London, United Kingdom – Acclaimed director Peter Kosminsky recently revealed the challenges faced during the filming of the second series of the popular period drama, Wolf Hall. The renowned drama, starring Sir Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis, faced potential cancellation just weeks before production was set to begin due to budget constraints. Kosminsky disclosed that in order to proceed with filming, significant cuts had to be made, resulting in a shift to a more dialogue-driven approach rather than the originally envisioned elaborate exterior scenes.
In a recent interview with BBC Two’s Newsnight, Kosminsky expressed his concerns regarding the financial struggles of public service broadcasters like the BBC and ITV in producing high-quality British dramas. He emphasized the need for the government to impose a 5% levy on UK subscription streaming revenues to establish a British cultural fund. The pressures of escalating production costs, exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and US actors’ and writers’ strikes, have put traditional broadcasters at a disadvantage in competing with streaming platforms.
Kosminsky’s experiences with Wolf Hall highlight the growing disparity between the budgets required for ambitious television productions and the resources available to public service broadcasters. The struggle to secure funding for projects like Wolf Hall and Mr Bates vs the Post Office reflects a broader industry trend of diminishing financial support for high-end British dramas. The shift towards streaming platforms has further intensified this challenge, leading to a potential scarcity of culturally significant programs that resonate with British audiences.
The proposal for a streaming levy to support domestic content production aligns with strategies adopted by other European countries like France and Denmark. However, the implications of such a levy on US-based streaming services have raised questions about potential conflicts with American interests. As discussions surrounding funding models for British television continue, industry professionals emphasize the need for sustainable financial mechanisms to preserve the diversity and richness of UK programming.
Despite the financial obstacles faced by public service broadcasters, creators like Kosminsky remain committed to delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. The urgency to address funding gaps and ensure the viability of high-end television productions is underscored by the cultural significance of programs like Wolf Hall and Mr Bates vs the Post Office. The ongoing debate over funding mechanisms for British television highlights the complex interplay between economic sustainability and artistic innovation in the evolving media landscape.