Date: 19th February 2001

Britain To Build Huge New Studio


British property developer MEPC is planning to construct the first major studio in the U.K. in 50 years -- one that can compete effectively with Hollywood's best facilities, the London Times reported today (Monday).

According to the newspaper, MEPC is planning to build a $600-million, 200,000 square-foot studio at the former Leavesdon Aerodrome, used recently for the shooting of Star Wars: Episode II and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. A spokesman for the British film Council told the Times: "UK studios are working to capacity ...so this will enable us to compete with Australia and Europe to attract films from around the world, as well as providing more space for British movies."

Source: Studio Briefing