The Story Collective’s co-founders open new TV and film studio in London

The new studio complex in Mortlake was formerly a brewery

Simon Vaughan and Damian Keogh, co-founders of The Story Collective, are opening a new film and television studio complex in London.

Built on the site of a 22-acre riverside brewery in Mortlake, south west London, The Story Works is billed as the largest film and television studio in the heart of London.

Independent 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.

The original brewery buildings have been gradually re-inhabited as a new studio complex of production offices, workshops and sound stages.

In addition, the site has also been used to create an outdoor standing set of Victorian East London docks and back-streets, built as the backdrop for the forthcoming Disney+ drama series A Thousand Blows, created by Steven Knight and starring Stephen Graham. The series is produced by The Story Collective in a coproduction with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions.

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.”

Studio co-founder Keogh added: “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.”