Brit List Scripts Struggle to Find Production Homes in 2025

According to a recent analysis, the number of Brit List scripts attached to production companies has diminished dramatically in 2025. Brit List founder Alexandra Arlango explains this is "another indication that we've gone from boom-time to a very harsh tightening of the belt" for the UK drama industry.

Last year, 10 Brit List scripts were in development with independent production companies, but this year, only 3 out of 15 scripts are attached to producers. Arlango says streamers like Disney+ and Prime Video are pulling back from the UK market, which has had a significant impact, with "knock-on effects that are wide and far reaching, particularly in TV."

Producers are becoming more cautious, pitching reboots and older IP rather than taking bets on up-and-coming talent that the Brit List typically showcases. "The result is that fewer risks are being taken. And risk is the life-blood of drama," Arlango adds.

However, she remains optimistic about the available talent, noting that many of this year's Brit List scripts have not yet been placed with a producer, representing "a huge amount of brilliant scripts available" and "opportunity" for the industry.