The British Film Institute (BFI) tasked Alma Economics with conducting a literature review on the cultural value and impact of the UK’s film, television and video game sectors.

Our review, which assessed over 500 studies, brings together the findings of relevant UK and international research. We critically analysed the research design and methodology of papers seeking to quantify the cultural value and impact of the sector. We explored how these concepts are defined and measured in the literature, clearly setting out areas where there are ongoing debates among researchers as well as gaps in the literature.

Our team further identified key areas in which the screen sector appears to have a substantial impact. For instance, cultural production in the film, television and video game sectors can contribute substantially to place-branding and thus tourism, the development of diverse identities, and the projection of soft power. At the individual level, engagement with such content can yield benefits such as promoting problem-solving, learning, and visual skills among children as well as older audiences.

Our literature review yielded key recommendations about the direction and scope of further primary research to be undertaken by the BFI.