Sky will invest in new major studio, Sky Studios Elstree, to produce more in-house content while they continue to collaborate with independent production companies over Europe.
The new studio is planned to house the production of multiple TV shows and films simultaneously and will be located in Elstree, close to the home of Star Wars and Strictly Come Dancing, Elstree Studios.
Backed by Sky’s recent new owner Comcast, the new studio will be developed in partnership with sister-company NBCUniversal and Legal & General.
Sky Studios Elstree will host television productions from NBCUniversal and major film titles from Working Title, Universal Pictures and Focus Features, with additional space to facilitate productions from third party producers.
When finished, the site will house 14 sound stages, a screening cinema, a set construction workshop, production offices and cutting-edge digital and post-production facilities.
In the first five years of operation, the new studio is aimed to generate over 2000 new jobs to build on Sky’s commitment to support young and diverse talent and invest £3bn into the UK creative sector.
“Sky Studios Elstree will play a pivotal role in bringing the wealth of UK and European talent and creativity to the world,” said Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive of Sky.
“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.”
“Sky Studios Elstree will be of immense importance to the UK Film and Television industry,” added Roger Morris, managing director of Elstree Studios.
“We are extremely proud that Sky Studios Elstree has chosen to locate near us and we look forward to working closely with them.”
Depending on planning permissions, Sky Studios Elstree is expected to open in 2022.
