Equity has welcomed the news that Bristol City Council are not moving forward with the sale of The Bottle Yard Studios, the only UK film studio to be owned by a local authority. The U-turn follows months of campaigning around the sale, our union having repeatedly expressed concerns around the effect the sale would have on jobs and the local economy, as well as the loss of value to the public purse and the city’s council tax payers.
The Bottle Yard represents an increasingly valuable creative and economic asset to the city, providing good quality employment for creative workers who live in Bristol and the South West. We had previously called for a pause on the decision to sell the studios to allow for transparency, scrutiny and accountability in the process.
The latest data from the Bristol Film Office shows the economic impact of filming at Bristol locations and The Bottle Yard Studios rose 55% in 2024-25 to £46.6 million.
Equity is looking forward to working with the Council to explore other options to secure a sustainable future for the studios, ensuring that freelancers both on and off screen are a part of the decision-making process at every step of the way.
Rachael Fagan, Equity South West Area Councillor
Equity’s South West Area Councillor Rachael Fagan, said: “Had regular and meaningful consultation with freelance creative workers and their union taken place, I believe this painful process could have been avoided. I encourage the Council to explore previously dismissed options for The Bottle Yard Studios, which prioritise public ownership, ensuring value for money for Bristol residents.
“Equity is looking forward to working with the Council to explore other options to secure a sustainable future for the studios, ensuring that freelancers both on and off screen are a part of the decision-making process at every step of the way.”
Equity launched a campaign to halt a rushed sale of the Bottle Yard Studios and called for a reassessment of the financial options for the studios in autumn 2024, when documents relating to a potential sale became public on the agenda of Bristol City Council’s Strategy and Resources committee. Members from across Bristol have been involved in a range of campaigning activity, including attending key council meetings, asking questions, and speaking direct to councillors who hold a vote on the future of the studios.
