James Bond
Pinewood Studios, the production company behind the James Bond film series, says profit after tax was up to £3.8m Reuters

Pinewood Shepperton has announced big budget movies have helped boost its profits.

Profit after tax was up by £400,000 to £3.8m for the Manchester-based studio on the back of hit films such as The Avengers and the new Star Wars movie, which were both filmed at the iconic location.

Revenue was also up as it jumped from £36.2m to £38.5m in the six months leading to 30 September.

Chief executive Ivan Dunleavy said: "These results reflect continued growth operationally and strategically for the long term. I am delighted the Company continues to make such positive progress notwithstanding the pressures in the wider economy."

Pinewood has also said the 24<sup>th James Bond movie will also be shot at the studios, which is reportedly set to commence filming on 6 December.

Shares in Pinewood Shepperton did not budge following the announcement and remained stable at £483.50p.