Spectre and Star Wars send Pinewood Studios' profit up 13%

Pinewood Studios has posted a blockbuster first six months, after its studios were used to film two of the year’s biggest hits, the latest James Bond and Star Wars: Episode V11 — The Force Awakens.

Production has also started on the next Star Wars movie, Episode VII, which is due for release next December.

The 80-year-old TV and film studio saw net profits rise by 13.2% in the first six months of the year, as its film studios, which include Shepperton, were 87% full.

Film revenue climbed by 21% to £26.6 million.

Ivan Dunleavy, Pinwood’s chief executive, said there had been exceptional demand for Pinewood’s film sets and that its reputation is growing in the video games sector.

Next summer five new stages will open at the Buckinghamshire studios, representing a 50% increase in capacity.

The demand for film and high-end TV filming facilities, for series like Game of Thrones and new content from the likes of Amazon and Netflix, is boosting Pinewood’s confidence.

The largest film studio in Europe is also looking to expand its brand overseas.