Member Article

Pinewood Studios looks to future growth

Pinewood studios has announced details of a consultation into its future development with local and national stakeholders, as well as producers and developers of creative content.

The future development will look forward to the next 20 years and will consider the need for stage and studio space, innovation, technology and television broadcast facilities.

It will look at the existing site, and an adjacent land holding which was recently refused planning for the Project Pinewood Scheme.

Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive said: “Our business again delivered record operating results during 2011, yet Pinewood and the UK were unable to satisfy the rising demand last year from the audio-visual sector.

“We must respond effectively to the growing demand and compete on an equal footing; otherwise Pinewood will fall behind its international competitors.

“Increasingly producers require the cost efficiencies that come from the co-location of creative skills, production experience and infrastructure for which Pinewood Studios has been renowned.

“We are determined to respond to the opportunity to create jobs and growth in this vibrant sector of the UK economy.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The British film industry is an economic success story. It’s the third largest market in the world in revenue terms with exports over £2bn and a highly skilled workforce of nearly 50,000.

“I have been to the Pinewood studios in Buckinghamshire and was extremely impressed by what the British film industry is doing.

“If Pinewood Studio’s expansion plans take place it will significantly enhance the UK’s ability to succeed in a highly competitive market and ensure that the UK continues to be one of the best destinations in the world for film making.”

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: “Economically and culturally, British film makes a great contribution and presents a very real opportunity for economic growth.

“Continued private investment in the industry will help ensure the UK has the necessary skills, infrastructure and capacity to go from strength to strength.

“I welcome Pinewood’s vision to help ensure that the UK secures its place a world leader in creativity, technology and innovation.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .