Amazon Prime Video buying historic Bray Film Studios

Amazon Prime Video is buying the historic Bray Film Studios, which will be the new production home for its hit shows.

The global video company is acquiring the 53,600 square-foot Bray Film Studios site, which includes five sound stages, workshops, office space, backlot and parking space.

The site has been the production home for the second season of the Prime Video series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power since 2022.

Following this purchase, the second season of the Russo Brothers’ spy series Citadel starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas will be the first Amazon MGM Studios production to be located at the site.

Filming for the season will start in September 2024.

Frank Burke, chairman of Bray Film Studios Ltd,  the site's former owner, said the studios have 'held an important place in the history of British filmmaking' for more than 70 years. He and his family and team are now excited to be handing it over to Amazon, he said.

The purchase of this studio is additional to Amazon’s presence at the UK’s Shepperton Studios where it has a long-term contract for the exclusive use of nine of the sound stages, workshops and office accommodation.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said: “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.

“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.”

Lisa Nandy, Labour’s culture secretary, said: “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. 

"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.”

Mr Burke added: “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.”