Amazon has made a significant investment in the creative industries in the United Kingdom, totaling over £4.2 billion ($5.4 billion) since 2010. This investment has had a significant impact on the UK economy, contributing £4.8 billion ($6.1 billion) in gross value and supporting over 16,000 jobs.
The investment covers a wide range of Amazon’s work in the creative sector, including Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon Publishing, Prime Video, Audible, Amazon Fashion, Amazon Music, and Amazon Games. These sectors have seen substantial growth over the past decade, thanks in part to Amazon’s support.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the creative industries, Amazon has also announced its support for over 100 new apprenticeships in various organizations across the sector. Additionally, the company has doubled its creative industries apprenticeship levy funding to £2 million ($2.5 million). This funding will support apprenticeships in organizations such as the BRIT Trust, the Association for Independent Music, Women in CTRL, and Screen Skills. The apprenticeships will benefit both Amazon Original productions like “The Devil’s Hour” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” as well as non-Amazon productions like Channel 4’s “Derry Girls.”
Prime Video, one of Amazon’s flagship services, has also launched the second phase of its “Prime Video Pathway” initiative. This program aims to provide access to jobs in the TV and film industry and will support an additional 250 trainees in the coming years. Developed in collaboration with institutions like the National Film & Television School (NFTS), the initiative will offer opportunities to 25 craft trainees, expand its reach outside of London, and provide 50 percent of placements in Scotland and, for the first time, Wales.
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In addition to its investment in the creative industries, Amazon has partnered with the British Film Institute’s National Archive to digitally preserve its films and series shot in the UK, including popular shows like “Good Omens” and “Clarkson’s Farm.” This collaboration is vital in preserving the nation’s film and television heritage and ensuring that it is representative of the work being created today.
BFI CEO Ben Roberts expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “Given their continued investment in UK storytelling across film and television, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Prime Video to the BFI National Archive and recognize their considerable economic and cultural impact.” The preservation of these films and series will allow future audiences to experience and appreciate the rich history of the UK’s screen culture.
Overall, Amazon’s investment in the UK’s creative industries has made a significant economic and cultural impact. Not only has it contributed billions of pounds to the economy and supported thousands of jobs, but it has also provided opportunities for apprenticeships and traineeships, creating a more diverse and vibrant industry. With partnerships like the one with the British Film Institute’s National Archive, Amazon is ensuring that the UK’s film and television heritage is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
