{
  "id": 1587804,
  "title": "Film commission backs Amazon MGM expansion of studios",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/film-commission-backs-amazon-mgm-expansion-of-studios",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-17T18:03:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Business",
    "slug": "bbc-business",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9d8wjvd2q4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The British Film Commission has expressed its support for Amazon MGM Studios' plans to expand its Bray Film Studios complex in Berkshire. Prior to its acquisition by Amazon MGM in 2024, the studios were previously owned by the Hammer Films company. The British Film Commission acknowledged that the expansion aligns with Amazon MGM's commitment to bolstering employment opportunities for both the local community and the wider UK sector.\n\nFollowing a public consultation, the expansion project, which includes the construction of a multi-storey car park and six new sound stages, is expected to create 470 jobs during its construction phase and an additional 920 jobs in Berkshire once completed. Samantha Perahia, head of production at the British Film Commission, expressed her backing for the plan, stating that the enhancements would not only bolster the region's reputation among international clients but also contribute significantly to marketing efforts for the region and the wider UK.\n\nThe final decision on the planning application for the expansion is yet to be made.",
  "summary": "The Berkshire film studio was previously home to iconic horror studio Hammer Films.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}