Pinewood has officially opened the expansion at Shepperton Studios, Surrey with Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix occupying the new sound stages.
The development provides an additional 17 sound stages, with 548,000ft2 of production and workshop spaces as well as two backlots. Amazon MGM Studios has taken a total of nine new stages and Netflix will take eight in addition to its existing 14 leased stages on the original Shepperton site.
The development makes Shepperton Studios the second biggest film studio in the world with a total of 31 purpose-built sound stages alongside ancillary production accommodation. The entire Shepperton site now covers around 1,500,000ft2.
Chris Bird, Managing Director, Prime Video UK, said: “It feels fitting that, 10 years from the launch of Prime Video, we’re beginning our tenure in brand new facilities at Shepperton Studios. It’s so exciting that some of our most loved series and movies around the world will be made right here in the UK, including season three of our fantastic UK Original The Devil’s Hour. Shepperton Studios have long been synonymous with world-class filmmaking, and we’re delighted to continue supporting and investing in the UK creative industries.”
Anna Mallett, Vice President Production EMEA/UK Netflix, said: “The UK is our most important production hub outside North America. Today’s announcement reinforces our long-term commitment to Britain’s creative sector. Since 2020, we have invested over $6bn in the UK creating shows like Sex Education, The Crown and Bridgerton here. The completion of Shepperton will allow us to expand our footprint even further, creating incredible new shows, jobs and a boost for the economy.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The decision by the two largest content producers in the world to choose their long-term home in the UK and base their global productions at Shepperton Studios backed by private sector investment is testament to the support the Government has given to the UK’s screen sector.
“I am thrilled that Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix have taken possession of 17 new state-of-the-art sound stages at Shepperton Studios making Pinewood Group, the biggest studio complex in Europe.
“This support was further demonstrated by the recent £1bn package of measures for the creative industries announced in the recent Budget. The UK is now the second largest production hub, second only to Hollywood, in the world.”
Paul Golding CBE, Chairman, Pinewood Group, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have opened our new state-of-the-art facilities at Shepperton Studios and to see Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios making this long-term commitment to the studios and to the UK.”
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