LONDON — Investment in U.K. film production rose 8% to a record $1.85 billion in 2010, according to figures released Thursday by the U.K. Film Council.
Data from the UKFC showed that inward investment from international filmmakers, mainly Hollywood studios, reached $1.48 billion, an increase of 15% over 2009. These films included Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, Captain America: The First Avenger, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Hugo Cabret.
However, spending on local films in 2010 fell to $276 million compared with $355.6 million in 2009.
Box office takings in the U.K. and Ireland rose 2% from 2009 to $1.71 billion, with Toy Story 3 leading the pack with earnings of $117.5 million, followed by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One with $81 million.
Brit flicks, including U.S/U.K titles, accounted for 22.6% of the box office, up from 16.7% in 2009.
The 28 3D films released in the U.K. in 2010 grossed $379 million, a 24% market share up from 2009’s 16%.
