Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, co-chairmen of British production company Working Title, along with Hans Zimmer and Steven Kofsky, have come together to purchase London’s iconic Maida Vale studios. These studios have a rich history in the UK music scene, with renowned artists such as David Bowie, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Dusty Springfield recording there over the years. Originally bought by the BBC in 1933, the studios became a hub for the BBC Performing Group. However, in 2018, the BBC announced plans to close the site and relocate its music studios and performing groups to a new space in east London by 2025.
The terms of the purchase were not disclosed, but the new owners have stated their intention to preserve the original façade of the building while carrying out a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the existing studios. In addition, they plan to create a not-for-profit educational facility, ensuring a long-term commitment to providing local jobs, promoting innovation, and attracting investment.
Bevan and Fellner expressed their love for Maida Vale Studios, acknowledging its contribution to the pioneering cultural industry in the UK. They believe that the site, with its history of nurturing new and groundbreaking artists, as well as housing legendary musicians, should be future-proofed. They envision a world-class studio space for the next generation of composers, producers, editors, and engineers, while simultaneously maintaining a presence in the local community through the educational facility.
Hans Zimmer shared his personal connection to Maida Vale Studios, reminiscing about his first session there as an awestruck kid working for the BBC 45 years ago. He expressed his honor in playing in a space that had witnessed the creation of extraordinary music throughout its history. The studios held a special place in his heart as a place of revolutionary science in support of art, where music was performed around the clock and taken seriously. This was the place that kept him, a struggling musician at the time, from giving up.
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Zimmer also mentioned his professional relationship with Bevan and Fellner, dating back to his early days at Maida Vale. Their collaboration at Working Title led him to a successful career in Hollywood, with Kofsky eventually becoming his business partner. Together, they ensured that as much work from Hollywood films as possible was brought back to Britain. Now, Zimmer wishes to close the circle by transforming Maida Vale Studios into a place that inspires and educates, while serving the arts and humanity through technological advancements. He wants the next generation to have the same opportunities he was given: to create and never give up.
The purchase of Maida Vale Studios by Bevan, Fellner, Zimmer, and Kofsky marks a significant investment in preserving the legacy and cultural significance of this iconic London institution. With their plans to refurbish the studios, create an educational facility, and support the local community through job opportunities, innovation, and investment, they are ensuring that Maida Vale Studios will continue to be a place of artistic excellence and inspiration for generations to come.
