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.
WBD mails definitive proxy statement to finalise Netflix merger
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will hold a special meeting of shareholders to vote on the merger with Netflix on March 20, 2026. In the meantime, WBD has begun mailing the definitive proxy statement to shareholders for the meeting.
Digital switch-off prospect nullifies Arqiva’s value
Arqiva’s main shareholder has admitted that its holding of the transmission company might be worth nothing.
Warner Bros Discovery mulls re-opening sales talks with Paramount
Warner Bros Discovery is considering reopening sale talks with Paramount Skydance Corp, according to a Bloomberg report.
.jpg)
BBC unveils fresh cost-cutting drive
The BBC is set to make cuts of around 10% of its costs in the face of "substantial financial pressures" over the next three years.
.jpg)
Report warns of unsustainable financial pressure for UK’s film and TV workforce
A survey examining the financial health of workers in the UK’s film, TV, and cinema industry has reported that a large proportion of the workforce is under severe and escalating financial pressure and that many are being “forced to leave” due to unsustainable circumstances.
