A recent analysis based on insights from Vitrina's global tracking of film and TV production trends, encompassing various formats such as movies, feature films, TV series, animations, documentaries, scripted, and unscripted projects, shows that the global film and television industry experienced a moderate recovery in February 2025, following a slower-than-expected start to the year. While production activity remained varied across regions, the month signaled renewed confidence in the industry, with the EMEA region leading growth, the APAC market showing early signs of stabilization, and the Americas maintaining a steady output. Netflix and other major streaming platforms continued to play a crucial role in shaping production trends, investing in localized content to cater to evolving audience preferences.
The Europe, Middle East, and Africa region saw the most significant growth in February, fueled by a combination of government incentives, a rise in demand for Arabic content, and strategic industry events. Several European countries expanded their film tax rebate programs, attracting more international productions. The UK, Spain, and Italy, in particular, benefited from increased investment in local production infrastructure. With Ramadan approaching, there was a sharp increase in demand for Arabic-language content, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa region. Streaming platforms such as Netflix ramped up production to cater to this audience, commissioning new series and acquiring exclusive regional content. The annual London Screenings event helped drive production interest, particularly in scripted series and documentary projects. The event facilitated key industry networking and deal-making, leading to new projects in development.
The Asia-Pacific region saw a four percent month-over-month increase in production activity, signaling a cautious yet positive trend. Although challenges remain, February marked the beginning of a potential turnaround. Several studios and networks resumed financing and commissioning halted projects, reflecting renewed confidence in content investment. India and South Korea continued to be the driving forces behind the region’s production rebound. Bollywood saw increased activity in both domestic and international co-productions, while South Korea maintained strong output due to its global K-drama influence. Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ remained key players in these markets, investing in high-quality content to meet global demand. While China remains a major player, its film and television industry is still grappling with regulatory changes and shifting audience preferences, resulting in a slower recovery rate than other Asia-Pacific markets.
Production levels in North and South America remained steady throughout February. While no explosive growth was reported, the market’s stability suggests resilience and long-term sustainability. A key highlight was the emergence of Texas as a new production hotspot. The state’s expanded film incentives and competitive cost structures have attracted productions away from traditional hubs like California and Georgia. Mexico and Colombia continued to maintain a healthy production pace, driven by streaming platforms investing in localized content for Spanish-speaking audiences. While Hollywood’s production remained steady, there was increased interest in indie projects and lower-budget productions, as major studios continued to evaluate their content investment strategies. Netflix maintained its dominant position in the U.S. market, balancing between high-budget productions and more cost-effective content to maximize subscriber retention.
While February's growth was measured, the signs of recovery indicate a cautiously optimistic outlook for the global film and television industry. Moving forward, several factors will shape the market. Countries with attractive tax breaks and financial incentives will continue to draw in productions. The ongoing shift between streaming platforms and traditional TV networks will influence content investment strategies. Changing viewer preferences, particularly the demand for regional and localized content, will drive production decisions. The global production landscape remains dynamic, with economic conditions, technological advancements, and industry events playing a crucial role in its evolution. As we move further into 2025, stakeholders in the film and TV sector will need to stay agile, adapting to new trends and market realities.
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