The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has today singled out the UK film and cinema industry as a key driver of national economic growth in the three months to June.
Noting growth within the sector of 8.2 per cent during that period, the ONS identified it as the second largest contributor to national growth behind retail. While much of that was due to film production, cinema box office for leading releases such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Fate Of The Furious and Wonder Woman also played a part.
Commenting on today’s report, UK Cinema Association Chief Executive Phil Clapp said:
“We have always sought to highlight the contribution that each cinema makes to the local economy, as an employer, but also as a driver of footfall for other retailers and service providers. But these latest headline figures confirm the success of the UK cinema industry over recent times at the national level.
Even set against the successes of last year, we are already 6 per cent ahead on admissions and 12 per cent ahead on box office compared to the same point in 2016. UK audiences are responding positively not just to a diverse and high quality film slate, but also clearly to unprecedented levels of investment in all aspects of the cinema-going experience, with an ongoing programme of cinema openings and refurbishments benefiting communities up and down the country.”
Today’s press release from the ONS can be found here.