Shepperton Studios has become the world’s second largest as it opens an additional 548000 square feet of production and workshop space.
Expanding the site to encompass 1.5 million square feet, the Surrey facility adds a further 17 sound stages (taking its total to 31) as well as two new backlots to secure its position as the second biggest studio in the world. Announcing the opening. Paul Golding CBE, chairman, Pinewood Group said,
“We’re incredibly pleased to have opened our new state-of-the-art facilities at Shepperton Studios.”
Both Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix are already leasing nine and eight of the new stages respectively.
Chris Bird, managing director at Prime Video UK said, “It feels fitting that, ten 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.”
Filming of The Devil’s Hour starring Peter Capaldi and Jessica Raine, is underway at the studios brand new production facilities.
Anna Mallett, vice president production EMEA/UK Netflix added: “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 $6 billion 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.”
Welcoming the announcement, prime minister Rishi Sunak said, “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.”
Sunak went on to confirm the UK’s position, as second only to Hollywood in terms of production capacity.
