Prime Video sign Shepperton Studios filming agreement

Published by

Stephen Emerson

Prime Video has signed an agreement with Shepperton Studios

Prime Video has penned a multimillion-pound contract to produce original TV and movie productions at Shepperton Studios.

The streaming giant has signed up for exclusive use of new production facilities at the Surrey studios, operated by the Pinewood Group which are expected to come online in 2023.

The lease agreement between Prime Video and Shepperton Studios is reportedly for a ten year period.

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Pinewood Group as we continue to support, develop and invest in the world-leading UK creative industries.

“Shepperton has long been synonymous with top-tier television and movies and we’re proud that it will be home to many Prime Video original productions in the years to come.”

The new facilities will comprise of nine sound stages, workshops and office accommodation, totalling approximately 450,000 square feet, and forming part of the wider redevelopment and expansion of Shepperton Studios, which will deliver approximately 1.2 million square feet of new studio space.

Paul Golding, chairman of the Pinewood Group, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Prime Video to our expanded Shepperton Studios.

“This landmark long-term commitment to Shepperton supports our considerable investment in this fantastic studio. Once construction is completed in 2023, Shepperton Studios will comprise 31 purpose-built stages, making it the second-biggest studio in the world.

“We’ve supported our world-leading cultural and creative sector throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so as it bounces back,” said Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. “It’s fantastic to see Prime Video expanding its UK presence and giving yet another boost to our rebounding economy. The investment will drive growth and create jobs with thousands of opportunities for the producers, actors and directors of tomorrow.”

The long-term commitment to studio space at Shepperton Studios aligns with Amazon Studios’ strategy of expanding its production footprint in the UK. The first UK-produced series, The Grand Tour, was launched on Prime Video in 2016 and was followed by All or Nothing sports documentaries featuring Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “The UK"s film and production industry is rightly recognised as among the best in the world.

"This multimillion-pound investment by Prime Video is a huge vote of confidence in the strength of our infrastructure and workforce and I hope encourages other firms to follow. I look forward to seeing all the fantastic film and TV created in this state-of-the-art facility in the years to come."

In November last year Netflix agreed a long-term contract with the Pinewood Group to double the size of its existing production hub at Shepperton Studios.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.