L-R: Nigel Wilson (CEO, Legal & General), Helen Parker (EVP of Universal Pictures Content Group, NBCUniversal), Caroline Cooper (CFO, Sky Studios) and Cllr. Morris Bright MBE (Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council)
Work will begin later this month on the development of Sky’s new , state-of-the-art film & TV studio at Elstree.
The project between Sky, NBCUniversal, through parent company Comcast, and Legal & General, received approval from Hertsmere Borough Council last night (Wednesday).
The investment will bring over 2,000 jobs and £3 billion in production when the facility opens in 2022.
Caroline Cooper, Chief Financial Officer, Sky Studios, said: “Even during challenging economic times, Sky Studios Elstree represents Sky’s continued commitment to the UK’s cultural economy, as well as our goal to recruit, train and develop the leading creative talent of tomorrow.
The final design for Sky Studios Elstree sees 12 sound stages on site, with the ability to merge together and sub-divide multiple sound stages simultaneously, providing flexibility and scalability to accommodate productions of all sizes.
This means that the biggest sound stages on site can now increase to cover 60,000 square feet if needed, or reduce to much smaller segregated studios, simultaneously providing Sky Studios and NBCUniversal a COVID-19-ready set up for the future. The production facilities and digital suites on site will also be set up to facilitate remote working.
It will become home to Sky Originals, Sky’s original production slate, created by Sky Studios, as well as major film productions from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Working Title, and television series from Universal Studio Group. It will also have capacity to host productions from third party producers.
“The film and TV industry plays a vital role in the UK’s economy, with its programming keeping us informed, entertained and connected over the past few months,” said Sky Studios Elstree will become home to the best-loved films and TV shows of the future, championing British creativity on the global stage. It will also bring investment, jobs and opportunities to people across Hertsmere – cementing Elstree & Borehamwood’s reputation as ‘The British Hollywood’.”
As part of the design process, the businesses have actively looked at all sustainable development opportunities, with the project set to use reduced embodied carbon in construction.
It is expected that Sky Studios Elstree will have the capability to generate 20% of its own energy on site through solar energy. No gas or fossil fuels will be used to power day-to-day operations and Sky will also harvest rainwater for use on site.
