U.K. TV exports increase 25%
Sales to the U.S. total $574 million
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British TV exports, such as "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares" and "Midsomer Murders," were worth £980 million ($1.6 billion) in 2008, up 25% on 2007, according to Pact, the U.K. trade body for independent producers.
Sales to the U.S. totalled $574 million, 36% of total export revenue, up 11% on the previous year.
Demand for U.K. fare was also buoyant in Australia and New Zealand, where sales rose by 65%.
Chris Bonney, managing director of Outright Distribution and a Pact council member, said, "For independents, these export revenues are a crucial part of their ability to invest up to £190 million ($311 million) per year in new programs despite reduced margins and the particularly challenging economic environment we currently find ourselves in."
According to the survey all markets showed growth: These included Asia (up 57%), Eastern Europe (up 43%), Canada (up 42%) and France (up 29%).
Overall the sale of finished shows increased by 20% to $769 million but the value of co-productions declined by 28% to $67 million.
As commissions become more hard to come by in the U.K., indies need no reminding of the importance of business overseas.
