Director James Cameron backs UK film studio plans

Canadian filmmaker James Cameron has written in support of the proposed studios

Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron has backed proposals for a new film studio.

In a letter to Buckinghamshire Council the Oscar winner told the authority he was impressed by the plans for Marlow Film Studios, which propose that the premises be built on the site of a former quarry.

Mr Cameron said the studio could be a base for his company Lightstorm3D and potentially host a training centre for creatives working with 3D technology.

In October councillors deferred their decision on the studio to 2024, despite the site being recommended for refusal by planning officers.

The committee said it wanted more time to further consider greenbelt and highways issues linked to the A404.

In February the studio revealed an updated proposal, which outlined plans to invest more than £20m in roads and other public infrastructure for the local area.

Plans for the studio have been opposed by campaign groups such as Save Marlow's Green Belt.

Joy Morrissey, the MP for Beaconsfield, wrote to the council earlier this month and urged the authority to "listen to the many objections that have been logged".

She wrote: "This development will impact local residents as well as wildlife."

A final decision on Marlow Film Studios was deferred in October

Mr Cameron, in his letter to the council, predicted an increased demand for 3D entertainment and suggested that Marlow Studios would be a good site to base his company, which develops 3D tools and technologies.

He wrote: "The next iteration of screen storytelling requires a purpose-built working space of exceptional quality, and trained professionals to grow the 3D market."

Mr Cameron cited the success of Avatar: The Way of Water, which he said was filmed in native 3D and earned $2.3bn (£1.8bn) in the global box office.

The Aliens director added he was "impressed" by the plans for the studio, and said that the site's location would be "at the heart of Europe's most important screen economic zone".

Mr Cameron said: "I look forward to Marlow Film Studios opening its doors in support of the next evolution of 3D storytelling."

Robert Laycock, the CEO of the Marlow Film Studios, said: “We are thrilled to have James Cameron’s endorsement.”

A formal date for the council's next strategic sites meetings has yet to be set.