By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Amazon Prime Video has acquired Bray Studios, a historic UK film studio with over 70 years of cinematic history. Amazon, which has been filming at the Berkshire based studio since 2022, has now purchased the site, solidifying its presence in the region and contributing to the local economy.
Lesley Anne Macfarlane, head of production at Resource Productions and manager of the Berkshire Film Office, welcomed the acquisition, noting it will bring significant opportunities and excitement to the area. She emphasized that this investment demonstrates Amazon's commitment to the local community and suggests that the company's involvement in the region will expand in the coming years.
Located on the River Thames and just 26 miles from central London, Bray Studios has been a notable location in film history. Originally an 18th century country house, it became the home of Hammer Films in 1951, where it produced over 100 iconic fantasy and horror films, including hits like The Mummy, The Curse of Frankenstein, and Dracula. Ridley Scott also filmed key scenes for Alien there in 1978, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show was produced at the studio in 1974.
In recent years, Amazon has used Bray Studios for major projects, including Rings of Power, a Lord of the Rings spin off, and the first season of Citadel. Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting its potential to deepen Amazon's relationships with the UK's creative community and provide new opportunities for local jobs and skills training across all stages of production.
