Amazon’s Prime Video has signed a multimillion-pound contract with Shepperton Studios for the exclusive use of new production facilities at the Surrey studios.
The streaming service has secured 9 sound stages, workshops and office accommodation, totalling approximately 450,000 square feet. It represents approximately a third of the 1.2 million square feet of new studio space being developed by owners Pinewood Group.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Pinewood Group as we continue to support, develop and invest in the world-leading UK creative industries,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “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.”
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Prime Video to our expanded Shepperton Studios,” adds Paul Golding, chairman, Pinewood Group. “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.”
Amazon is continuing to expand its slate of UK-originated productions that began with The Grand Tour in 2016. Major production increases will take place in 2022 and 23 with the largest number of UK original series launching to date.
These include The Devil’s Hour, a six-part thriller series produced by Hartswood Films starring Jessica Raine and Peter Capaldi; Jungle, a grime and drill music drama series from first-time TV producers Nothing Lost; The Rig, Wild Mercury’s six-part epic thriller series starring Martin Compston and Emily Hampshire; and Mammals, a six-part comedy-drama series written by Jez Butterworth and starring James Corden and Sally Hawkins.