Amazon Video Acquires Iconic British Horror Studio
Amazon has made another significant move to expand its capabilities behind the camera in the UK by purchasing Bray Film Studios, a historic studio in Berkshire. Best known for its association with iconic Hammer horror films, including Christopher Lee’s Dracula, the Bray acquisition symbolises a significant stake in the UK’s film industry. Amazon Prime Video has been using the 18th century site since 2022, but has now made the move to permanently acquire the location.
Bray Film Studios sits on the River Thames, just 26 miles from central London, with an 18th century country house at its heart, alongside five stages, workshops, and offices. The studio has already collaborated with Amazon MGM Studios on the production of the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. This purchase strengthens the UK’s standing as a premier location for film and television production. In recent years, the UK has attracted numerous Hollywood projects. In 2022, half of the top 20 film releases were partly made in the UK, including notable titles like Barbie and Wonka.
Despite challenges from the recent Hollywood strike and production slowdowns among streaming services, the UK continues to see robust growth in its studio infrastructure. Over 3 million square feet of new studio space is planned across various locations including Elstree, Leavesden, and Shepperton.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, emphasised Amazon’s commitment to the UK’s creative sector, highlighting the country's wealth of talented storytellers and creatives. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the acquisition, noting its potential to bolster economic growth and maintain the UK's status as Europe’s leading film-making destination.
Bray Film Studios, established in 1951 by Hammer, has an impressive legacy with productions like The Mummy, The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Rocketman. This new chapter with Amazon promises to continue Bray’s tradition of contributing to the film industry’s rich tapestry.
In other news, Amazon has expanded their relationship with the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) and will be streaming 30 regular season games annually, a third of all playoff games, and three WNBA finals over the next 11 years.
Amazon has clearly signaled its intent to expand into the entertainment media sector. Despite an ongoing friction between the traditional film industry and streaming, including recent criticism from The Lord of the Rings actor Viggo Mortensen for prioritising streaming over theatrical releases, Amazon is poised to take control of the production and distribution process. This marks a significant shift in the way films are made and watched, an unpredictable but nevertheless exciting time to be a film fan.
