Industry News: Major Report Backs Concerns Shared by Animation UK

A powerful new report from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, published now, echoes many of the concerns long raised by Animation UK about the pressures facing British screen content, particularly culturally specific content with UK-held IP. The inquiry warns of an urgent crisis in the UK’s independent film and high-end TV sectors, citing rising costs, a downturn in domestic production, skills shortages, an over-reliance on inward investment, and chronic underinvestment in domestic content.

Animation UK welcomes the report’s findings, but warns that the challenges are even more acute in animation, a sector that delivers high economic value but remains chronically under-supported. In response, Animation UK is calling for immediate and targeted action to ensure the animation sector is not left behind.

Animation UK’s Blueprint for Growth, published earlier this year, outlines a cost-effective five-point plan, including:

– A targeted uplift in tax relief for animated TV content, not just features.

– Renewed funding for children’s content, including PSB obligations and streamer quotas.

– Better access to finance for animated IP via EIS/SEIS reform and investment support.

– Stronger international co-production support, including re-joining Creative Europe.

– Investment in skills and education to protect the UK’s leadership in animation craft and innovation.

Kate O’Connor, Executive Chair of Animation UK, said:

“This is a pivotal moment. The Committee’s report makes clear what we’ve been saying: our world-class content industries face a systemic crisis. For animation, the warning lights have been flashing for some time. We fully endorse the Committee’s calls for stronger support but urge them to build on their recommendations by ensuring the distinctive needs of the UK animation sector are embedded into future evidence, analysis and policy.”

“Animation is one of the most geographically diverse and export-ready parts of the screen sector. With the right conditions, not handouts, but smart, targeted policies, it can thrive, drive growth, and tell British stories to the world. But without action, we risk losing that voice, that talent, and that future.”

With strategic interventions, UK animation could double its economic impact – growing from £1.7bn to over £2bn – and create over 20,000 highly skilled jobs. Animation UK urges MPs and policymakers to act now and place animation at the heart of future screen strategy.

Read the CMS full report here.

Source：UK Animation