Shinfield Studios, a premier production hub in Berkshire, southern England, is entering a new chapter as Managing Directors Nick Smith and Ian Johnson announce their retirement at the end of the year. Together, Smith and Johnson transformed Shinfield into a state-of-the-art facility, delivering 18 sound stages and setting the stage for blockbuster productions.
The studio, just 40 miles outside of London, became fully operational earlier this year and has already hosted major projects, including Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, The Magic Faraway Tree, and Disney’s Star Wars: The Acolyte.
Daily operations at Shinfield will now be led by Dean Horne, Vice President of Global Studio Operations, and Charlene St Aubyn, Financial Controller—both integral team members since the studio’s earliest development phases. The transition ensures continuity as the studio builds on its momentum and strengthens its position in the UK production landscape.
Peter Rumbold, CEO of Shinfield’s parent company Shadowbox Studios, praised the outgoing leadership, stating:
“I would like to thank both Nick and Ian for all of their efforts in helping to create a world-class film and television studio in Shinfield. They’ve paved the way for our best-in-class operations team, led by Dean Horne, and secured an exceptional pipeline of productions into 2025 and beyond.”
