Business News from British High Commission
Welcome!
The UK will have a strong presence this month at BroadcastAsia and CommunicAsia. Both events, held at Singapore Expo 16-19 June, will offer a showcase of technologies, ideas, knowledge and insights. I hope you will visit the UK companies exhibiting there.
The UK’s creative, media and digital content sector has long punched above its weight on the global stage. According to UK government research, British creative businesses contribute more than 8 per cent of UK GDP. Exports have grown even faster, averaging 11 per cent, to contribute 4.3 per cent of the country's overseas sales.
There are over 100 film production studios in the UK, ranging from large studios capable of housing the biggest sets to small studios catering for music videos and commercial work. Two of the most famous are Elstree Studios (Star Wars II – Attack of the Clones; Saving Private Ryan) and Shepperton Studios (Indiana Jones; Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone). Several scenes in the most recent James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, was filmed in some parts of the UK, such as Barbican, Pall Mall and Pinewood Studios. Growing expertise in digital and computer- generated effects is also adding to the UK’s reputation for expertise in post- production. The UK leads the world in animation, with the industry producing global, high- quality hits such as Bob the Builder, Noddy and Wallace & Gromit.
The UK accounts for 13 per cent of the global television market in terms of hours exported. UK companies such as BBC Worldwide, Celador and All3 media have been pioneers in the field of developing television programmes, such as The Weakest Link and Who Wants to be a Millionaire, for multiple platforms such as the web, mobile and interactive TV. The UK is also the third largest music market globally, estimated to be worth around over S$10 billion, with more than S$2 billion’s worth of exports every year and about 120,000 full-time jobs.
UK Trade & Investment in Singapore is working hard to develop links between the creative industries of the UK and Singapore. Last month, Lord David Puttnam, the award-winning British film producer, participated in a series of events with the film, media and education sectors. Lord Puttnam’s links to Singapore are strong- he is currently an International Adviser to the Media Development Authority and he launched the Puttnam School of Film in 2005, offering Singapore’s first degree in film. His film career includes Bugsy Malone, Midnight Express, The Killing Fields and The Mission. We’ll be running further events on the creative industries later this year. Watch this space.
Best Wishes,
Amanda Brooks
Business News from British High Commission
Amanda Brooks, Deputy British High Commissioner
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