Pinewood Studios Closes Sound Department

London, UK — Pinewood Studios, the legendary UK-based film production studio facility located outside London, has announced that it is closing its sound department.

Approximately 18 jobs will be affected by the closure, primarily for those based in Pinewood’s HQ just outside London, but also in its Shepperton Studios facility.

A Pinewood representative discussed the decision with The Hollywood Reporter, noting, “Following a review of our Creative Audio business, we are proposing to close the Creative Audio department. We have started a consultation process with colleagues who are affected.”

There has been no explanation as to why the closure is occurring, but it has been confirmed the facilities will remain open to be used on a dry hire basis. This means productions can use their own personnel within the studios.

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Pinewood Studios is best known for its part in the James Bond films, and more recently some Star Wars and Marvel titles. It opened five new soundstages in 2016 at its main facility and was granted permission to add 16 soundstages to its Shepperton location. However, at this point the facility appears to be scaling back, last year closing its Wales and Malaysia facilities. Pinewood additionally has studio facilities in Atlanta and Toronto, but at press time, there’s no word as to whether they will be affected by the closure.

Pinewood Studios • www.pinewoodgroup.com