The UK’s screen industry just took a major leap forward. Marlow Film Studios, the £750 million production campus planned for Buckinghamshire, has officially been approved and it’s already being hailed as a transformative moment for the future of British film and TV.
Among the most passionate voices backing the project was Nathan Caselton, filmmaker and founder of Crew Studio, who addressed the public hearing with a powerful message about opportunity, access, and the next generation of talent.
“Marlow Film Studios isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s opportunity,” said Caselton. “For kids growing up nearby, it’s a door into a world they never thought was open to them.”
Set to include 18 world-class sound stages, production facilities, and a dedicated culture and skills academy, Marlow will generate an estimated 4,000 jobs and add much-needed capacity to the UK’s overstretched studio scene.
But more than that, it promises something deeper; a chance to reset the perception of the industry as inaccessible, especially for young people outside of London.
In his statement, Caselton reflected on growing up next to Leavesden Studios and the myth that the film industry was “reserved only for Hollywood stars and big-name directors.” Now a seasoned director, producer, and educator, he shared how proximity to a working studio shaped his journey — and how Marlow could do the same for others.
“You don’t have to be a Hollywood star to be part of this industry,” he told the committee. “You can be an electrician, a carpenter, or a computer engineer. The careers are vast and they need to be visible.”
Caselton’s message echoed what many in the creative workforce have been saying for years: the UK needs more physical infrastructure and a pipeline that opens doors to local talent. His call to action was clear; don’t miss the chance to build something that could inspire and employ generations to come.
Unlike Leavesden or Pinewood, which evolved slowly from industrial spaces, Marlow is being built from scratch with a vision: modern facilities, sustainability, and an industry-first focus on training and community partnerships.
For organisations like Crew Studio dedicated to supporting filmmakers and crew, this is more than a construction project. It’s the start of a movement. We look forward to continuing our work with the team at Marlow Film Studios and CEO Robert Laycock as they reveal more plans.
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