Pinewood Group's Indie Film Hub: A New Home for Independent Filmmakers
Pinewood Group has recently opened its Indie Film Hub to all independent films, not just those supported by the Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC). The first film to shoot at the hub this autumn is Marc Forster's "Anxious People," which features Angelina Jolie, Jason Segel, and Aimee Lou Wood. The project is produced by Hope Studios and 2DUX², with Black Bear Pictures handling international rights and WME Independent managing US sales. The Indie Film Hub was established to provide studio space, including sound stages, offices, and workshops, for lower-budget films accessing the IFTC.
The Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC) offers an enhanced 53% credit for eligible films with expenditures under £15m ($18.9m), providing 40% in actual relief for 80% of UK qualifying spend. Films over £15m ($18.9m) can opt for the standard AVEC with a 34% headline rate, equivalent to 25.5% in actual relief. Despite the initial announcement that the Indie Film Hub was exclusively for IFTC projects, "Anxious People" did not qualify for the credit due to its budget exceeding the threshold.
Pinewood Studios declined to comment on the decision to open the hub to non-IFTC projects. The spokesperson highlighted that the Indie Film Hub is a dedicated facility to support lower-budget productions, offering a mix of sound stages, workshop and office space, and access to supporting businesses on the lot. "Anxious People" is the first production hosted at the hub, with more projects expected to follow suit.
"Anxious People" revolves around a group of strangers held hostage at an open house by a reluctant bank robber, resulting in unexpected chaos. The screenplay, adapted from Fredrik Backman's novel, was written by David Magee. Samantha Waite of Union Pictures serves as the executive producer of the film. The Indie Film Hub aims to cater to legitimate indie projects that may not have access to similar facilities in London or the UK.
The decision to open the Indie Film Hub to all independent films reflects Pinewood's commitment to supporting lower-budget productions. By welcoming a diverse range of projects, the hub aims to maximize its utilization and provide opportunities for indie filmmakers to bring their visions to life. The flexibility of the facility and the ecosystem of supporting businesses on the lot create a conducive environment for creative endeavors.