Sipur Studios Expands to London, Announces Global Strategy and New Film Nana

Why London? Strategic Reasons Behind the Move

London offers a unique blend of creative talent, financing mechanisms and distribution networks that make it a natural hub for a studio with global ambitions. By establishing a base in the capital, Sipur Studios can tap into the United Kingdom's generous tax‑credit regime and the deep pool of writers, directors and crew who work on both independent and blockbuster projects.

Access to European Talent and Funding

The city is home to world‑class film schools such as the London Film School and the National Film and Television School. Graduates often bring fresh perspectives that align with Sipur’s reputation for bold storytelling. In addition, the UK government’s film tax credit, detailed by the British Film Institute on UK tax credits, can offset up to 25 percent of qualifying production expenditures, making London financially attractive.

Proximity to Major Distributors

Being close to the headquarters of major European distributors and streaming platforms enables quicker negotiations and more flexible release windows. The new office, listed in the Companies House filing for Sipur Studios UK, positions the company within walking distance of key decision makers.

Shari Redstone’s Influence on Sipur’s Growth

After selling Paramount Global to David Ellison’s Skydance in 2024, Shari Redstone turned her attention to a less expected venture. Her appointment as chair of Sipur Studios last year injected capital, industry credibility and a network that stretches across Hollywood, Europe and the Middle East.

From Paramount to Sipur

Redstone’s decision was covered in detail by Shari Redstone’s sale of Paramount to Skydance. The move signaled a shift from legacy media to a more agile, content‑driven model. Sipur, originally founded in Israel by Emilio Schenker and partners, gained a strategic partner who understands the mechanics of large‑scale financing and global distribution.

Boardroom Changes and Investment

Since Redstone’s arrival, the board has welcomed several veteran executives from major studios. Their combined experience has accelerated the development pipeline, allowing Sipur to greenlight projects that previously would have required co‑production deals.

International Slate: From Nana to Future Projects

The London launch coincides with the announcement of an ambitious slate that blends literary adaptations, original series and genre films. Central to the plan is Olivier Dahan’s upcoming adaptation of Emile Zola’s novel Nana, a project that aims to bridge French literary heritage with contemporary visual storytelling.

Olivier Dahan’s Nana – A Cross‑Cultural Adaptation

Dahan, known for his work on The Beat That My Heart Skipped, brings a sensibility that respects the source material while appealing to modern audiences. The film will be shot in part in Paris, with post‑production facilities in London, illustrating the studio’s trans‑Atlantic approach. More about the director can be found on his director Olivier Dahan profile.

Upcoming Co‑productions

Beyond Nana, Sipur has lined up three additional projects:

• A sci‑fi limited series set in a near‑future Mediterranean city, co‑produced with a French broadcaster.
• A drama exploring the diaspora experience of Israeli families in London, slated for a streaming platform.
• An animated feature based on a bestselling Israeli children’s book, leveraging the UK’s animation talent pool.

Implications for the UK Film Landscape

The new office is expected to generate a measurable impact on the local industry. By committing to on‑site production and post‑production work, Sipur will create jobs across a range of disciplines.

Job Creation and Skills Development

Initial estimates suggest the London hub will employ 50‑70 staff within the first year, ranging from development executives to production coordinators. Partnerships with film schools could also lead to apprenticeship programmes that nurture emerging talent.

Potential Partnerships with British Studios

Sipur’s presence opens doors for joint ventures with established UK studios such as Working Title and Pinewood. Such collaborations could pool resources, share risk and increase the visibility of British‑produced content on the global stage.

What This Means for Investors and Creators

For investors, the expansion signals confidence in Sipur’s ability to deliver content that resonates across markets. For creators, the London office offers a new gateway to European financing, distribution channels and a collaborative environment.

• Access to UK tax incentives reduces production costs.
• Proximity to European festivals enhances festival‑circuit strategies.
• Redstone’s network provides direct lines to major streaming platforms.
• Cross‑border projects increase the potential audience reach.

Overall, the move reflects a broader industry trend where studios seek flexible, multi‑regional footprints to stay competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape.