| Shinfield Studios | |
|---|---|
Shinfield Studios entrance | |
![]() Interactive map of the Shinfield Studios area | |
| General information | |
| Location | Shinfield, Berkshire, England, South Avenue, Shinfield, Berkshire, RG2 9LH |
| Coordinates | 51°24′56″N 0°56′19″W / 51.415496°N 0.938695°W |
| Opening | 2021 (fully completed by 2024) |
| Owner | Shadowbox Studios |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Scott Brownrigg |
| Website | |
| Shinfield Studios | |
Shinfield Studios is a film and television studio located in Shinfield, Berkshire, England. Located approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Central London, the studio is owned by Shadowbox Studios and finished construction in spring 2024. It is part of the newly emerging British film studios that have worked with major Hollywood studios, including Netflix, Lucasfilm and Sony.
Geography
[edit]Shinfield Studios is located on the rapidly expanding University of Reading owned site, Thames Valley Science Park,[1] near the village of Shinfield. This area is a growing hub, currently hosting of the British Museum,[2] with a Natural History Museum laboratory and storehouse under construction.[3][4] The studio complex is easily accessible as it is located just off the M4 motorway. Therefore, the journey time from Heathrow Airport is 30 minutes by car or an hour by train. The studios are also served by the Reading Buses Leopard 3 bus which stops at the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP).[5]
History
[edit]Planning
[edit]In February 2020, the University of Reading announced their agreement with Blackhall Studios to construct a large-scale film production complex on the university-owned land at Thames Valley Science Park,[1] adjacent to the M4 motorway near Junction 11. The Studios were originally meant to be called Cine Valley Studios, however following public consultation they decided on the name Shinfield Studios.[6]
In January 2021, a 'Screening Opinion' was submitted to Wokingham Borough Council and planning permission was granted for four temporary soundstages, similar to Arborfield Studios, in March that year. However, on 28 May 2021, full planning permission was submitted to replace the temporary ones. This was approved by the council on the 13th of October 2021, a unanimous vote.[6]
Construction
[edit]Phase 1 began with the 4 temporary stages were constructed in 2021, however the joint managing director of Shinfield Studios, Nick Smith, announced that they are permanent and have been used for filming.[6] Curo Construction oversaw the construction of the Studios.[7] Construction occurred over multiple phases allowing productions to be made during construction. Phase 2 began construction in December 2021 and completed in spring 2023.[8] The whole site was fully completed and handed over by spring 2024.[9]
Present day
[edit]The studios have worked alongside the University of Reading and the British Film Institute to help develop the Screen Berkshire training programme.[10]
The studio was shortlisted for the Studio of the Year for the 2025 Global Production Awards.[11] On the 26 June 2025, Shinfield Studios successfully secured a £250 million refinancing package with Apollo Global Management as the new lender.[12][13]
Facilities
[edit]Occupying a site of nearly 1,800,000 sq ft,[14] and costing approximately £250 million, Shinfield Studios showcases 18 climate-controlled soundproofed soundstages covering a total area of 433,649 sq ft. Additionally, there is a large circa 9 acre large backlot for filming, as well as workshops and an office environment spanning 130,000 sq ft.[15] With two of the biggest soundstages in the UK at 41,000 sq ft each with a height of 35 metres. On site, there are 38 workshops which can accommodate many different trades including set production, sfx and action vehicles.[16]
Productions
[edit]Film
[edit]- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)[17]
- Greenland 2: Migration (2026)[18]
- The Magic Faraway Tree (2026)[19][20]
Television series
[edit]- Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)[21]
- The Acolyte (2024)[22]
- You Bet! (2024)[23]
- LOL: Last One Laughing UK (2025)[24]
- 99 to Beat (2025)[25]
- Squid Game: The Challenge (2025)[26][27]
- The Agency (TBA)[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Our tenants". Thames Valley Science Park. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
- ^ "British Museum Archaeological Research Collection". British Museum. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ "Collections, science and digitisation centre | Natural History Museum". www.nhm.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ Stephens, Daisy; Elapatha, Neranjana (9 September 2025). "Work begins on 'extraordinary' collections building". BBC News. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ "leopard 3 - Reading Station to Wokingham via Royal Berkshire Hospital, Shinfield, Arborfield". www.reading-buses.co.uk. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Shinfield Studios, near Reading". TV Studio History. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Shinfield Studios - Phase 1". Curo Construction. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Shinfield Studios Phase 2". Curo Construction. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Campbell, Joe (19 June 2024). "UK's newest TV and film studios now fully open". BBC News. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Shinfield Studios fully operational after work completed". University of Reading. 19 June 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Shortlist 2025". Thames Valley Science Park. 19 May 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Successful £250 million refinancing of Shinfield Studios". www.farrer.co.uk. 8 July 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ^ Irving, Sarah (26 June 2025). "Operator behind Shinfield Studios secures £250m refinancing deal | News". Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "Shinfield Studios, Reading". Curo Construction. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Shinfield Studios". Filming in England. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Stages & Backlot". Shinfield Studios. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Batt, Andrew (30 March 2024). "Wokingham borough film studios used for Hollywood blockbuster Ghostbusters Frozen Empire". wokingham.today. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Daniels, Nia (30 April 2024). "Gerard Butler films action thriller in the UK". The Knowledge Online. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ^ Daniels, Nia (8 May 2024). "Exclusive: Magic Faraway Tree joins Gerard Butler thriller at Shinfield Studios". The Knowledge Online. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Vann-Wall, Silvi (8 July 2025). "The Magic Faraway Tree pegs 2026 Australian release date". www.screenhub.com.au. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
- ^ Allen, Kelly (4 May 2023). "'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story' Features Some of TV's Most Extravagant Filming Locations". House Beautiful. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
- ^ Endellion Mowl, Olivia (22 April 2024). "Star Wars: The Acolyte made in Shinfield Studios Wokingham". The Reading Chronicle. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Gwinnett, Giles (28 November 2024). "New series of You Bet! filmed at Shinfield Studios on its way". the business magazine. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
- ^ "Last One Laughing premieres on Amazon Prime". Shinfield Studios. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Star Wars: Shinfield shot 99 to Beat airs on ITV1 & ITVX". Shinfield Studios. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Lee, Wendy (10 November 2025). "Netflix bets big on reality competition shows led by 'Squid Game: The Challenge'". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
- ^ "456 contestants. A $4.56M cash prize. Eight diabolically stress-inducing games. Only one winner. Squid Games: The Challenge - Season 2 is out now". Instagram. 17 November 2025. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
