Netflix has announced it is creating a dedicated production hub, featuring 14 sound stages, workshops and office space, at Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom.
Netflix and its partners will produce new and existing TV series and feature films at the iconic Studios, which are owned by the Pinewood Group. The first Netflix original production to film at Shepperton will be The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne, and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie, which is being produced by Skydance Media, Denver and Delilah and Marc Evans, is an action drama based on the comic book series created by author Greg Rucka and illustrator Leandro Fernández.
This is part of Netflix’s long-term commitment to the UK creative community. In the last year alone, over 25,000 cast, crew and extras have worked on almost 40 Netflix originals and co-productions across Britain. These include Sex Education in Wales, Outlaw King in Scotland and The Crown at Elstree Studios and across the country. That number is set to increase in 2019, with productions such as Jingle Jangle at Arborfield Studios, Cursed at Langley Studios and The English Game — a new series written and produced by Julian Fellowes — which recently started filming in Manchester.
“Shepperton has been synonymous with world class film for nearly a century and it’s an important production hub for the UK creative community today. We’re incredibly proud to be part of that heritage. This investment will ensure that British creators and producers have first rate production facilities and a world stage for their work,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix.
“We’re pleased to welcome Netflix to Shepperton Studios. Netflix’s decision to base their production hub at Shepperton is a strong vote of support for the Pinewood Group and gives us great confidence as we expand our UK studios. Our plans, which represent the single biggest expansion of stage space across the UK, will see Pinewood Group open twenty-two new sound stages, enabling us to host even more productions. This growth will help secure the ongoing success of the UK film and TV industry”, said Paul Golding, Chairman, Pinewood Group Limited.
“It’s fantastic to welcome another global player to the UK, the world’s creative powerhouse. With all the opportunities it will bring for UK talent and UK expertise to create new homegrown stories to enthrall audiences worldwide, it’s great to see Netflix making their home here”, said Amanda Nevill CBE, Chief Executive, BFI.
“This announcement is a great vote of confidence in our creative sector and underscores the UK’s position as the leading choice for film and HETV production” added Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive, British Film Commission.
“I have made 1,000 or more commercials and productions at Shepperton, including the entire Alienback in 1979. It is a wonderful historic place and one of the most efficient I can think of in the world today — without contest,” said Ridley Scott, Film Director & Producer, Former Joint Owner of Shepperton Studios.
“Shepperton has a really rich history of filmmaking. Movies I love have been made here. So I am excited to be here making my own film, and hopefully adding something really special to their canon,” said Gina Prince-Bythewood, Director, The Old Guard.
About Shepperton Studios
Part of the Pinewood Group, a leading provider of studio and related services to the global film and television industry, Shepperton Studios has been a key destination for the makers of film, television and commercials since opening its doors as a film studio in 1932.
Comprising sound stages, an exterior backlot, and post production facilities and services, the Studios also offer easy access to the world’s most experienced crews, as well as the expertise of complementary media companies based on the lot.
Film productions that have used the Studios’ facilities include A Clockwork Orange, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Gandhi, Gladiator, The Young Victoria, Gravity, Hugo, and Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again.
About Netflix in the UK
Netflix started investing in UK original productions in 2015 with six projects including Emmy Award-winning The Crown. Since then Netflix has significantly ramped up the range of projects and partners it works with in the UK.
Netflix’s UK Original titles include Black Mirror, Sex Education, filmed in Wales, Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father, and new projects with Ricky Gervais, Idris Elba, Julian Fellowes and Katherine Ryan. Original films include Outlaw King, which was filmed in Scotland, and Shakespearean-inspired The King. Documentary series include Our Planet, voiced by Sir David Attenborough and filmed over four years in collaboration with Silverback Films and the WWF.
Netflix also works closely with UK broadcasters like the BBC, ITV and Channel, including on productions such as Black Earth Rising, Bodyguard, Collateral, Kiss Me First, Marcella, Giri/Haji, Wanderlust, Watership Down, and the recently announced Dracula with BBC. It’s a significant investor in licensed UK content including titles like Peaky Blinders (BBC Two), The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4), Happy Valley (BBC One) and more.
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