The UK’s Pinewood Studios has officially opened its new Independent Film Hub, which incorporates sound stages, production offices, and workshop spaces.
The hub has been set up in response to the UK government’s new Independent Film Tax Credit, which was announced in 2024 to support lower-budget films and independent filmmakers.
The Independent Film Hub was opened by Ian Murray, the UK’s new Culture Minister. Murray was welcomed by David Conway, Chief Executive at Pinewood Group, and other members of his team.
During the visit, Murray met with directors and producers working on live productions and carried out a tour of a number of film sets, including the first production to use the Independent Film Hub, Anxious People, starring Angelina Jolie, Aimee Lou Wood, Jason Segel and directed by Marc Forster.
Recent major releases filmed at the Buckinghamshire site include Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps and The Roses.
Pinewood Studios is home to Disney in the UK, including Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Disney live-action films.
He said: "Pinewood's Independent Film Hub is a striking example of the innovation and investment that the Government is championing across the creative industries. This world-class facility gives independent filmmakers the tools that they need to bring their visions to life, and it was a pleasure to open it today.
Pinewood Group recently announced a public consultation on revised expansion plans for its Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, amid what it describes as a “reduction in global content production.” Discover more here.
Macquarie to sell Arqiva stake for £16.5m
Macquarie Asset Management has agreed to the sale of its 26.5% stake in broadcast infrastructure firm Arqiva for £16.5m.
Banijay UK beefs up in-house post operations
Banijay UK will increase its in-house post-production capabilities by launching new facilities in London, doubling capacity in Glasgow, and investing in Manchester.
Spain’s LaLiga agrees €5.25bn football rights with Telefónica and DAZN
Spanish football league LaLiga has agreed a new set of domestic media contracts for more than €5.25bn, with Telefónica and DAZN retaining rights from 2027 to 2032.
BBC remains popular but “must take a firmer grip” in crises, says Ofcom
Despite funding pressures and a rapidly changing media landscape, the BBC remains popular with audiences, with 83% of UK adults using its services weekly, according to media regulator Ofcom.
TikTok and YouTube trigger influencer boom among older audiences
Older internet users are fuelling the growth of influencer videos, according to new research from Ampere Analysis, which shows that half of 55- to 64-year-olds now watch influencer content every week.
.jpg)
.jpg)
