SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 19 March 2024, Tuesday |

US Firms Blackstone, Hudson Pacific to Invest $1Bln in New UK Movie Studio

American investment firm Blackstone Group and real estate investment trust Hudson Pacific Properties said on Monday they would invest 700 million pounds ($972 million) to build an overseas branch of Hollywood’s Sunset Studios in the United Kingdom.

Sunset Studios is where such hits as When Harry Met Sally and La La Land were filmed, as well as numerous Academy Award-winning films.

“Funds managed by Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Hudson Pacific Properties acquired a 91-acre site, 17 miles north of central London, through a joint venture for £120 million ($167 million). The acquisition, with an expected total investment of over £700 million ($972 million), will be the partners’ first expansion of their Sunset Studios platform outside of the US,” the companies said in a statement.

To be located in the southern city of Broxbourne, the new project is expected to generate over 4,500 permanent jobs and contribute more than 300 million pounds annually to the local economy.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the project saying that “the creative industries are at the heart of our plans to build back better. This will be a hub for both UK and international productions, showcasing home-grown talent on the global stage.”

The UK is one of the world’s leading film-producing markets. British movies have grown to account for almost 25% of global box office revenues, with the film industry turning into an essential economic driver. The pandemic year plunged box office revenues by 80%, and the market is currently rebounding.

    Source:
  • Sputnik