Written by Kianna Best on Jul 22, 2024. Posted in General Interest / Production News

Amazon Prime Video buys Bray Film Studios

In continuation of the growing UK presence, Amazon prime Video have acquired Bray Film Studios. The purchase marks Amazon’s first of a physical studio in the UK, and follows on from their time at Bray for the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. This new deal also adds to Amazon’s studio presence through their multimillion dollar deal with Shepperton Studios and their ownership of Culver Studios in California.

“With Bray as our creative home in the UK, we are committed to deepening our relationships with the UK creative community, which is rich with world-class storytellers and creative talent of all kinds,” said Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “The acquisition of a studio with such a storied heritage not only empowers us to produce more film and television in the UK, but also unveils a wealth of opportunities in the local community with respect to jobs and skills training at all levels of the production process.”

Bray Studios holds a legendary presence in the UK studio eco-system, leading production on a multitude of projects, including the 1957 cult classic Dracula and Ridely Scott’s Alien. The studios are situated in Water Oakley, Berkshire, 26 miles from central London. At approximately 53,600 square feet, the studios include five sound stages, 77,400 square feet of workshops, 39,400 square feet of office space, 182,900 square feet of backlot, and 156,000 square feet of parking space. The first Amazon MGM Studios production to be situated at Bray will be the second season of the Russo Brothers’ spy series Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, scheduled to begin filming in September 2024.

"From Rocketman to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for 70 years Bray Studios has brought us some of cinema’s most iconic moments. We are determined to support the huge potential for economic growth in our creative industries. We want to do all we can to help make sure career opportunities in these exciting sectors are available for people from all backgrounds right across the UK,” said Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy. "This vote of confidence by Amazon MGM Studios will ensure that one of our leading film studios continues to play a crucial role in our first-class screen industries. It will deliver a major investment in skills and infrastructure to enhance our status as Europe's top filmmaking destination."

“For 70 plus years, Bray Studios has held an important place in the history of British film making”, said Frank Burke, Chairman of Bray Film Studios Ltd, the previous owner of the site.  “During our period of ownership, I, together with my family and team have witnessed the rebirth of this iconic facility and we are extremely proud of the part we have been able to play in bringing it to renewed prominence. We are now genuinely excited to be handing the studios over to Amazon, who we believe share our commitment to quality and excellence and are perfectly suited to preserving the character of the studio while enhancing the first-class creative production spaces for generations of filmmakers to come.”

Images courtesy of Prime Video