The UK television industry is facing a ‘genuinely existential crisis’ due to budget pressures, warns Wolf Hall director Peter Kosminsky. As public service broadcasters struggle to keep up with the cost of producing high-end British drama, Kosminsky calls for a 5% levy on subscription streaming revenues.
The acclaimed period drama Wolf Hall has been a staple of British television for years, but the director of the series, Peter Kosminsky, warns that the industry is facing a ‘genuinely existential crisis‘ due to budget pressures.
The UK television industry has undergone significant transformations since its inception in the late 19th century.
Initially, television broadcasts were limited to a few channels, including the BBC and ITV.
The 1950s saw the introduction of commercial television, with the launch of ITV's first channel.
By the 1960s, colour TV became widespread, and by the 1980s, cable TV was introduced.
In recent years, digital switchover has led to increased competition and diversity in UK television, with numerous channels available through satellite, cable, and online streaming services.
In an interview with BBC Two’s Newsnight, Kosminsky revealed that filming of last year’s second series was nearly called off weeks before it began, and he had to make significant cuts to the production in order to complete it.
The High Cost of Producing British Drama
Kosminsky argues that public service broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV can no longer afford to produce high-end British drama.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was founded on October 18, 1922.
It began as a radio broadcasting service and expanded to television in 1932.
The BBC is funded by license fees paid by UK households.
Today, the BBC produces content in over 30 languages, with services including BBC News, BBC Sport, and BBC iPlayer.
He points to the example of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light, which was filmed on a reduced budget due to cost-cutting measures.
The original script had many scenes set outside, involving horses and a jousting scene, but these were all cut in order to complete the production.
A Call for Reform
Kosminsky is calling on the government to implement a 5% levy on UK subscription streaming revenues.
Peter Kosminsky is a British screenwriter and director, best known for his work on television dramas.
Born in 1956, Kosminsky began his career in the 1980s, writing for various TV shows and films.
He gained critical acclaim with his 2001 drama 'The Government Inspector', which explored themes of corruption and power.
Kosminsky's subsequent works include 'Warriors' (2001), 'Spooks' (2002-2011), and 'Wolf Hall' (2015).
His writing often focuses on historical events, politics, and social issues.
He believes that this would put the UK in line with other European countries that use the proceeds to fund domestic content.
However, he also acknowledges that the UK government may be hesitant to impose such a levy due to concerns about competition and sovereignty.
The Impact of Streaming on TV Production
Kosminsky is not alone in arguing that the advent of streaming platforms has inflated prices so dramatically that public service broadcasters have been unable to keep up.
Patrick Spence, executive producer behind Mr Bates vs the Post Office, agrees that this is a serious issue.
He says that the price of making dramas has risen at the same time as international funding models for these types of shows have dried up.
A Loss of Cultural Heritage
Kosminsky’s comments have sparked concerns about the future of British television.
The director warns that if public service broadcasters are no longer able to produce high-end drama, there will be a loss of cultural heritage.
He cites Wolf Hall as an example of a show that would not have been possible without significant investment in production.
A Plea for Help
In a recent interview, Jayne Featherstone, executive producer of Netflix’s Black Doves, warned that the UK is ‘at risk of losing the very stories that define us‘.
She called for an uplift in tax relief for high-end television, similar to the one already given to the film sector.
Kosminsky’s comments have highlighted the need for reform and a new approach to funding public service broadcasting.
The Future of British Television
The future of British television is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the industry needs to find a way to sustain itself in the face of increasing costs and changing market conditions.
Kosminsky’s call for a 5% levy on subscription streaming revenues may be just what is needed to put the UK back on track.
- bbc.com | UK TV industry in crisis, says Wolf Hall director
- ca.news.yahoo.com | UK TV industry in crisis, says Wolf Hall director
