Equity is seeking assurances about the long-term future of jobs for performers and creative practitioners in Bristol and the South West, with questions tabled for tonight’s Full Bristol City Council meeting regarding the proposed sale of Bottle Yard Studios.
Bristol’s ‘premier film studio’ is currently owned by Bristol City Council and has hosted a wide range of film and TV productions, including Sherlock, Poldark, Hellboy, Crystal Maze, Broadchurch, and more. It is the only UK film studio to be owned by a local authority.
The council plans to sell the lease of Bottle Yard on a 10-year term, while retaining the freehold. This is due to “changes in the TV and film production market and the ownership and investment models of local authority-owned studios elsewhere” and the council’s intention “to maximise future investment opportunities”.
Bristol City Council voted 5-3 in favour of selling Bottle Yard Studios at a council meeting on Monday 16 September. According to a member of the council, the sale has been planned since the end of 2022 when the council was under previous administration led by then-Mayor Marvin Rees. However, as the trade union representing professional performers and creative practitioners whose work and livelihoods will be impacted by any sale, we are concerned that unions have still not been consulted or asked to be involved in any decision-making process regarding the matter.
Our concerns regarding transparency of the sale process are reflected among some Bristol City councillors, who say that despite the Council’s vote in favour of sale, they had missed crucial briefings due to annual leave and that they did not have access to confidential financial reports to help them make a decision. They also call for other options to be considered, such as establishing an arms-length company or a joint venture.
"In any other sector, the workforce – via their trade union – would be consulted before the proposal of a decision such as this. Just because we are creatives and freelancers does not mean this should not apply to us."
Rachael Fagan, Bristol-based actress and Equity South West Councillor
Rachael Fagan, Bristol-based actress and Equity South West Councillor (elected member serving on the union’s governing body), says: “Equity would like an open and collaborative relationship with Bristol City Council, and for them to consider the opinions of those who work in the South West’s film and TV industry. In any other sector, the workforce – via their trade union – would be consulted before the proposal of a decision such as this. Just because we are creatives and freelancers does not mean this should not apply to us.
“While selling the lease for Bottle Yard Studios will allow Bristol City Council to make money in the short term, in the longer term they will not be able to control how the studio functions to benefit the local workforce and community, and they will miss out on the income it generates. The decision to privatise the studio must be scrutinised, while all options for investment must be fully considered.”
Equity’s questions submitted to this evening’s Full Council (to be asked by Rachael Fagan):
- What assessment has the Council made of the impact of the sale of Bottle Yard Studios on permanent and freelance job opportunities for local workers in recorded media?
- What earnings does the Council currently make from Bottle Yard studios, and will the Council pledge to reinvest money from the potential sale of the studios into the wider creative and cultural economy and infrastructure of the city?
- What guarantees will the Council seek from the potential new owners that the work being created at Bottle Yard Studios continues to bring a benefit to Bristol and its creative workforce both now and in the future?
Background
Bottle Yard Studios was established in 2010 and is owned by Bristol City Council who, alongside the West of England Combined Authority other organisations, have maintained steady investment into the facility since opening.
Latest figures from Bristol Film Office show that film and High End TV production at The Bottle Yard Studios and on location in Bristol is now worth more than £20m per year to Bristol's economy.
Source: Exploring the future of The Bottle Yard Studios (bristol.gov.uk)
