Farnborough International collaborates with Stage Fifty to create film studios

Farnborough International, the innovative and pioneering organisation famous for delivering air shows and events, has announced a first for its multi-facetted Exhibition & Conference Centre. In a collaboration with Stage Fifty, creators and operators of production-ready spaces, two state-of-the-art sound stages for film and TV productions have been built.

The studio facility, which includes two 22,000 sqft sound stages, cements Farnborough’s role as a leading location for the film industry. The site has already provided location space for major Hollywood blockbusters, including Jurassic World, Mission Impossible and Hobbs & Shaw. Ahead of attracting the multi-million-pound investment from Stage Fifty, Farnborough International has invested heavily into the site’s infrastructure to support the demand from production companies. The site has converted 10,000 sqft chalets into permanent production offices and upgraded the power network to ensure ample power supply for heavy-weight productions.

It has been reported that in 2020 an inward investment spend from major international productions reached £2.84 billion in the UK, recording a £1.19bn spend in the final quarter, the second highest spend ever over a three-month period. These figures will only grow with the addition of Farnborough Studios, helping provide a stronger supply of studios in the country.

The new studios at Farnborough International further enhances the UK’s position within the global film industry, while supporting the government’s strategy to boost international development and distribution opportunities for film, TV, animation, documentary and video games.

Consistently connecting the world through its pioneering spirit, Farnborough International continues to push boundaries with its future-focused vision, providing new and valuable opportunities to drive innovation within the global aerospace, defence, MICE and film industries.

The studios will equip the creative industries with a versatile space suitable for a diverse range of filming opportunities, including TV, film, music videos, rehearsal space, set build and photo shoots. Inclusive of workshops, production office facilities, crew and unit base parking and 1500 KVA power per stage, the easily accessible stages offer flexibility to bring ideas to life.

Gareth Rogers, CEO at Farnborough International, said: “At Farnborough International, we strive to provide innovation to each area of our business, industries and local community. Our thinking outside the box mentality and this exciting collaboration with Stage Fifty will enable us to attract investment from the global film industry and support the wider UK economy.

“The creation of these sound stages will support around 800 jobs in a diverse range of industries and services and generate new opportunities to help boost our local community.” James Enright, CEO of Stage Fifty, added: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with the team at Farnborough International to bring much-needed studio space to the UK. Stage Fifty builds and operates professional film environments, and our sound stages are designed and engineered to the highest industry specification.”

Adrian Wootton OBE, CEO of the British Film Commission, commented: “The creation of new studios and stage space announced by Farnborough International and Stage Fifty is excellent news for South East England’s screen industries and will undoubtedly help in continuing to attract major international production, investment and employment, to the region.

“The UK’s film and TV industry is experiencing an exceptional growth period – film and TV production spend in the first three months of 2021 was 11% higher than the same period in 2020. Indeed, the demand for content has never been greater, which in turn is driving the need for greater skills development and additional studio space, services and facilities. This is an incredibly exciting moment, and one we at the British Film Commission are focused on maximising, to ensure UK studio and stage space capacity continues to expand, whilst driving new revenues across the nations and regions and creating highly skilled jobs with long-term career prospects.”

The stages and newly developed production offices will also be fully utilised during the renowned Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022, implementing new ways for the world’s leading aerospace brands to be showcased.