Amazon MGM has announced it is acquiring Bray Film Studios.
The purchase of the Berkshire facility will extend Amazon’s UK presence – the company also has a long-term contract for the exclusive use of 450,000 square feet at Shepperton Studios.
Bray Film Studio has been the production home for the second season of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power since 2022 and the company has plans to begin filming of season two of the spy series, Citadel, at the 53,600 square ft facility, which features five sound stages, in September 2024.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said, “With Bray as our creative home in the UK, we are committed to deepening our relationships with the UK creative community, which is rich with world-class storytellers and creative talent of all kinds. The acquisition of a studio with such a storied heritage not only empowers us to produce more film and television in the UK, but also unveils a wealth of opportunities in the local community with respect to jobs and skills training at all levels of the production process.”
Frank Burke, chairman of the previous owner, Bray Film Studios Ltd, added: “For 70 plus years, Bray Studios has held an important place in the history of British filmmaking. During our period of ownership, I, together with my family and team have witnessed the rebirth of this iconic facility and we are extremely proud of the part we have been able to play in bringing it to renewed prominence.
“We are now genuinely excited to be handing the studios over to Amazon, who we believe share our commitment to quality and excellence and are perfectly suited to preserving the character of the studio while enhancing the first-class creative production spaces for generations of filmmakers to come.”
