In a stark warning to the future of British television, acclaimed director Peter Kosminsky, known for his work on the hit series *Wolf Hall*, has revealed that the production of the show's second season was almost scrapped due to overwhelming budget constraints. Speaking on BBC Two's *Newsnight*, Kosminsky emphasized that the UK television industry is facing a "genuinely existential crisis" in financing and production capabilities.

The Crisis Unfolds

The crisis reached a pivotal moment six weeks prior to filming the much-anticipated *Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light*. Despite significant efforts to scale back expenses—cutting props, high-cost locations, and even some cast members—Kosminsky and the production team faced an impassable financial gap. Ultimately, the decision was made to remove many exterior scenes from the series, limiting it mainly to "conversations in rooms." This stark reality contrasts with the original vision of a visually rich narrative depicting the vibrancy of Tudor life outside royal courts.

Call for Government Action

Kosminsky's sentiments reflect a broader concern among industry figures regarding public service broadcasters like the BBC and ITV. He argues these institutions can no longer sustain the financial demands of high-quality British drama, and he calls on the government to implement a 5% levy on subscription streaming service revenues. This levy, he argues, would generate funds to create a dedicated British cultural fund and preserve the legacy of homegrown productions.

Impact of Pandemic and Strikes

The changing landscape of the television industry has been further exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent writers' and actors' strikes in the United States. These factors have driven up production costs significantly, making it increasingly difficult for public service broadcasters to compete with the resources available to streaming giants. Kosminsky warns that without intervention, British audiences may soon find themselves deprived of acclaimed programming exemplified by *Wolf Hall* and documentaries like *Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office*, which brought vital social justice issues to light.

Concerns from Creators

Adding gravitas to the discourse, writer Jack Thorne, known for the hit series *Adolescence*, suggests that traditional broadcasters could have adapted his show but would have had to cut crucial scenes, ultimately creating a vastly different viewer experience. The challenges faced by creators are compounded by shrinking budgets and the diminishing availability of funding from international partners.

Worrying Trends

Kosminsky also pointed out a worrying trend: as costs rise and public service funding fails to align, British productions like *Adolescence*—which features intricate scenes involving extensive extras—are likely to fall through the cracks. The creative community is calling for a re-evaluation of funding mechanisms, taking notes from countries like France and Denmark, where public policy supports local content through levies on streaming services.

The Future of British Television

As UK productions decrease in quantity and quality, the voice of creators such as Kosminsky cannot be overlooked. They express concern that iconic storytelling could be lost if the present trajectory continues unchecked. With funding models evolving rapidly, the landscape of British television is at a critical crossroads, demanding immediate action or risk witnessing the evaporation of celebrated filmmaking and storytelling traditions.

As the industry grapples with these extraordinary challenges, one thing is clear: if steps aren't taken to revitalize financing in British television, the rich tapestry of unique storytelling could soon fade into obscurity, leaving audiences longing for the dramas they once cherished.