Leading specialist film and TV industry PR agency Percy & Warren’s latest survey has revealed that a majority of UK and international screen professionals support the introduction of a 5% levy on streaming platforms’ UK revenues. The survey was conducted following recent calls from the UK CMS committee to protect British high-end TV production.
The survey revealed strong alignment across the industry in support of a UK streaming levy. Over 80% of respondents backed the government’s proposed intervention, with more than 83% agreeing that the time to act is now.
Concerns over the future of PSBs were also front of mind, with three-quarters of participants saying they do not believe PSBs will survive without a levy or similar support. Yet there remains clear faith in the value of these institutions, with 100% of respondents agreeing that PSBs will continue to play a role in the industry, albeit potentially a reduced one.
Support for the UK’s local content quotas was nearly unanimous. Over 95% said they should be maintained, with many calling for reforms that reflect the changing production landscape – such as incentivising regional storytelling and bolstering diverse, homegrown voices.
The findings come as the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee warns that the UK production industry is under threat, with a 27% drop in UK high-end TV production last year. Its recommendation of a 5% levy on platforms is designed to safeguard British cultural content, support freelancers, and fund original UK-centric programming, including dramas like Mr Bates vs The Post Office and Three Girls.
PSBs were praised for their excellence in News, Documentaries and Children’s content, while respondents also acknowledging that streamers were typically stronger in Drama, Comedy and Adult Animation. Many referenced the successful levies in France, Canada, and 15 other European nations – arguing the UK is lagging behind.
Further responses noted that while some, including Netflix and industry body COBA, have raised concerns about reduced investment and trade implications, advocates believe the UK’s tax breaks, world-class talent, and English-language advantage ensure it remains a highly attractive production hub, regardless of any future trade negotiations, including with a potential Trump administration.
Xander Ross, Director, Percy & Warren says: “To see such high levels of support should encourage the government to press on with active strategies to protect the UK’s screen industry and its talent. Of course, our industry does not exist in a vacuum, other external factors and political concerns clearly need to be considered. In particular, how this could affect Britain’s negotiating position on a trade deal with America and whether streamers will pull back on how much they produce in the country. But, from an industry perspective, the government appears to have the backing of producers to help protect PSBs with a levy – which remain seen by many as having a key role whether that is in projecting British culture or keeping the domestic production industry afloat.”
Ryan Dean, Founder of the RD Group adds, “We’re at a pivotal moment for British cinema and television. The government now has a chance to support our incredible industry and ensure that the stories of our country continue to be told. We have the creative and technical talent to produce world-class British content. A streaming levy should form part of a broader transformation of the UK production model, one that puts creative control and intellectual property back in the hands of producers and studios, rather than letting all the value flow to the streamers.”
As this debate unfolds, Percy & Warren will continue to represent and amplify the voices of professionals across the screen industries.
