Operator of Eastbrook Studios, MBS Group, is to take over the running of Elstree Studios.
Elstree Studios, currently celebrating its centenary, has made a partnership with The MBS Group to “preserve the studio’s rich heritage whilst modernising operations and embracing innovation.”
The MBS Group network includes over 650 facilities across major production markets, including sites such as Manhattan Beach Studios, the company’s namesake and home to James Cameron’s AVATAR franchise, Amazon’s Culver Studios, Netflix’s Raleigh Studios Hollywood, Silvercup Studios New York, Vancouver Film Studios, Ardmore Studios Ireland, and Eastbrook Studios London.
Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of the Board of Elstree Film Studios commented: “Elstree Studios is where Britain’s Hollywood story began and where its future continues to unfold. It is the beating hard of Britain’s film and television industry and a cornerstone of global cinematic history. This new collaboration with MBS unites two iconic studio companies to safeguard Elstree’s place as a home for both local and global content creators; and of course as treasured public asset with an enduring impact upon the Hertsmere community.
“It is particularly fitting to be announcing this new partnership at the start of a centenary programme which is all about pride, progress and partnerships – connecting our rich history with our ambition to secure our place at the forefront of the creative industries and the government’s national growth mission.”
“First as British International Pictures, then as Warner Bros-ABPC and EMI-MGM, the Elstree Studios campus has been a cornerstone of global cinematic history,” said Jason Hariton, Chief Studio & Real Estate Officer at The MBS Group. “We are extremely grateful to Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Rebecca Hawkes and Hertsmere Borough Council for entrusting us to help propel Elstree into its second century.”
Hariton, former head of global real estate and production operations for Netflix. Elstree was home to hit Netflix series The Crown during his tenure with the streamer. Hariton also established Netflix’s global production hub at Shepperton Studios and has created similar long-term homes for other major content producers throughout the UK.
Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Studios at Elstree, added: “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Elstree Studios and firmly puts us in the global arena. Our shared aim is to create a legacy that honours our roots, serves the local community and embraces the future.”
Jon Creamer
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