The Past
The UK has a rich legacy in the global film industry, cemented by its ability to attract and retain world-class talent. Iconic studios such as Longcross, Elstree, Pinewood and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden have played a pivotal role in producing cinematic masterpieces. Blockbuster hits such as The Little Mermaid, Harry Potter, The Batman and Mission Impossible 7 were crafted within these facilities. They have helped to solidify the UK’s status within entertainment industry with their creative excellence.
The Present
Sources close to Lumina have expressed that despite the industry overall still in a state of upheaval, UK film studios are actually becoming fully booked! Pinewood Studios is a prime example, which has legendary productions under its belt, hosting the James Bond franchise since 1962 and other global hits like Mamma Mia! and Star Wars. This further solidifies its status as a production powerhouse.
However, the shifting landscape of entertainment is evident in Pinewood’s recent announcement to close its Television Production department by 2025, following a decline in UK-based commissioning opportunities. While Pinewood’s film operations remain unaffected, this decision marks a broader trend in the entertainment industry.
In a statement, Pinewood Studios expressed pride in its television team’s achievements, stating, “We are very proud of the work the TV team has delivered over the years, having hosted many major titles for the UK’s broadcasters.”
What does this mean for studios focusing on TV alone?
The closure of Pinewood’s TV department highlights the challenges traditional television faces in the streaming era. With cinematic and large-scale productions taking priority, studios solely focused on TV may struggle to compete. However, facilities like the BBC’s Television Centre could benefit by absorbing displaced TV projects, intensifying competition for studio space. Pinewood’s exit from TV underscores the industry’s shift towards high-budget, globally appealing productions and away from conventional formats, reshaping UK-based content creation.
The Future
Demand for premium content continues to surge, driven by streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime, alongside traditional broadcasters such as Sky and BBC. According to real estate experts Knight Frank, the UK currently offers 6.9 million square feet of studio space predominantly in London and the South East, but more is urgently needed. Production spending reached £6.3 billion in 2022, with forecasts predicting up to £8.7 billion by 2028, requiring an additional 2.6 to 3.2 million square feet of new studio space.
To address this, new facilities are being developed across the UK. Projects such as Scotland’s Pyramid Studios, Liverpool’s Depot, Wales’ Dragon Studios, Hertfordshire’s Sunset Studios, and Belfast Harbour Studios are expected to create jobs and prioritise sustainability, ensuring the industry grows responsibly. Christina Novak, Chief Strategy Officer at Studio Ulster, emphasises the transformative potential of virtual production in driving sustainable growth. “Virtual Production is data, data is analytics, analytics creates accountability and traceability. This data can be used to start standardising and calculating output, then doing a ‘like for like’ comparison. This drives change and sustainability,” she shared.
Adding to this expansion, Shinfield Studios officially opened in Berkshire in June 2024. Featuring state-of-the-art sound stages and extensive support facilities, Shinfield aims to cater to both blockbuster films and high-end TV productions. Managing Directors Ian Johnson and Nick Smith lead the project, which underscores the UK’s commitment to remaining a global hub for high-quality content creation.
Crown Works Studios based in Sunderland, expected to be completed in 2027 has officially commenced its first phase of development. According to the BBC, the state-of-the-art facility will feature 19 sound stages and is projected to create over 8,400 jobs across the North East. Designed to cater to both blockbuster productions and smaller creative projects, Crown Works Studios is set to become a dynamic hub for the UK’s thriving film and television industry.
A Thriving Industry
The UK’s film and TV sector, supported by its history, booming present and ambitious future, is thriving. The closure of Pinewood’s Television Production department may signify a shift away from traditional broadcasting, but it also opens doors for others to adapt and innovate. Meanwhile, the relentless rise of streaming platforms continues to push demand for new facilities, skilled crews, and advanced technology, creating unprecedented opportunities for growth.