Amazon Prime Video has acquired Bray Film Studios, the historic British film studio that served as the production home for the second season of the streaming series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” The studio has a rich history dating back to 1951 when British production company Hammer Films first made its home there. Located 26 miles outside of central London in Water Oakley, Berkshire, the studio features approximately 53,600 square feet, five sound stages, and 77,400 square feet of workshops.
Bray Film Studios has been the production home for iconic film productions and music recordings including “Dracula” in 1957, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in 1974, and models and miniatures for the 1980 film “Alien.” Eric Clapton’s 1992 album “Unplugged” was recorded in front of a live audience at the studio for the MTV television series, and the Elton John music biopic “Rocketman” was filmed there in 2019. Amazon already has a presence at Shepperton Studios in the UK, where it has a long-term lease for nine state-of-the-art sound stages, workshops, and office accommodation.
The deal with Bray Film Studios comes after Amazon’s $8.4 billion acquisition of MGM Studios in 2021, making it the tech giant’s second-largest acquisition ever, behind Whole Foods. Terms of the Bray Film Studios deal were not disclosed. Following the acquisition, Bray Film Studios will be the production home for the second season of the spy series “Citadel,” which is set to begin filming in September. Amazon continues to expand its presence in the entertainment industry with these strategic acquisitions of iconic studios and production facilities.
The second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” has been produced at Bray Film Studios since 2022. The studio provides ample space and facilities for the complex production needs of a high-budget series like “The Lord of the Rings.” With its long history in film and music production, Bray Film Studios has been a crucial location for various iconic projects over the decades. Amazon’s acquisition of the studio solidifies its commitment to the creation of high-quality content for its streaming platform, Amazon Prime Video.
The acquisition of Bray Film Studios further cements Amazon’s position in the entertainment industry as a major player in the production and distribution of film and television content. By expanding its production capabilities with the addition of Bray Film Studios, Amazon is able to enhance its content offerings and compete with other streaming services in the highly competitive market. The studio’s location near London provides convenient access to talent, resources, and infrastructure necessary for the production of high-quality projects like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”
With the second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” currently in production at Bray Film Studios, Amazon Prime Video is poised to deliver another highly anticipated installment of the popular series to audiences around the world. The studio’s acquisition represents a significant step forward for Amazon in its mission to provide viewers with compelling and engaging content. As one of the most iconic film studios in Britain, Bray Film Studios adds a touch of history and prestige to Amazon’s growing portfolio of production facilities, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the entertainment industry.
