It will operate and service the studio complex, which has nine sound stages

Elstree Studios has signed an agreement with The MBS Group to operate and service the studio campus.

The MBS Group operates 50 studio campuses in 8 countries, servicing nearly 1,000 high-end film and television productions each year. It represents over 650 soundstages across the world’s major production markets, with a portfolio including Manhattan Beach Studios, 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.

Elstree Film Studios has nine sound stages and ancillary space, and a backlot that’s recently been transformed into Buckingham Palace and The Globe Theatre.

Rebecca Hawkes, head of studios at Elstree, said: “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.”

Councillor Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and chair of the board of Elstree Film Studios, added: “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.”

Jason Hariton, chief studio & real estate officer at The MBS Group, said: “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. 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.”