Ghosts Film and Elden Ring Adaptation Among Major UK Productions Shooting This Spring
The UK film and television industry is enjoying a bumper spring production season, with major projects including the big-screen adaptation of the beloved BBC sitcom Ghosts and a hotly anticipated Elden Ring film directed by Alex Garland currently shooting across England, Scotland, and Ireland — underscoring the UK's enduring status as one of the world's premier destinations for film and television production.
The breadth and scale of productions currently underway reflects the UK's continued ability to attract major Hollywood studios and streaming giants alongside homegrown talent, supported by a competitive tax relief regime and world-class production infrastructure.
Background
The UK's creative industries have long been a significant contributor to the national economy, supported by generous tax reliefs for film and high-end television production. The sector has bounced back strongly following the disruptions of the pandemic years, with studio space at a premium and productions competing for crews and locations. The British Film Institute estimates that the UK film and television production sector contributes over £12 billion annually to the economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs.
A significant development for the sector in 2026 is the introduction of the new Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC), which offers a 53% relief on qualifying expenditure for films with budgets under £15 million. This initiative is designed to support independent British filmmaking and ensure that the benefits of the UK's production boom are felt beyond the major studio productions that have historically dominated the tax relief landscape.
The UK's appeal as a production destination is underpinned by its combination of world-class studios, diverse locations, highly skilled crews, and a deep pool of acting talent. From the rolling countryside of Surrey to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, the UK offers a range of settings that can stand in for almost any location in the world.
Key Developments
"Ghosts: The Possession of Button House," the film adaptation of the hugely popular BBC sitcom, is currently shooting in Surrey. Directed by Simon Hynd and produced by Monumental Pictures, the film stars the original cast including Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, and Matthew Baynton, delighting fans who have been eagerly awaiting the big-screen outing for the beloved characters.
Meanwhile, the Elden Ring adaptation — directed by Alex Garland and produced by A24 and DNA Films — is shooting across England and Scotland with a budget of over $100 million. The film stars Kit Connor, Cailee Spaeny, and Ben Whishaw, and is scheduled for release in March 2028. Garland's involvement has generated significant excitement among both gaming and film audiences, with the director's previous work on Ex Machina and 28 Days Later establishing him as one of the most distinctive voices in British genre filmmaking. The Elden Ring adaptation is one of the most anticipated video game-to-film projects in years.
Other notable productions currently underway include the fifth series of Bridgerton shooting in London, the third series of Wednesday shooting in Ireland, and the Sam Mendes-directed Beatles four-film event shooting in London and Liverpool. Anthony Hopkins is also filming a new project in the UK, described as turning a town into a "Hollywood scene."
Why It Matters
The volume of major productions currently shooting in the UK and Ireland represents significant economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs in production, catering, transport, and hospitality. The sector also plays a vital role in promoting British and Irish culture and locations to global audiences, with the economic benefits of "screen tourism" — visitors attracted to locations featured in popular films and television series — estimated to run into hundreds of millions of pounds annually.
The success of the UK's film and television sector is also a source of considerable soft power, projecting British culture and values to audiences around the world. Productions like the Beatles biopics and the Elden Ring adaptation will introduce British talent and locations to new global audiences, reinforcing the UK's reputation as a creative powerhouse.
Local Impact
Northern Ireland has established itself as a significant player in the UK's production boom, with Belfast's Titanic Studios having hosted major productions including Game of Thrones and Line of Duty. The third series of Wednesday, currently shooting in Ireland, is expected to include some Northern Irish locations. Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen continue to work together to attract international productions to the island, with the combined offering of competitive tax reliefs, stunning locations, and experienced crews making Ireland an increasingly attractive destination for major studios. The economic impact of screen production in Northern Ireland is estimated at over £100 million annually.
What's Next
Several of these productions are expected to release in late 2026 and into 2027 and 2028, with the Elden Ring film and the Beatles biopics among the most eagerly anticipated. The UK's film industry is also watching closely for any changes to the tax relief regime that could affect future investment decisions. The BFI has indicated that it will publish a new strategy for the UK's screen industries later in 2026, setting out a long-term vision for the sector's growth and sustainability.
Read more at Deadline and British Film Institute.
