Q2 2024 Global Production Report

ProdPro

July 11, 2024

Note: This report was featured in the Los Angeles Times.

Global Production Activity Increased in Q2, Remains Significantly Lower than 2022

ProdPro, a global leader in tracking TV and film productions, reported a 22% increase in the number of projects actively filming in Q2 2024 compared to the same period last year. The US experienced a 30% year-over-year increase in Q2. However, it's important to note that this comparison is against the beginning of the 2023 WGA strike, a period characterized by unusually low production activity.

What's important: Over the past 6 months, the total number of productions filming globally in 2024 is still 16% lower than in 2022, and 37% lower in the US. This decline, though anticipated, is challenging for an industry that expanded to meet the demands of the Peak TV Era in terms of crew and suppliers.

Why it matters: The lower volumes are here to stay. Comparing the number of productions that started principal photography in Q2 2024 to those in 2022, the US saw a decrease of approximately 40%, while globally there was a ~20% decrease.

US Scripted TV & Film Productions Actively Filming: First Half 2022 vs. First Half 2024

Global Scripted TV & Film Productions Starting Principal Photography: Q2 2023 vs. Q2 2024

ProdPro reported 344 scripted productions that started principal photography worldwide in Q2 2024. This encompassed 130 TV series and 214 feature films.

Feature films saw a decrease of 18% compared to the same period last year. As with the Q1 drop in feature starts, this can partially be attributed to the risk of another strike in 2024, which has made it more difficult for indie film producers to get bonded for production.

TV series experienced an increase of 20% year-over-year, primarily driven by major studios making up for lost time and ensuring their fall slates are delivered.

Production Budget Analysis

Continuing the trend from Q1 of delayed productions driving an increase in committed spend, ProdPro measured a 39% increase in committed spend from Q2 2023. The biggest increase was with projects in the $40M-$100M range, continuing the trend from Q1 2024 of returning episodic projects and mid-budget studio films driving the increase. Notably, this number is 20% less than committed spend during Q2 2022.

Global Scripted TV & Film Productions by Budget Tier: Q2 2024

Geographic Breakdown

On the episodic side, the US and Canada both experienced notable increases in the number of series beginning production compared to prior year. While the UK lagged behind in series starts, they were the only region to experience an increase on the features side.

Episodics

Features

Feature Films - Notable Production Starts

Production on Project Hail Mary began in June and is filming at Pinewood Shepperton Studios just outside London. Line producer is Patricia Anne Whitcher, with Camilla Stephenson managing locations for the film.

Production on Grilled Cheese began in New Orleans in mid-April. Line producer is Will Greenfield, behind the camera is Autumn Durald, and Ruth Carter is designing costumes.

Production on Mercy began in April and is filming in Los Angeles at The Culver Studios, with a second unit in Australia. Todd Williams and Mark Moran are heading up the production as Line Producer and UPM, respectively, while James McGrady serves as First Assistant Director.

TV Series - Notable Production Starts

Filming began on The Better Sister in early June, based at Broadway Stages in Queens, NY. Jamie Blank Crowell serves as UPM, while Isiah Donté Lee serves as cinematographer.

Filming began on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight in Belfast in early June. Production team is comprised of Sarah Bradshaw, Lisa Byrne, and Scott McCutcheon, while Arron Roebuck oversees visual effects.

Filming began on Blade Runner 2099 across eastern Europe (Budapest and Prague) in June. Production designer Chloe Arbiture and art director Brett Hirson design the world that cinematographer Rob Hardy is lensing.

ProdPro specializes in tracking English-language scripted content produced by the major studios globally, as well as independent and domestic productions in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

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