The Pinewood Group Launches Indie Film Hub for Independent Filmmakers

Pinewood Indie Film Hub to Support Independent Filmmakers

The Pinewood Group is launching a film hub for independent filmmakers in the wake of the UK Labour government’s ratification of the Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC). The hub plans to open in summer 2025, exclusively supporting filmmakers in the UK who are taking advantage of the IFTC at an accessible price.

Facility Features

The hub will incorporate sound stages in the pre-existing Buckinghamshire Pinewood Studios site, as well as production offices and ancillary areas such as workshop space. The facility will have support services and packages designed to meet the specific needs of lower budget, independent films – while having access to the wider Pinewood Studios facilities, such as camera hire, drone photography and post-production. Producers working on IFTC-qualifying projects in development will also be able to benefit from access to a ‘prep den’, which sets aside space for work on features at development stage.

Sustainability and Accessibility

The facility will be serviced by 100% renewable energy sources and available to film productions with budgets that sit within the IFTC framework from summer next year. This new facility is a huge boost for the UK’s indie filmmakers, offering first-rate infrastructure and on-site expertise to bring more British productions to the big screen.

Culture Secretary’s Visit

The announcement of the Pinewood Indie Film Hub coincided with a visit by culture secretary Lisa Nandy, who toured the wider Pinewood Studios site. Nandy emphasized that Pinewood’s new state-of-the-art facility will be a huge boost for the UK’s indie filmmakers, and that together with the new indie film tax relief, they are delivering targeted investment and support for the UK’s world-leading screen industries, designed to inspire more award-winning storytelling, help drive economic growth and strengthen Britain’s competitive advantage in a fierce global market.

IFTC Framework

The IFTC statutory instrument was laid before Parliament today and is aimed at films with a total core expenditure, or production budget, of up to £15m. They can now benefit from an enhanced credit of 53%, which equates to an actual relief of just under 40%, on up to 80% of qualifying expenditure. Productions must meet the terms of the BFI’s existing cultural test and have a UK writer or director, or be certified as an official UK co-production. Those productions with a total core expenditure of up to £23.5m can also qualify for the IFTC; however, they can only claim the IFTC up to a maximum of 80% of £15m of the UK qualifying spend.

Conclusion

The Pinewood Indie Film Hub is an exciting development for independent filmmakers in the UK, providing a state-of-the-art facility with accessible support services and packages. The hub’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility makes it an attractive option for productions looking to benefit from the IFTC.

Frequently Asked Questions

* When will the Pinewood Indie Film Hub open?
The hub is expected to open in summer 2025.
* What kind of productions will the hub support?
The hub will support independent filmmakers working on projects that qualify for the Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC).
* What services and packages will be available at the hub?
The hub will offer support services and packages designed to meet the specific needs of lower budget, independent films, including access to sound stages, production offices, and ancillary areas.