19 Top UK Production Companies

Lists

22 Oct

The UK’s film industry is one of the best in the world. UK drama series are one of the country’s main intellectual exports, and the foundation of the industry lies within its top production companies.

The top production houses on our list are amongst the most productive and most profitable in the UK. They have created films and shows that have received a variety of accolades and are watched by millions around the world.

1. Alamo Pictures

Alamo Pictures is an innovative London-based film and TV production company specializing in factual features, television and shorts about the US. They pride themselves on their ability to unearth and support American stories; bringing clients' ideas to life through a combination of creative innovation and expert execution.

With a growing team of talented professionals whose expertise ranges from production to post-production, Alamo Pictures has quickly become a leader in the UK film industry.

Alamo Pictures

2. Heyday Films

If you are a fan of magical movies and iconic adaptations from literature, then Heyday Films is the production house you need to have on your radar. The company is responsible for producing the hugely successful Harry Potter series, including "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2."

Heyday Films also produced "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "The Secret Garden," which have been a hit with both critics and audiences. Heyday films are known for their meticulous attention to detail and exceptional storytelling.

Heyday Films

3. Number 9 Films

Number 9 Films is one of the most respected independent production companies in the UK. The company was founded in 2002 and has since been producing some of the most critically acclaimed and award-winning movies in the country.

Among their most popular productions are "Carol," "The King's Speech," "Official Secrets," and "Colette." Number 9 Films has built a reputation for taking on high-stake projects with incredible precision and expertise. The company is also known for its ability to work with some of the most exceptional actors, directors, and screenwriters in the industry.

Number 9 Films

4. Eon Productions

Eon Productions is responsible for producing the incredibly popular James Bond film franchise. The company was founded in 1961 and has since produced some of the most thrilling movies in the action genre.

Eon Productions has produced "Casino Royale," "Skyfall," and "Spectre," among other films in the James Bond franchise. The company is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the action genre, and their use of stunning locations around the world has made their films a hit with audiences worldwide.

Eon Productions

5. See-Saw Films

See-Saw Films is a production company that specializes in both film and television projects. The company was founded in 2008 and has since produced some of the most exceptional projects on the big and small screens.

Some of their most popular projects include "Mr Holmes," "Shame," and "The King's Speech." See-Saw Films is known for taking on unique and diverse stories, and they have a knack for bringing them to life in an unforgettable way. The company has won multiple awards for their work, including Academy and BAFTA awards.

See-Saw Films

6. Sigma Films

Sigma Films is a Scotland based production company that has been around since 1996. The company produces a combination of narrative and commercial projects and has worked on some of the most successful independent films in the UK.

Among their productions are "Red Road," "Perfect Sense," and "Starred Up." Sigma Films is known for their remarkable ability to work with first-time directors, and their films have been distinguished by their authenticity and raw emotion.

Sigma Films

7. Passion Pictures

This production company has been around since the '80s, and it is known for delivering high-quality work that remains unparalleled. Their documentary films have won numerous awards, and their animations have become some of the most iconic.

Passion Pictures has worked with companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, among others. Their exceptional work led them to the creation of their own satellite offices in New York, Barcelona and Paris.

Passion Pictures

8. DJ Films

DJ Films is a multi-award-winning production company that has been around for over two decades. They have in-depth knowledge of the industry and are known for their expertise in both documentary film production and dramatic feature film production.

Some of their most notable works include critically acclaimed dramas: "The Iron Lady", "I Used To Be Famous", and "Goodbye Christopher Robin".

DJ Films

9. Origin Pictures

This independent London-based production company produces television drama and film projects. This ambitious company was launched in 2008 by David Thompson, having run BBC Films for over a 10 years.

Their critically acclaimed productions include the films "The Sense of An Ending", "Woman in Gold", and "Mandela: The Long Walk To Freedom".

Origin Pictures

10. Ealing Studios

Ealing Studios has a unique place in the history of British cinema. They produced some of the most iconic films of their time, including "The Kid Who Would Be King," "Darkest Hour," and "Death of Stalin."

