A Bristol-based film studio is positioning itself as a major hub for film and television production in the southwest of England, aiming to rival established centers in Liverpool and Manchester. Bottle Yard Studios has recently completed a £12 million expansion, supported by funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, which has enabled the studio to host 115 projects over the past five years.

According to an independent report, productions filmed at Bottle Yard Studios contributed nearly £50 million in spending within the region in the 12 months leading up to April 2026. This investment has helped support more than 170 local jobs as the studio facilities have tripled in size.

Bristol’s diverse landscapes and distinctive architecture have attracted filmmakers to the city. Locations such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Ashton Court estate, along with surrounding hills and waterways, offer a range of backdrops suitable for various productions. Charles Martin, director of the Paramount detective series "The Crow Girl," described Bristol as a city of contrasts, noting its combination of historic architecture alongside brutalist buildings and a culturally vibrant atmosphere shaped over the past two decades.

Recent productions include "Bad Apples," a film starring Saoirse Ronan that opened this week. The movie, which tells the story of a frustrated primary school teacher who abducts an unruly pupil, was partly filmed at Bottle Yard Studios. Producer Oskar Pimlott highlighted Bristol’s blend of geographic variety and infrastructure, including the availability of large studio spaces for set construction.

Local government support remains strong, with Bristol City Council expected to announce a multimillion-pound production fund aimed at attracting further projects to the southwest. Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, emphasized the broader economic impact of the studio, noting that benefits extend beyond the studio premises to local suppliers, freelancers, accommodation providers, specialist businesses, and production crews.

This backing comes a year after the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority decided against selling the leasehold of the land occupied by Bottle Yard Studios, a move that was previously met with controversy. The continued investment and support signal a commitment to establishing Bristol as a key center for screen production in the UK.