Amazon seals deal with Pinewood Group for it UK-based production facilities

Amazon Prime Video recently signed a long-term contract with Shepperton Studio, gaining exclusive access of its new production facilities at the Surrey studios for future original TV series and movie productions. “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.”

The new facilities will comprise 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. The move correlates with Amazon Studios’ goal to expand its production footprint in the UK.

Its first UK-produced series, "The Grand Tour," was launched on Prime Video in 2016, followed by "All or Nothing" sports documentaries featuring "Manchester City" and "Tottenham Hotspur." “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,” added Dan Grabiner, head of UK Originals, Amazon Studios. “We’re excited to be collaborating with Pinewood Group and our production partners to create new opportunities for UK creatives.”

Subsequent unscripted series launched regularly, like "Clarkson’s Farm" in the summer of 2021. "Good Omens," the first UK-produced scripted original series, debuted on Prime Video in 2019; as a result of increased production, 2022 and 2023 will see 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.

Many of Amazon Studios’ major global series already call the UK home such as Citadel and The Power - with filming currently underway in Scotland on Anansi Boys and Good Omens Season Two. And in 2021, Amazon Studios announced its forthcoming Lord of the Rings series, The Rings of Power, will film Season Two in the UK. Amazon Studios has also signed overall deals with British creators including Neil Gaiman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sir Steve McQueen. “The UK"s film and production industry is rightly recognised as among the best in the world,” said Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries. "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."