Amazon backs Britain with first UK film and TV production hub at Pinewood

Amazon has signed a deal to establish its first dedicated film and TV production site in the UK.

Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming arm, is taking 450,000 sq ft of space at Pinewood’s Shepperton Studios just outside London as it ramps up production in the UK.

The “multimillion-pound” deal is believed to span 10 years, though exact figures weren’t given. It is the company’s first long-term lease in Britain.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the deal “will drive growth and create jobs with thousands of opportunities for the producers, actors and directors of tomorrow.”

Culture secretary Nadine Dorres 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."

The tech giant made its first production in Britain, the Grand Tour, in 2016 and since then has made editions of its All or Nothing documentary series here and filmed scripted drama Good Omens. Amazon rented space on an ad hoc basis here for these productions.

Amazon plans to film the second series of its forthcoming Lord of the Rings series in the UK and has signed production deals with local talent including Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sir Steve McQueen.

Dan Grabiner, head of UK Originals at Amazon Studios, said: “As we continue to grow the number of original series we’re making in the UK, it is critical that these productions support and develop a diverse pipeline of talent.

“We’re excited to be collaborating with Pinewood Group and our production partners to create new opportunities for UK creatives.”

The new deal will put Amazon next to streaming rival Netflix, which opened a dedicated production facility at Shepperton Studios in 2019.

Pinewood announced a planned £500 million expansion of its production and training facilities at Shepperton in 2020.

Paul Golding, chairman pf Pinewood Group, said: “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.”