How Our Local Productions Are Supporting Creatives Across the South West of England

The South West of England has emerged as a rich creative hub for Netflix giving rise to breakout  hits including Bridgerton, Rebecca  and Our Planet. 

The region’s talented crews, production houses big and small, state of the art facilities and beautiful landscapes - all come together to create an ecosystem that makes it one of the best places to do business in the UK.

Working in the region also gives us an opportunity to partner with innovative South West based production companies like Aardman Animations, Wildspace, Wildseed, Plimsoll Films and Silverback Films who have all brought their own unique vision and stories to Netflix.

But these local stories don’t just entertain our members around the world — they also benefit the communities in which they’re made. Over the last two years, Netflix productions filmed or produced in the region have generated over £132m for the UK economy, and created more than 1,000 jobs. Over 500 businesses based in the South West from sole traders to medium-sized enterprises have directly benefited from our investment.

Our impact stretches beyond economics. Netflix productions from the South West in places like Hartland Quay in Devon, Mapperton House in Dorset and  Lyme Regis help put the region on a global stage, building cultural affinity and bringing tourists and investors to the area. 

We believe that there is a depth of talent in the region unlike no other. That’s why we’re working with local partners to ensure the next generation of creatives can take full advantage of the opportunities in our industry. We’re partnering with Bristol’s Aardman Animations on a new programme that will encourage and showcase the range  of careers in animation, support the professional development of those already in the sector, and provide emerging talent with opportunities on Netflix Aardman productions. This is part of Grow Creative UK, Netflix’s flagship programme to support the careers and training of up to 1,000 people across the UK.  Netflix will also co-sponsor the Production Guild of Great Britain’s inaugural Bristol & South West committee to help drive forward the development of the region's High-End TV sector. 

Our work in the region is for the long term. Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, we have some incredible productions under way in the South West including nature documentaries, kids live-action series, and family films. And as we continue to make great stories in the region, we also want to ensure the South West continues to develop its film and TV industry, helping create prosperity and opportunities for local communities. Because our mission is not to sell Hollywood to the world, but to find authentic local stories which can travel globally and be loved everywhere.