Elstree Film Studios To Be Operated By The MBS Group

Elstree Studios kicked off its centenary celebrations with a flurry of activity and excitement for the historic site.

A visit from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, has been followed by the announcement of a partnership with The MBS Group to preserve the studio's rich heritage whilst modernising operations and embracing innovation.

The MBS Group's unparalleled global network represents over 650 best-in-class soundstages across the world's major production markets, including renowned 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.

The iconic Elstree Studios continues to be the beating heart of Britain's film and television industry. From Hitchcock's Blackmail, the first British 'talkie', to Star Wars, The Shining, and Indiana Jones, Elstree Studios has long been a powerhouse of British storytelling. Now, as it celebrates its centenary, the studio has signed an agreement with The MBS Group, the world's largest studio operator, studio leasing, and production equipment provider, to operate and service the famed studio campus.

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, is no stranger to the UK Creative Sector or Elstree Studios, as the studio was home to hit Netflix series The Crown during his tenure with the streamer. Hariton also established Netflix's global production hub at the storied Shepperton Studios and has created similar long-term homes for other major content producers throughout the UK.

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