How Finance Can Give You an Edge on Commissioning in 2025
With fewer slots, tighter budgets, and higher expectations, commissioning in 2025 is more competitive than ever. And as a result, production companies need more than a great pitch to stand out. They need commercial credibility, and in this high-stakes environment, your finance function could be the difference between the greenlight and a rejection.
Across the UK, demand for premium content is still strong, especially from streamers like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ who continue to ramp up their UK investments. But there’s a catch: more players are now vying for fewer opportunities.
The number of greenlights per commissioning round is shrinking, and competition has intensified from both large studios and boutique indies. Commissioners are faced with a packed pipeline of proposals, many of which are co-productions or backed by international partners. In this situation, who you know matters more than ever. But so does what you can prove.
Budgets are tighter and expectations are higher
Major UK broadcasters like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 are operating under significant budget constraints and, according to Ofcom’s 2024 Media Nations report, public service broadcaster spend on content declined by 2% year-on-year.
Channel 4 has announced a £250 million cost-saving programme with commissioning budgets expected to drop by 15% in 2025, and ITV is prioritising co-productions and licensing over in-house commissions.
This means fewer original slots and more pressure to deliver high-quality, cost-effective content. Recycled formats and IP are more attractive than ever, and the burden of finances often falls on the producer. Now, your pitch is scrutinised line-by-line for financial stability as well as creativity..
Commissioners are also contending with fragmented audiences as viewers are spread across linear channels, FAST services, and streamers. Monetisation models differ wildly, making it harder to forecast returns or predict performance. In this context, commissioners are gravitating toward producers with a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery, meaning that financial credibility is a key differentiator.
Finance as a strategic differentiator
A skilled finance function brings strategic clarity and commercial strength to the commissioning process. Finance professionals with sector experience know how to engage with commissioners, sales agents and investors. They understand how to unlock funding, access grants, and leverage government support to make your budget go further.
Other benefits of an in-house finance team include:
● Building trusted budgets. Commissioners want assurance that your numbers are grounded in reality. A strong finance lead helps craft accurate, comprehensive budgets that hold up under scrutiny.
● Pricing and pitching with confidence. From understanding rights windows to accurately costing location spend, a good finance partner helps you price for profit.
● Model financing options. Whether it’s a co-production deal, SVOD sale, or tax credit structure, finance teams can plan multiple routes to viability.
● Manage cash flow. Aligning cash needs with production timelines can make or break a project. Experienced finance hires can safeguard this process across long, uneven payment cycles.
Data-driven confidence
The industry is increasingly driven by data. Commissioners want pitches that are backed by audience insights, viewing trends, and platform metrics. And your finance team can help bring that commercial lens to your creative vision.
They can also stress-test your plans by forecasting for inflation, delays, or alternative distribution models. That level of preparedness builds commissioner confidence and sets your project apart.
The volatility of the past few years has shown that planning for uncertainty is non-negotiable. Finance leaders are vital in helping companies control costs amid rising production expenses, forecast accurately and adjust budgets in real time, and prepare for multiple outcomes through scenario modelling. A skilled finance team can also make informed decisions about headcount, investment, and spend. This level of agility is particularly important as more productions rely on hybrid funding models, changing delivery schedules, or shifting audience trends.
What to look for in a finance hire
In today’s market, the right finance hire can unlock scale or stabilise your operations. For many SMEs, a fractional CFO or Head of Finance can be a cost-effective way to build capability without the overhead of a full-time role. Key traits to look for include:
● Industry-specific experience. You need someone who understands development cycles, production schedules, and broadcaster needs.
● A commercial mindset. They must be able to collaborate with creatives and push back when needed.
● Familiarity with the industry. Have they worked across co-productions, tax credits, and international financing structures?
● Experience working with major commissioners. Do they have background with organisations like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and SVOD platforms?
Future-proofing through finance
In 2025, creativity is still essential to film and TV production, but it’s not enough on its own. The companies that will thrive are those that combine brilliant ideas with commercial awareness. The right finance partner gives you credibility, control, and confidence at every stage of the commissioning process whether you’re scaling, stabilising, or just trying to survive. In this competitive environment, now is the time to think of finance as a strategic asset and not just a support function.
If you’re looking to make a finance hire that can help you win more commissions and grow your business, get in touch with Halle at Harmonic today ([email protected])