Bristol VR Lab.
Through its Film Production strand, Bristol City of Film is:
- championing and developing Bristol’s profile as a world-leading centre for film & TV production
- improving access to employment for production professionals
- creating opportunities for industry newcomers
- increasing diversity within the workforce
Take a look at some of the projects we’re currently working with.
“The Balmoral [Ship] was a gem of a find. Its conserved beauty was the perfect setting for a crucial moment in the film and we couldn’t have done it without the wonderful support of Bristol.”
Faye Ward, Producer, Stan & Ollie
#filmedinBristol
Bristol is one of the UK’s leading regional filming destinations. High-end TV shows The Outlaws, Rivals, Alex Rider, Sanditon, Doctor Who and Boarders, and feature films The Wasp, Stan & Ollie and Hellboy are just some of the latest titles that have filmed in the city in recent years.Bristol and Channel 4
In October 2018, following a six month selection process, Channel 4 announced Bristol as the location for one if its new Creative Hubs. Commissioning departments will include Drama, Factual, Popular Factual – as well as Creative Diversity, supporting on and off-screen diversity.Diversity & Employment
We’re working with the wider cultural sector to address barriers to employment and career progression for people across Bristol’s communities.Film Hub South West
Latest awards, successes and updates from Film Hub South West, including new projects and individuals being developed and which filmmakers to look out for in the future.