Netflix has outlined its investment in the UK creative economy since 2020, totalling £4.8bn from making series and films.
Almost £1.2bn a year is now spent, an increase of nearly 50% each year between 2020 and 2023.
The US streamer has also set details of three new UK commissions. Rory Kinnear-led Bank Of Dave is getting a sequel, produced by Tempo Productions and Future Artists, and directed once again by Chris Foggin. It sees Dave Fishwick take on a new and more dangerous adversary in the shape of payday lenders, and is based on a true story.
Series commissions include Department Q, produced by Left Bank Pictures, and lead directed by The Queen’s Gambit’s Scott Frank. It is an eight-part adaptation of the novels of the same name by Danish author, Jussi Adler-Olsen, and has been adapted for screen by Chandni Lakhani. Department Q has previously adapted as a film series, produced by Zentropa and Nordisk Film.
Keira Knightley will star in Black Doves, created and written by Girl/Haji’s Joe Barton, who also produces through Noisy Bear, alongside Sister. A woman embarks on a passionate affair that endangers her secret identity.
The series centres on a former detective in Edinburgh assigned to a new cold case while wracked with guilt following an attack that left his partner paralysed and another policeman dead.
Anne Mensah, vice president of content for Netflix UK said: “It’s no secret that the UK produces some of the world’s most iconic entertainment. This is true for Netflix, too – from Top Boy to The Crown, Heartstopper to The Tinder Swindler – our productions are some of the buzziest, most watched and zeitgeist-defining in the world.
“We are deeply committed to the UK, and I’m incredibly proud to announce today that between 2020 and 2023 we will in fact have invested almost $6bn (£4.8bn) creating Netflix series and films here, an increase of nearly 50% on what we originally anticipated.”
John McVay, CEO of Pact, added: “This is a real sign of confidence in the UK’s screen industries, reflecting our tradition of creative excellence, highly skilled crews and state of the art facilities. All of these things come together to make this country one of the best places in the world for production.”
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak commented: “It is hugely welcome to see Netflix significantly increase its investment in the UK, demonstrating the sheer strength of our TV and film industry as the largest in Europe. Our world-renowned British creative industries employ over two million people and are growing at twice the rate of the economy – and Netflix has been a key part of this success. Our creative talent is among the world’s best, producing entertainment that is watched across the globe and creating new jobs and opportunities here at home.”
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