The new hub will give producers access to Pinewood’s ecosystem, as well as a new “Prep Den” in which to develop their projects ahead of being greenlit

In the week that the government officially greenlit the new Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC), Pinewood Studios has announced the opening next year of its new Indie Film Hub. QA

The news came as culture secretary Lisa Nandy toured the studios, with Pinewood confirming that the hub will exclusively support filmmakers who are utilising the IFTC.

The new space will incorporate sound stages, production offices and ancillary areas, such as workshop space. It will have support services and packages designed to meet the unique needs of lower budget, independent films – while having access to the Pinewood Studios offering from camera hire to drone photography to post-production.

Independent producers can also use the “Prep Den”, where they can develop their projects before being greenlit. The facility will be serviced by 100% renewable energy sources and available to film productions with budgets that sit within the IFTC framework from summer next year.

Nandy said: “Pinewood’s new state-of-the-art facility will be a huge boost for the UK’s indie filmmakers, offering first-rate infrastructure and on-site expertise to bring more British productions to the big screen.

“Together with our new indie film tax relief, we are delivering targeted investment and support for the UK’s world-leading screen industries, designed to inspire more award-winning storytelling, help drive economic growth and strengthen Britain’s competitive advantage in a fierce global market.”

David Conway, CEO of Pinewood Group, added: “UK film production is at the heart of Pinewood and Shepperton Studios’ DNA, and our aim with the new Pinewood Indie Film Hub is to further catalyse the independent film sector in the UK, boosting creativity and attracting further investment into the UK.

“In this highly competitive global market, we welcome the new IFTC and feel it is going to further consolidate the UK’s leading position in the screen industries.”

The Pinewood Indie Film Hub was widely welcomed by industry names, with the following reactions:

Producer Barbara Broccoli: “This is a good day for independent film in the UK, Pinewood’s allocation of dedicated stages and production space demonstrates a firm commitment to supporting the government’s game changing independent film tax credit. It is essential to the British film industry that independent films get produced and exhibited as this will ensure the promotion of new talent both in front of and behind the screen. ”

Paul Greengrass, director: “Making Pinewood’s world class facilities affordable and their expertise accessible opens the doors to new stories and talent, this is great news for the UK film industry!”

Pippa Harris, producer: “This new facility at Pinewood Studios combined with the IFTC is a real step in the right direction to support UK filmmakers, particularly those just starting out. We have a wealth of talent in the UK and the industry needs this vital support and provision to keep us at the forefront of creating stories for the big screen.”

The BFI’s Ben Roberts: “Pinewood’s new studio space and access to high-level production facilities specifically for filmmakers who are now going to be able to make new films here in the UK through the new Independent Film Tax Credit for UK films, is great news for the UK industry. It will also further bolster the UK’s global reputation for making great home-grown films and create opportunities to grow our talent in front of and behind the camera.”