Report: Capital Investment for Independent Film Exhibition

A top-line summary of the Independent Cinema Office’s recent survey on the capital funding needs of independent film exhibitors.

Survey – March 2024
Report Published – April 2025

In 2023 and 2024, the Independent Cinema Office (ICO) surveyed independent film exhibitors (primarily independent cinemas and mixed arts venues with screens), to assess the financial health of the sector following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Respondents requested urgent financial assistance for operating expenses but moreover an urgent need for capital funding.

In March 2025, the ICO followed up with independent film exhibitors across the UK to gather more detailed information on their capital funding needs. They received responses from 109 independent cinemas and mixed arts venues. All respondents were in leadership or managerial positions in their organisations.

Please note, the report is a top-line summary of the survey. If you’d like to discuss these results further, please contact the ICO at: info@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk

Key findings

• 31% of respondents did not believe their venues could remain operational if they could not access capital funding in the next 3-5 years, with another 28% unsure if they could remain operational.
• Only 41% of respondents are confident their venue could survive the next three years without capital support.
• The total estimated amount required for capital projects from just those who responded and who were able to provide estimated costs at short notice is £79 million, suggesting the need sector-wide is substantially greater.
• 62% of capital projects need to be undertaken immediately or within the next year.
• The most in-demand types of capital investment are needed for upgrading equipment and interiors (89%), investing in environmental sustainability (60%), business growth (56%) and building repairs (54%).
• The most needed building works and repairs are to roofs (57%) and windows (23%).
• 84% of respondents that require capital investment for building works and repairs say these works would reduce their environmental impact.
• The most needed improvements to make venues more accessible are new lifts (31%) and accessible toilets (26%).
• There is a high demand for upgrades to equipment and interiors, with most respondents needing new projectors (47%), improved seating (25%) and sound systems (25%).
• There is a significant interest in business growth, with the most required redevelopment projects being additional screens (48%), expansions and upgrades to café bars (46%) and building expansion/remodelling (33%).
• The most needed environmental sustainability and energy efficiency improvements are for solar panels and battery storage (59%), new heating systems (34%) and building insulation (24%).
• 53% of respondents said capital funding would help them leverage additional investment.

This survey was undertaken by the Independent Cinema Office with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery.