Pinewood : expands into China

As part of its continued global expansion strategy, PINEWOOD STUDIOS GROUP further cements a commitment to export its world class heritage, reputation, creative talent and unrivalled expertise, with the formal opening of a representative office in Beijing, China headed up by Amanda Halliday, who becomes Senior Vice President, Pinewood China.

The move comes in response to a growing demand in the flourishing Chinese film industry, for Pinewood's services in the fields of studio design and build, production services including post production, content development, marine services, education and training.

Commenting on Pinewood's expansion into China, Andrew M. Smith, President, Pinewood China said,

'Pinewood has been working in China for a number of years and we have forged some strong relationships with film companies, content producers and games developers. A permanent presence in China is a key strategic element of Pinewood's overall international strategy.'

The Rt. Hon. Karen Bradley, MP Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said,

'The British film industry is one of our greatest success stories, and we are world renowned for our talents, skills and creativity when it comes to making movies. Pinewood is one of our most iconic brands and, building on the recent state visit to the UK by Chinese president, Xi Jinping, I'm delighted to see Pinewood further expanding its presence in the international market as part of its strategic global growth plan.'

The British Ambassador to China, Dame Barbara Woodward said,

'It is great to see Pinewood, one of the UK's premier creative businesses, strengthening their presence in China. As the Chinese film market evolves there are more and more opportunities for British enterprises, from animation and post-production, to collaborating on high quality content with their counterparts in China.'

Pinewood already provides consultancy services to a number of leading Chinese film companies and advises the Wanda Group on the design and construction of the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, a film facility and studio complex comprising 45 stages and scheduled to open in 2017. Most recently, Pinewood's multi award-winning post production sound team has provided post-production services to Chinese clients including Tencent Games and Disneynature/Shanghai Media Group.

Pinewood boasts a total of 78 stages globally and a track record for hosting some of the biggest international blockbusters in recent years, including the Star Wars and James Bond franchises. Pinewood operates across five territories offering international sales, marketing, studio development and consultancy, as well as providing stages and water facilities, post production and creative services and funding to the film, TV and games industries, in the UK, Canada via Pinewood Toronto Studios, Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios and Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios, and has a joint venture in the US with Pinewood Atlanta Studios which will soon become the largest studio facility and media hub outside of Los Angeles.