Pinewood Studios is pictured from a helicopter on June 13, 2015, in London, England. (Photo : Getty Images)
British film and TV production group Pinewood Studios is setting up an office in China, a move seen by analysts as the latest step in the company's attempts to expand globally and tap into the lucrative Chinese film industry.
Pinewood, which produced international blockbusters such as the Harry Potter and James Bond franchises, will establish a representative office in Beijing to be headed by Amanda Halliday, who becomes senior VP of Pinewood China, according to a report from Variety on Monday.
Pinewood currently operates studios in Canada, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, and the U.S.
"Pinewood has been working in China for a number of years and we have forged some strong relationships with film companies, content producers and games developers," said Andrew M. Smith, president of Pinewood China. "A permanent presence in China is a key strategic element of Pinewood's overall international strategy."
The company currently provides consultancy services to Chinese film companies, including advising Wanda Group, the Chinese entertainment and real estate conglomerate. More recently, Pinewood's post production sound team provided post-production services to Tencent Games and Disneynature/Shanghai Media Group.
Earlier this year, Pinewood's owners signed an agreement to sell the company to a property investment fund for $421.9 million, according to the BBC.
Karen Bradley, U.K. MP Secretary of Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said the expansion supports the legacy of Pinewood Studios' world class heritage and reputation.
"The British film industry is one of our greatest success stories, and we are world renowned for our talents, skills and creativity when it comes to making movies," she said. "Pinewood is one of our most iconic brands and, building on the recent state visit to the U.K. by Chinese President Xi Jinping, I'm delighted to see Pinewood further expanding its presence in the international market as part of its strategic global growth plan."
