TV and film Producers, Simon Vaughan and Damian Keogh, co-founders of The Story Collective, have formally announced the opening of The Story Works, a major new film and television studio complex in London.
Built on the historic site of a 22-acre riverside brewery in Mortlake, SW14, The Story Works is the “largest film and television studio in the heart of London.”
Hollywood studio, FIFTH SEASON (formerly known as Endeavor Content) and outgoing artistic director of The Young Vic, Kwame Kwei-Armah are also part of the founding team.
Developed organically over recent years, the original Brewery buildings have been gradually re-inhabited as a new studio complex of production offices, workshops and sound stages. The site has also been used to create a sprawling outdoor standing set of Victorian East London docks and back-streets, built as the backdrop for the upcoming Disney+ drama series A Thousand Blows, created by Steven Knight and starring Stephen Graham.
Simon Vaughan, Chairman and CEO said: “Our mission began because we fell in love with the Brewery and it’s amazing buildings while shooting here. Over time this has evolved into us now opening our doors as a major new film and television studio in London. The UK has long been the centre of excellence for TV and film production – great crews, craft, talent and tax credits and we have some of the world’s most prestigious and amazing film studios. But never has it been possible to build a major TV series or feature film at studios so close the centre of town. We are now open for business and ready to welcome our next production.”
For the last two years, the site has been host to Disney+ as its first major client, for upcoming local original series A Thousand Blows, produced by The Story Collective in a co-production with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.
Studio Co-Founder Damian Keogh said: “As producers we have spent the last two years road testing this unique, romantic, historic site and it has been rewarding for all involved. Cast and crew, so many of whom live nearby, have been able to live balanced lives whilst delivering their very best work. The space is substantial and flexible, but it has a magic quality due to its heritage that has captured all of our imaginations. We can’t wait to welcome new projects to this special home from home.”
Kwame Kwei-Armah, a director at The Story Works and outgoing artistic director of The Young Vic, said: “The vision of turning a historic, derelict brewery into such a vibrant creative space, right in the heart of the London, is thrilling and important. Apart from the brilliant stories that will be crafted here, this will inspire our next generation of storytellers to have a sense of ownership, to think and dream at their multi disciplinary optimum, despite the messages often to the contrary.”
Photographer credit: Nikki Holland
Jon Creamer
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