David Heyman, the newly appointed co-producer of the James Bond film franchise, has paid himself a substantial sum of £26.5 million following a successful year for his production company.
Financial Turnaround for Heyday Films
The latest accounts filed at Companies House reveal a positive shift for Heyman's company, Heyday Films. For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, the firm's turnover increased from £23 million to £23.9 million. More significantly, the business returned to profitability, posting a pre-tax profit of £728,913. This marks a strong recovery from the previous year's loss of £336,467.
During this period, Heyday Films was charged producer fees of £20.3 million by Dayday Films LLP, a limited liability partnership controlled by Heyman. The accounts for this partnership, covering the year to 5 April 2025, show the producer paid himself £26.5 million in remuneration, which was charged as an expense.
A New Role for 007 and Television Challenges
This financial windfall comes on the heels of a major career announcement. In March 2025, Amazon MGM Studios confirmed David Heyman as the new co-producer of the James Bond franchise, working alongside Amy Pascal. They have taken over from the longstanding producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, following a deal that gave Amazon MGM Studios full control of the iconic spy series.
However, not all ventures under the Heyday banner are currently in the black. Accounts show that Heyday Television, a joint venture with Universal International Studios, fell to a pre-tax loss of £2.8 million in 2024. This follows a profit of £281,000 in 2023. The company's turnover also saw a sharp decline, dropping from £45.4 million to £18.5 million. This downturn comes as the division prepares to start work on the highly anticipated new Harry Potter TV series, a project it is producing with HBO Entertainment, Warner Bros Television, and J.K. Rowling's Brontë Film & TV.
Heyman's Storied Production Career
David Heyman, who founded Heyday Films in 1996, is one of the UK's most successful film producers. He is best known for producing all eight films in the original Harry Potter series and its Fantastic Beasts spin-off prequels. His company's impressive portfolio also includes major hits such as Barbie, Wonka, Paddington, and Gravity.
The recent £26.5 million payout underscores the significant financial rewards available at the top tier of the film industry, particularly for producers with a track record of creating globally successful franchises. All eyes will now be on Heyman as he brings his expertise to the next chapter of the James Bond saga.
