Pinewood Studios to Open Indie Film Hub in Buckinghamshire, UK
Pinewood Studios is set to open a dedicated hub for independent filmmakers at its Buckinghamshire site in summer 2025, following the UK Labour government’s recent introduction of the Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC). The Pinewood Indie Film Hub will provide filmmakers with affordable access to the renowned studio’s facilities, marking a significant development in the UK’s independent film sector.
The new hub is aimed at productions that qualify under the IFTC, a recently ratified tax incentive targeting films with core expenditures of up to £15 million. These films will benefit from an enhanced credit rate of 53%, offering nearly 40% relief on up to 80% of qualifying expenditure. Productions must meet the British Film Institute’s cultural test and involve a UK writer or director, or be certified as UK co-productions.
The hub, which will be located within the existing Buckinghamshire Pinewood Studios site, will offer sound stages, production offices, workshop space, and access to Pinewood’s comprehensive range of services, including camera hire, drone photography, and post-production facilities. Additionally, a "prep den" will be available for producers working on projects still in the development stage.
One of the key features of this initiative is the affordability tailored to independent productions. Pinewood has emphasized that the hub is designed to meet the needs of lower-budget films, while still offering access to high-quality infrastructure. The facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy, reflecting Pinewood’s commitment to sustainability.
The launch of the hub coincides with the formal introduction of the IFTC. UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy recently visited Pinewood Studios to tour the site, expressing optimism about the impact the new hub and the IFTC will have on the country’s independent filmmaking community.
“Pinewood’s new state-of-the-art facility will be a huge boost for the UK’s indie filmmakers, offering first-rate infrastructure and on-site expertise to bring more British productions to the big screen,” Nandy said. She highlighted the government’s efforts to bolster the UK's screen industries through targeted investments, such as the IFTC, which is expected to drive economic growth and strengthen the nation’s position in the global market.
The tax credit aims to stimulate independent film production in the UK by lowering the financial barriers for smaller-budget projects. In addition to supporting films with expenditures up to £15 million, productions with budgets as high as £23.5 million can also qualify for the IFTC, although the relief applies only to the first £15 million of UK-qualifying spend.
With the combination of new tax incentives and the dedicated support provided by Pinewood’s Indie Film Hub, the UK film industry is poised for a significant boost in independent production, providing a platform for more diverse and innovative storytelling on the big screen.