New Culture Minister Ian Murray has carried out his first official visit since being appointed to the role by travelling to the world-famous Pinewood Studios to formally open its new Independent Film Hub.
The Pinewood Indie Film Hub, which incorporates sound stages, production offices and workshop spaces, is designed to support lower budget, independent filmmakers. It has been set up in response to the Government announcing a new Independent Film Tax Credit last year that is designed to boost jobs, growth and investment in the UK’s regions and nations.
The Minister was welcomed by Pinewood Group Chief Executive David Conway and other members of his team. During the visit he met with directors and producers working on live productions and carried out a tour of a number of film sets including the first production to use the Independent Film Hub, Anxious People, starring Angelina Jolie, Aimee Lou Wood, Jason Segel and directed by Marc Forster.
For almost 90 years Pinewood Studios, part of the Pinewood Group, has been at the heart of the UK film and television production. Recent major releases filmed at the Buckinghamshire site include Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps and The Roses.
Culture Minister Ian Murray in the Pressburger Theatre at Pinewood Studios
Pinewood Studios is home to Disney in the UK including Marvel, Lucasfilm and Disney Live Action films. The Pinewood Group also has Shepperton Studios in Surrey within its UK portfolio, representing the second largest film studio in the world, and a UK home to Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios.
Following the visit, Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts Ian Murray said:
“Pinewood’s Independent Film Hub is a striking example of the innovation and investment that the Government is championing across the creative industries. This world-class facility gives independent filmmakers the tools that they need to bring their visions to life, and it was a pleasure to open it today.
“Our £380 million investment in our Creative Industries Sector Plan, alongside the Independent Film Tax Credit, shows just how serious this Government is about backing our world-leading creative sector. By backing facilities like this and the talented people who work in them, we’re boosting local jobs, driving economic growth, and enriching the UK’s cultural landscape.”
Culture Minister Ian Murray opens Pinewood Studios Indie Film Hub