Over the years, the company has evolved, and they now produce television drama, film production, and other visual media.

Ealing Studios

11. Baby Cow Productions

The company was founded in 1999 and is based in London and Manchester. Baby Cow produces television series, films, and online content and has amassed an impressive body of work. Some of their notable works include "The Mighty Boosh," "Gavin & Stacey," and "The Trip."

Baby Cow Productions

12. Aardman Animations

Aardman Animations is an award-winning British animation studio based in Bristol. It was established more than 47 years ago, and during its lifetime has produced some of the best animated films in Britain. The studio has earned over one billion worldwide, and nets around 150 million per film.

Aardman is best known for its work in stop-motion animation, but has produced traditional hand-drawn and digitally animated works as well. Aardman’s 2000 animated feature "Chicken Run" was the catalyst that led the Academy of Motion Pictures to create an award category for Best Animated Feature Film.

Other Feature films produced by Aardman include "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" (2005), "Flushed Away" (2006), "Arthur Christmas" (2011) and "Shaun the Sheep Movie" (2015), and "Early Man" (2018).

Aardman Animations on Wikipedia

13. Archer Street Films

Archer Street Films has an advantage in comparison to all other companies, as it is both founded and led by a director. This means the company is more focused on creative vision than the production and profit sides of things.

The company is best known for its historic drama "Girl With a Pearl Earring", as well as numerous other smaller films.

Archer Street Films

14. Moving Picture Compan

Moving Picture Company, also known as MPC, is recognized for its work on some of the biggest films of all time.

This all-encompassing production company provides services that encompass everything from creative design and VFX to sound engineering and post-production work. With locations around the world, it is one of the most influential digital production companies in the world. Some of the projects they have worked on include: "The Lion King", "Blade Runner 2049", "The Jungle Book" and "Sully".

Moving Picture Company

15. Warp Films

Another company that deserves a spot on this list is Warp Films. They specialize in creating unique, captivating dramas and documentaries that explore the intricacies of human nature.

With a long list of accolades and a reputation for excellence, Warp Films is one of the most respected production companies in the industry.

Warp Films

16. Bedlam Production

Bedlam Production is an independent production company operating from Soho, London. It is a younger company, established in 2009, but has since made its name in the industry due to a high quality of work. Bedlam was founded by Simon Egan and Gareth Unwin.

The company has produced one major hit so far: Academy Award-winning historical drama "The King’s Speech".

Bedlam Production on Wikipedia

17. Big Talk Productions

Big Talk Productions is one of the UK’s most well-known production companies. It works mostly in television and comedy and holds a great track record for securing young and unknown talent in the industry.

Their films include "Shaun of the Dead", "Hot Fuzz", "Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World", "Paul", "Attack the Block", "Sightseers", "Rev", "Spaced", and "Him and Her". The company launched the career of Edgar Wright: one of today’s biggest names in the comedy genre.

Big Talk Production on Wikipedia

18. Blueprint Pictures

Blueprint Pictures is an independent movie company based in London. It was established in 2005 and saw its first major hit in 2008, with the film "In Bruges" starring Collin Farrell.

Over the years since the company has produced nearly a dozen pictures. It remains one of the most influential companies in the world of British drama films.

Blueprint Pictures on Wikipedia

19. Cloud Eight

Cloud Eight is a British production company founded more than eleven years ago. It has made six films since then, including several pieces of great cultural importance.

The company was launched by Christian Colson, who was already famous for his work on "Slumdog Millionaire". The company’s highest-grossing hits were "T2 Transporting", and "Steve Jobs": the biopic of the famous late entrepreneur. Both received mixed reviews but had a great impact on box office numbers and popular culture.

Cloud Eight on Wikipedia

Conclusion

The companies on our list produce content in all forms of media. Often they are not only a video production company but a podcast production company offering podcast editing services and audio marketing expertise or acting as a promotion agency serving businesses.

Some have been around for decades. They are art houses worthy of admiration: places every young person in the industry can learn from.