As a devoted fan of cinema history and British productions, I’m absolutely thrilled about Amazon MGM Studios‘ acquisition of Bray Film Studios in Water Oakley. The rich history of this iconic studio complex is nothing short of breathtaking. From the miniatures for Ridley Scott’s Academy Award-winning sci-fi classic “Alien” to the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Bray has played a pivotal role in shaping the face of British filmmaking for decades.
Amazon’s MGM Studios is purchasing Bray Film Studios in Water Oakley, Berkshire, located 26 miles from London’s center. This studio complex, where the second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” was filmed for Amazon, has also been the site for productions such as “Rocketman,” “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” “Angel Has Fallen,” “The King’s Man,” Amazon’s series “Citadel,” BBC’s “Dracula,” and BBC’s “Bodyguard.”
Amazon announced on Monday that they have acquired around 53,600 square feet of soundstage area spread over five stages, along with 77,400 square feet for workshops, 39,400 square feet for offices, 182,900 square feet for backlots, and a parking space of 156,000 square feet. Bray, which has previously provided Amazon MGM Studios with soundstages, offices, and production facilities since the beginning of 2022, was mentioned as the new production home for the second season of the globally successful Prime Video series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”
Mike Hopkins, the leader of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, was equally excited about the deal and expressed his thoughts. “By bringing Bray on board as our creative hub in the U.K., we’re dedicated to strengthening our bonds with the country’s abundant pool of exceptional storytellers and diverse creative talent,” he stated. “This acquisition not only enables us to produce more films and TV shows in the U.K., but it also opens up a multitude of possibilities for local employment and skills development across all aspects of production.”
At Amazon MGM Studios, we’re working on creating new as well as ongoing TV shows and movies right here on our production grounds.
Following Amazon’s acquisition, the initial production for Amazon MGM Studios at Bray will be the second season of “Citadel,” a spy series created by the Russo Brothers. Starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, filming is set to start in September.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
“Bray Film Studios is situated next to the River Thames. Its main feature is an old English country house from the 18th century, which has served as a source of inspiration for numerous film and music legends. Ridley Scott created and filmed the miniatures for his Oscar-winning science fiction thriller ‘Alien’ at these studios in 1978. A few years prior to that, ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ a cult classic, was produced here.”
Bray is famously linked to Hammer Films, where this British horror production company settled in 1951. Notable figures like Christopher Lee and iconic films such as “The Mummy,” “The Curse of Frankenstein,” and Terence Fisher’s “Dracula” emerged from Hammer at Bray Studios. Although criticized by critics, Hammer Films captivated audiences with their innovative approach to horror, characterized by groundbreaking special effects developed during their time at Bray Film Studios. The distinctive Hammer style was a result of the unique Georgian property, Down Place, which housed the studio and allowed crew and technicians to live on-site, creating the first “house-style” production community that many acclaimed directors, producers, and actors grew fond of.
Frank Burke, chairman of Bray Film Studios, who previously owned the site, commented on the sale to Amazon. “Bray Studios has been a significant part of British filmmaking history for over 70 years. During our tenure, my family and I, along with the team, have had the privilege of seeing this legendary studio undergo a revival.”
As a gamer, I’m excited about the recent news that Bray Studios, known for producing iconic films like “Rocketman” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has received support from the new Labour government in the UK. For seven decades, this studio has brought us some of the most memorable moments in cinema history. As a supporter of the arts and creative industries, I’m thrilled that our government recognizes their potential for economic growth.
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2024-07-22 12:24