Apple is looking for a new studio space around London in the latest escalation of Big Tech’s streaming arms race.
California production support specialist MBS has been asked to research sites that can be used for Apple TV + productions, industry sources said. The locations are said to be leased by MBS, not Apple, although they are used to film content for the iPhone maker.
Apple is a relative latecomer in the rush to keep pace with studios to tap into London’s deep well of technical talent. Last year Netflix struck a deal to gain exclusive access to most of the West London studios from Shepperton, while Disney has reserved much of the iconic Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire for the next ten years. .
Growing demand from internet giants has prompted developers to create a new space, with plans approved earlier this summer for a new £ 110million development in Dagenham, east London.
Atlanta-based Blackhall Studios is also planning its first foray into the UK market, plotting a £ 150million project at Thames Valley Science Park, while Sky plans to build new film studios near Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. .
However, with many filming schedules having been delayed due to Covid-19 and a backlog of productions, there is now an even more urgent need for space.
Apple spends a lot of money developing original shows like The Morning Show with Jennifer Anniston for its TV + service. It is part of efforts to strengthen the number of clients and stimulate the growth of its lucrative service business.
However, the competition in space has proven to be fierce. Figures from analytics firm Antenna suggest Apple TV + subscribers only increased 10% in the first weeks of lockdown, compared to 48% for Netflix.
Apple declined to comment.