West London’s film and TV industry employed over 43,000 people last year, with Ealing playing a key role, especially in production support like lighting, set building, and logistics.
Ealing’s longstanding reputation as a powerhouse of British film and television is being revitalised with a new wave of major studio expansions, high-profile productions and a growing network of creative businesses that are transforming west London into one of the UK’s most important media hubs.
From the latest season of Big Brother being filmed at Versa Studios in Acton, to an expansive new 14,000-square-foot production space underway at the historic Ealing Studios, the borough is now at the centre of Britain’s screen sector revival. The area’s deep creative roots, combined with proximity to central London and Heathrow Airport, continue to attract world-class productions and investment.
Global Titles, Local Impact
Ealing and the surrounding areas are already known for hosting critically acclaimed TV series including The Crown, Silent Witness, and Gangs of London. These productions benefit not only from the borough’s diverse locations and modern facilities but also from the region’s unique ecosystem of creative service providers—from props and camera rentals to make-up and special effects companies.
New economic data confirms the borough’s strategic importance. West London is now home to more than 70 film-related companies and at least six dedicated studio facilities, including Island Studios, Klatch Studios, RD Studios and Garden Studios. The creative manufacturing space in the borough is nine times greater than the London average, with much of it concentrated in the Park Royal Creative Enterprise Zone.
Versa Studios, one of the fastest-growing film complexes in the capital, has recently expanded its Acton site. The facility will now serve as a long-term base for the main Big Brother series and its celebrity spin-off. The expansion aligns with the studio’s goal of becoming the go-to venue for high-profile productions seeking long-term operational homes in London.
Driving Job Growth and Talent Development
The film and TV industry employed over 43,000 people in west London last year—representing more than one-third of the sector’s entire workforce in the capital. Ealing alone accounts for a significant slice of this employment, with an emphasis on production support services such as lighting, camera hire, set building, logistics and catering.
The council is working to ensure that local talent benefits directly from this boom. Through the West London Film Office (WLFO), Ealing Council helped deliver over 350 days of on-location filming last year and connected young people to entry-level opportunities as runners and location marshalls.
Ealing Council is also advancing its borough-wide jobs and skills strategy, focused on equipping residents for high-growth sectors like film, media and digital design. Local institutions such as MetFilm School and the London School of Film, Media and Design at the University of West London offer an established talent pipeline that employers can tap into.
The borough’s cultural calendar also supports the creative economy. Now in its sixth year, the Ealing Film Festival continues to celebrate both emerging talent and seasoned filmmakers, reinforcing Ealing’s cultural identity.
A Regional Growth Model
Council leader Peter Mason has outlined a vision for west London as a driving force in the capital’s economic diversification. By focusing growth across sub-regions like Ealing—rather than only central business districts—he argues that London can better harness its industrial and creative strengths.
“We want all parts of London to be as vibrant and dynamic as the heart of the city,” Mason said. “With the historic role we play in the film industry and major new investments from studios like Versa and Ealing, we’re well placed to lead the creative economy forward.”
The council is collaborating with partners including the Reel Park Royal network, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, the University of West London, and West London Business to map the sector and unlock new investment. Funding has been allocated to boost the visibility of Ealing’s film heritage while expanding the sector’s supply chain and job market.
Creative Collaboration
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, noted the borough’s strength in the production support ecosystem and reiterated the council’s commitment to growing the sector.
“We’ve prioritised the creative industry for its potential to deliver more good, well-paid jobs,” she said. “Our creative sector forum is helping businesses collaborate, share knowledge and access new markets.”
Creative professionals in the borough are being encouraged to get involved in this network by joining the forum, which provides access to industry leaders, support initiatives, and funding opportunities.
