Film Sector in Reading

Reading is rapidly becoming a key destination for film production, with cutting-edge facilities and a thriving creative community. Major developments in the area, such as Shinfield Studios and the University of Reading’s Cine Valley, alongside other industry-leading venues, have put Reading firmly at the forefront of the film industry. 

The University of Reading is a founding member of Screen Berkshire, a dynamic partnership between Berkshire-based film production companies, studios, and the university. This collaboration aims to provide training and create pathways to employment within the Film and Television industries, strengthening the local talent pool. 

Shinfield Studios, located on University of Reading land and part of the Screen Berkshire partnership, is already home to high-profile productions like Netflix’s Bridgerton, Disney’s Star Wars: The Acolyte, and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The studios boast 18 sound stages, a 9-acre filming backlot for exterior sets, workshops, and sustainable production facilities, including post-production services. Being close to these world-class studios offers an ideal location for businesses in the film industry. 

Reading’s creative sector is growing rapidly, with employment in the industry seeing the second-highest growth in the UK, after London. The sector employs over 40,000 people across nearly 5,000 businesses, contributing to 11% of the city’s total employment. 

With businesses like Cine Valley, Nvidia, Shinfield Studios, and Fin Studio Pictures already calling Reading home, the city is quickly establishing itself as a top-tier hub for the film industry. 

Screen Berkshire 

Screen Berkshire, officially launched in October 2023, is the BFI Berkshire Skills for Screen Cluster, designed to connect and support the local film and TV industry. The cluster is a collaborative effort led by Resource Productions CIC, the University of Reading, Shinfield Studios, Bedlam Film Productions, Amazon MGM Studios, and the Berkshire Film Office, representing the councils of Wokingham, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead, Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire and Reading. 

Screen Berkshire serves as a bridge between local residents, freelance crews, training providers, studios, suppliers and content producers. The initiative focuses on identifying skills gaps, providing training, and developing clear pathways to employment within the film and television industries. 

Key partners of Screen Berkshire include: 

• Resource Productions CIC: Offering free taster workshops, short courses, one-to-one support, placements, and work opportunities for Berkshire residents of all ages. 
• British Film Institute (BFI): The UK’s leading organisation for film and the moving image, distributing National Lottery funding and supporting the film industry at a national level. 
• University of Reading: A renowned institution with a world-class film, theatre, and television department, fostering education and talent in the creative industries. 
• Shinfield Studios: A brand-new, state-of-the-art 18-stage film and TV studio based in Wokingham, part of the growing production landscape in the region. 
• Berkshire Film Office: A one-stop-shop for incoming producers, providing assistance with locations, film permissions, local services, and crew and talent. 
• Bedlam Film Productions: An independent film and TV production company, led by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning producers, based in Berkshire. 

Together, these organisations are driving the growth of the film and television sector in Berkshire, ensuring that the region has the talent, skills, and infrastructure to become a major player in the industry.