INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS
OMA V Film Studios launches in Hertfordshire L ocation Collective, a major UK studio owner-operator, has announced the opening of OMA V Film Studios: a new, purpose-built space for high-end TV shows and feature films. Located in Hertfordshire, the launch comes hot on the heels of the Spring Budget, which revealed a series of landmark new tax and business rates relief packages in recognition of the film and TV industry’s importance to UK growth. The first high-spec studio facility in the St Albans area, the new studio offers easy access to the M25 and 65,000 sq ft of high-specification sound stages (one 32,000 sq ft stage and two 16,500 sq ft stages), fully soundproofed to industry standard NR25 level. The facility also boasts 35,600 sq ft of production office and support space, while a power upgrade ensures the facility can run from renewable stage and house power. Antony Iredale, founder of Location Collective, comments: “We are hugely excited to be launching our third studio in such a prime location for film and TV production, and proud to have created the first high-specification film studio in the St Albans area, at such a pivotal moment for our industry. We look forward to welcoming our first production onto the stages at OMA V, and delivering the same quality of service customers are already experiencing at our currently operational facilities.” OMA V joins Location Collective’s growing portfolio – including flagship sites OMA One, OMA X and OMA V film studios – a group whose recent credits include Napoleon , The Crown , Black Mirror and The Boys in the Boat .
Sky champions diversity in new initiative S ky has pledged to ‘widen the playing field’ with a new initiative geared towards supporting diverse-owned and led production companies in creating content for its factual channels. The move aims to ensure Sky hears from ‘a diverse range of voices as they pursue best-in- class boxsets and premium feature documentaries’. Sky is inviting companies to apply for the opportunity to access a minimum of £15,000 towards enhancing their development slate, with ideas directed towards Sky Documentaries. The pick of the ideas will go on to a fully funded
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Sky Documentaries is known for commissioning award-winning content with a narrative- driven and bold creative approach, such as The Essex Murders Poppy Dixon, director of documentaries and factual at Sky, said: “I’m thrilled to introduce our initiative supporting diverse-owned production companies. Sky is committed to fostering inclusivity in the industry. This opportunity is a commitment to mentorship and ongoing dialogue, with the goal of ensuring underrepresented voices stand out.” For further information, email skyfactual@sky.uk with the subject heading Diverse Indies Development Initiative. companies receiving financial backing and a six-month partnership with Sky Documentaries.
development. Interested parties must meet the criteria of having founders, owners or senior management creatives who are members of ethnic minorities, deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, with the three successful
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