Hollywood Strikes Paralyze Pinewood Studios, Devastating UK Film and TV Industry
Pinewood Studios, a renowned UK film production hub, has been brought to a standstill due to the ongoing strikes in Hollywood. While some may dismiss these strikes as petty actions by concerned actors, the impact on the UK economy has been devastating. As the world’s oldest and richest entertainment industry, Hollywood’s shutdown has caused a loss of projected revenue, estimated at a staggering £190 billion ($240 billion).
The UK has emerged as the third-largest production hub globally, with studios and crews that consistently rank among the best in the world. In 2022, Hollywood invested £5.37 billion in UK-based films and high-end television productions. However, with the strike persisting, the UK is now expected to lose nearly £3 billion in the second half of 2023.
Major US productions, including Deadpool 3, a Beetlejuice sequel, a Brad Pitt Formula One drama, the next Mission Impossible film, and the movie adaptation of the hit musical Wicked, have all been put on hold at Pinewood Studios. Additionally, TV shows such as Andor, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and The Day of the Jackal are now under threat. This has had a significant financial impact on freelance workers in the industry, such as electricians, laborers, camera crews, and sound technicians.
While it may seem that only shows involving members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are affected, the fear of being labeled strikebreakers has permeated the industry. British talent aiming to work in American studios or streamers are wary of jeopardizing their careers. As a result, many productions, including those contracted under terms set by Equity (the British actors’ union) with UK arms of US streaming companies like Netflix and Amazon, have come to a halt.
Beyond the immediate impact on film and TV production, the UK’s vibrant post-production sector that excels in areas such as grading and CGI is also feeling the strain. A London-based post-production company reveals that half of their workforce is now idle, as film footage known as dailies has ceased to arrive for processing and editing.
The repercussions of the strikes extend beyond direct revenue loss. Secondary industries reliant on US investment, such as film-related tourism and supply chains, have also been hit. International fans would traditionally plan holidays to visit film locations or witness their favorite shows being filmed in the UK. In 2019 alone, these film-related tourists spent nearly £600 million in the country.
Experts suggest that even when the strikes eventually end, the industry may not fully return to pre-pandemic or pre-strike levels. Some streamers and studios have taken advantage of the strike to reassess and reduce their investments. Consequently, there may be a decline in US investment in UK productions for the foreseeable future.
Bectu, the trade union responsible for supporting staff and freelancers in the sector, is urging the UK government to ensure that the industry receives the necessary support to bounce back. The freelance nature of the industry requires financial backing to prevent a potential exodus of talented crew members. The UK’s film and TV industry owes much of its success to its highly skilled workforce, and losing them could result in a considerable outflow of money and thousands of jobs moving abroad.
As the strike continues, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant impact it has had on the UK film and TV industry. The sector’s growth, which outpaced the UK economy between 2016 and 2019, now hangs in the balance. Only time will tell how the strikes will shape the future of this once-thriving industry.
