Netflix to Set Up U.K. Production Hub at Pinewood’s Shepperton Studios

Netflix is creating a dedicated production hub—featuring 14 sound stages, workshops and office space—at Shepperton Studios in the U.K.

Netflix and its partners will produce new and existing TV series and feature films at the iconic studios, which are owned by the Pinewood Group.

The first Netflix original production to film at Shepperton will be The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The movie, which is being produced by Skydance Media, Denver and Delilah and Marc Evans, is an action drama based on the comic book series created by author Greg Rucka and illustrator Leandro Fernández.

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix, said: “Shepperton has been synonymous with world-class film for nearly a century and it’s an important production hub for the U.K. creative community today. We’re incredibly proud to be part of that heritage. This investment will ensure that British creators and producers have first-rate production facilities and a world stage for their work.”

Paul Golding, chairman of Pinewood Group, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Netflix to Shepperton Studios. Netflix’s decision to base their production hub at Shepperton is a strong vote of support for the Pinewood Group and gives us great confidence as we expand our U.K. studios. Our plans, which represent the single biggest expansion of stage space across the U.K., will see Pinewood Group open twenty-two new sound stages, enabling us to host even more productions. This growth will help secure the ongoing success of the U.K. film and TV industry.”

“It’s fantastic to welcome another global player to the U.K., the world’s creative powerhouse. With all the opportunities it will bring for U.K. talent and U.K. expertise to create new homegrown stories to enthrall audiences worldwide, it’s great to see Netflix making their home here,” said Amanda Nevill CBE, chief executive of BFI.

“This announcement is a great vote of confidence in our creative sector and underscores the U.K.’s position as the leading choice for film and HETV production,” added Adrian Wootton OBE, chief executive of British Film Commission.

“I have made 1,000 or more commercials and productions at Shepperton, including the entire Alien back in 1979. It is a wonderful historic place and one of the most efficient I can think of in the world today—without contest,” said Ridley Scott, film director and producer and former joint owner of Shepperton Studios.

“Shepperton has a really rich history of filmmaking. Movies I love have been made here. So I am excited to be here making my own film, and hopefully adding something really special to their canon,” said Prince-Bythewood, director of The Old Guard.