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BBC Bristol’s ‘The Green Planet’ boosts UK economy by £7.4m
A new report shows that natural history production constituted 44.2 percent (£127.2m) of Bristol’s screen production industry’s total £288m turnover in 2022.
Additionally, the city’s creative sector experienced a rapid 74 percent growth from 2015 to 2020, partly due to “the presence of a major broadcaster [the BBC]” in the area, as noted by academics at UWE Bristol.
The BBC Bristol Economic Impact Report was launched to coincide with The Creative Cities Convention at the Bristol Beacon.
It outlines the BBC Natural History Unit’s far-reaching global legacy and how it has acted as a powerful catalyst for growth in Bristol’s wider production sector, as well as delving into the economic impact of the BBC’s broader commissioning strategy, and the importance of BBC Studios and the indie sector in Bristol.
Sir David Attenborough speaking at the 60-year celebrations of the Natural History Unit at Cinema de Lux in 2017 – photo: Alistair Heap
The BBC is the largest employer within Bristol’s TV and film industry – accounting for 45 per cent of production section roles in 2022.
BBC Studios – which has moved from Whiteladies Road to Finzels Reach – also has part of its Factual Entertainment division based in the city, which produces shows including Antiques Roadshow, Countryfile and more.
Steph Marshall, BBC senior head of content for the West and South West, said: “Bristol is an important part of the BBC’s global mission, to inform, entertain and engage for the digital age.
“The BBC Studios Natural History Unit in the city has achieved ground-breaking technological innovation, unearthed new discoveries, and set the gold standard for all-natural history programming worldwide. Bristol rightfully deserves its reputation as a leader in the industry, and this report proves the BBC’s passion to further boost production outside London.”
BBC Studios Natural History Unit was based at Whiteladies Road before moving to Bridgewater House in Finzels Reach in 2022 – photo: Martin Booth
Over 75 per cent of BBC natural history commissions, that aired between 2019 to 2022, attracted inward investment. To break this down further, over the period, for every £1 the BBC Public Service invested, £1.86 was invested by a third party.
The report finds that Natural History programmes create significant economic value for the Bristol region. BBC Studios NHU’s BAFTA nominated The Green Planet (2022), which was filmed internationally in 27 different countries between 2019 and 2022, contributed £7.4m Gross Value Added (GVA) for the UK’s economy.
The majority of this has benefited Bristol, as a budget was spent in Bristol on BBC Studios NHU’s production staff and local supply chain – supporting over 50 full-time equivalent jobs in the UK.
Similarly, the landmark series Wild Isles (2023), also produced in Bristol by Silverback Films and filmed in more than 145 different locations across the UK, generated estimated £9m GVA for the UK economy and supported over 80 full-time equivalent jobs, during its three-year production.
The statistics do not include wider social value generated by natural history programming that can increase wellbeing and encourage positive behaviour change amongst audiences and wider society, which is estimated at £134m.
The report also outlines how BBC Studios work with external partners, like Bristol City Council and UWE Bristol, to develop local talent and attract new talent into the region.
For example, UWE Bristol’s MA in Wildlife Filmmaking, which was co-designed and is accredited by BBC Studios NHU, is immensely successful with 94 per cent of its graduates finding employment each year.
Around 32 per cent of this same group (between 2016 and 2023) have since gone on to work at BBC Studios NHU or in other BBC roles – setting up a clear pipeline for future talent.
Countryfile is one of the many programmes which calls BBC Bristol home, recently filming at Yew Tree Farm in Bedminster Down – photo: Catherine Withers
Main photo: BBC Studios and Jo Haley
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