In a significant shift, Britain has emerged as the new epicenter for American game show productions, as major US networks are transporting numerous contestants to the UK for filming their popular shows. Manchester, offering cost-effective filming options compared to Hollywood, has now become a prominent location for US television, where only essential American personnel like contestants, executive producers, and writers are present on set, while the rest of the crew, audience, and studio staff are British.
Industry insiders reveal that the cost of producing a US game show can reach up to £1.6 million per episode. However, utilizing UK tax incentives can substantially reduce this cost to under £750,000, presenting significant savings during a period when traditional TV faces challenges. With statistics showing that nearly half of Americans are now turning to streaming services over traditional broadcast or cable TV, which is impacting advertising revenues, the move to film in the UK is seen as a strategic financial decision.
Earlier this year, a pilot for the TV adaptation of the New York Times hit puzzle “Wordle” was showcased at dock10 in Salford’s MediaCityUK, drawing a local crowd. Prior to filming, the audience was introduced to the host, Savannah Guthrie, a prominent figure in the US as the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. The crew in Manchester efficiently managed the filming process, hinting that if “Wordle” gets picked up next year, it is likely to be further developed in Manchester or Ireland.
The trend of US broadcasters relocating their operations abroad is not a surprising revelation for British viewers. The migration of game shows, once synonymous with Los Angeles and New York, to the UK to take advantage of favorable tax breaks, has been a notable development. Facing declining ratings, diminishing profits, and challenges like tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, US networks are actively seeking ways to cut costs, driving the shift towards overseas production.
With examples like Fox producing prime-time shows overseas, including “99 To Beat” starring Ken Jeong filmed in London, and other shows like “Celebrity Name That Tune,” “The Floor,” and “Beat Shazam” being made in Ireland, the trend is clearly gaining momentum. The adaptation includes coaching contestants to conceal accents and references that may reveal their origins, reflecting the industry’s focus on cost-efficiency.
As the television landscape evolves, game shows have become increasingly attractive due to their lower production costs compared to dramas. The simplicity of needing just a studio and an audience, along with the live and interactive nature of game shows, has further contributed to their appeal. However, there is a growing pressure to deliver more content for lesser budgets, as highlighted by Fremantle executive Kim Kleid, who emphasized the need to do more with fewer resources in the current industry climate.
The impact of these changes is also felt in Los Angeles, where production facilities are closing down, and many workers are facing job losses. The shift towards overseas production is evident, with even big reality contests like Netflix’s “Squid Game: The Challenge” choosing locations like London for filming. This evolution signifies a departure from the traditional US-centric approach in the entertainment industry, ushering in a new era of international collaboration and production flexibility.
Adapting to the changing landscape, producers in the UK have demonstrated their ability to work remotely with smaller crews, showcasing their efficiency in producing shows abroad. The competitive environment has led British studios to actively pursue opportunities, as seen in the case of ‘Wordle,’ where efforts were made to secure the production in Manchester. Ireland is also vying for business by offering attractive tax incentives, albeit raising concerns about the potential impact on the US entertainment industry.
Looking ahead, there is a hope that California will introduce tax incentives for game shows to maintain its status as the hub of Hollywood. However, as the industry continues to evolve, the competition for attracting productions and retaining talent intensifies, necessitating strategic decisions to balance cost efficiencies with creative excellence and industry sustainability.
