Pinewood plans studio in Dominican Republic
Pinewood Shepperton is planning to build a 35-acre film and television studio in the Dominican Republic to serve South America.
The British studios group where James Bond and Harry Potter films have been made, expect to open ‘Pinewood Indomina Studios’ and commence operations in 2012. The construction will be funded by Indomina Group, an investment managed by VICINI.
The state of the art film and television production facilities will initially comprise 5,000 sq m of sound stage space along with 15,000 sq m of associated production support facilities. The 35 acre site will include an 8 acre water effects facility including a 75m x 75m exterior water tank with natural ocean horizons, blue screen capabilities and a fully equipped diving and marine department. When completed it will be the only tank of its type and size in the region.
Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive, Pinewood Shepperton plc said: “This represents further progress in Pinewood’s strategy to leverage the strength of our brand internationally and specifically to the growing Latino film and television market.
“The Pinewood brand stands for excellence in the global film industry and we have strategically targeted regions of the world where significant incremental growth has been forecast.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The Dominican Republic president, Leonel Antonio Fernández Reyna, broke ground on the 20,000 square metre project on Wednesday.
Pinewood will receive annual fees for its sales and management services and an equity participation which accrues over time from 2013.