Shinfield completes construction

Shinfield Studios, the largest new film and television studio in the UK, has completed construction and is now fully operational with 18 soundstages, including two of the largest in the UK at 43,000 sq.ft.

Based to the east of Reading with links to the M4 and Crossrail, Shinfield Studios has opened in phases over the last two years. In that time, it has already welcomed productions including the recently released Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Nick Smith, joint managing director, Shinfield Studios said: “Shinfield Studios is complete. We have built from the ground-up one of the world’s most state-of-the art studio facilities – designed to attract the most ambitious and high budget productions. We’ve already welcomed to Berkshire some truly impressive feature films and high-end television series and, with Shinfield Studios now fully operational, there will be many more to come.”

Shinfield Studios offers the most modern, production-friendly film and television studio facilities available in the UK today. The 18 sound stages range from 17,000 to 43,000 sq. ft., and include the two largest, fully climate-controlled soundstages available at 43,000 sq. ft. each. The site also encompasses 38 workshops, substantial and contemporary office space, and a nine-acre filming backlot.

Accessibility and sustainability have been at the heart of the design.  Accessible facilities have been incorporated into every stage and office floor. Sustainable infrastructure such as the use of air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points are also featured throughout the facility.

Ian Johnson, joint managing director, Shinfield Studios added: “Our vision was to build a studio which fulfilled every need of today’s productions, including supporting industry efforts to improve sustainability and facilitate accessibility for all. It is fantastic to have brought that vision to reality and we are enormously grateful for the support from Wokingham Borough Council, The University of Reading and the local community.”

Johnson continued: “It was also important to all of us at Shinfield Studios to contribute to developing the next generation of production talent. We’re proud to be founding members of Screen Berkshire whose aim is to connect local crew with jobs, through training, upskilling and supporting new entrants to the workforce.”

Shinfield Studios is owned by US-based Shadowbox Studios (“Shadowbox”), an industry leading independent film and television studio platform. Shadowbox develops, owns, and operates purpose-built, soundstage facilities and provides a range of on-site support services for its clients. In Atlanta, U.S., Shadowbox owns and operates a 9-stage, 850,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art studio complex that has been home to blockbusters such as Jumanji: The Next Level, Jungle Cruise and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and which is currently being expanded to exceed 2 million sq. ft. and feature up to 31 soundstages. In addition, Shadowbox is developing a large-scale soundstage campus in the LA metro area. Shadowbox is owned and controlled by affiliates of Commonwealth Asset Management and Silver Lake.