TVEUROPE
Sky is establishing a new studio at Elstree, with over 2,000 new jobs and £3 billion production investment in the U.K. creative sector expected in the first five years alone.
Sky Studios Elstree will feature 14 stages and cutting-edge tech. It is expected to contribute significant investment in the U.K. and European talent and creative industry by Sky, NBCUniversal and parent company Comcast, working in partnership with Legal & General
The plan is for a new 32-acre, state-of-the-art TV and film studio at Elstree, just north of London, home to the renowned Elstree Studios. Subject to planning consent the studio is expected to open in 2022 and will be able to facilitate the production of several films and TV shows simultaneously, with each of the 14 sound stages covering over 20,000 sqft. Once complete, the site will include production offices, a set construction workshop, a screening cinema and state-of-the-art post-production and digital facilities.
The new studio space will also play host to major film productions from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Working Title, and TV series from NBCUniversal Content Studios. It will also have the capacity to host productions from third-party producers.
Sky Studios Elstree will work in close collaboration with Elstree Studios despite both businesses being managed independently of each other.
Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive at Sky, said: “Sky Studios Elstree will play a pivotal role in bringing the wealth of U.K. and European talent and creativity to the world. We know our customers love our award-winning Sky Originals like Chernobyl and our investment in Sky Studios Elstree will enable us to bring more unique stories to more viewers. We are proud to be working with our colleagues at NBCUniversal and Comcast, and our partners Hertsmere Borough Council and L&G to bring this project to life. Together we share a joint vision to create a world-leading production capability that will support the creation of thousands of jobs in the creative sector. We can’t wait to get started.”
Sajida Bijle, interim managing director of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “Hertsmere Borough Council is delighted by this announcement. This presents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our creative industries in Hertsmere and build on our proud film and television heritage in the Borough. This scheme would bring significant employment opportunities to the region and put Elstree firmly on the global stage, whilst further enhancing our local film tourism. There will be opportunities for people to see the plans and to comment on the proposals once a formal planning application is submitted.”
Nigel Wilson, CEO of Legal & General Group, said: “The U.K. is a great place to invest. Growing at twice the speed of the economy as a whole and accounting for over two million jobs, our creative industries are a key component of Britain’s bright future. This investment is a great match for backing our U.K. pension promises. Sky, NBCUniversal and Comcast are global leaders in entertainment which will bring the best out of the U.K.’s amazing pool of talent. L&G is thrilled to be playing a supporting role in this major production.”
Roger Morris, managing director of Elstree Studios, said: “Sky Studios Elstree will be of immense importance to the U.K. film and television industry—it will not only boost the local economy of Hertsmere and Hertfordshire, but will also have a major impact on the U.K.’s creative sector as a whole. We are extremely proud that Sky Studios Elstree has chosen to locate near us and we look forward to working closely with them.”
