Pinewood Toronto Studios has announced the promotion of Sarah Farrell to the position of general manager, taking over from Geoff Grant who departed in September 2023. Farrell, who initially joined the film studio as legal counsel in 2013, has been overseeing legal, HR, and client relations. Her appointment comes after Pinewood Group acquired full ownership of Pinewood Toronto Studios in May 2023.
Pinewood Group CEO, David Conway, expressed his confidence in Farrell, stating, “Sarah is a great asset to the Pinewood Group and we are delighted that she has taken the reins as general manager. She is an extremely experienced and knowledgeable professional who understands Pinewood Toronto and the wider film and TV industry well.”
The studio, which boasts 16 soundstages, is a popular filming location for major Hollywood players. Amazon MGM Studios, in particular, recently secured exclusive use of five soundstages, workshops, and office space spanning over 160,000 square feet at the facility. This move reflects the trend of Hollywood studios and streamers shifting their productions to Toronto to take advantage of tax credits and currency savings offered in Canada.
Recent productions at Pinewood Toronto Studios include popular series like “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Code 8: Part II,” “FUBAR,” and “Star Trek: Section 31,” which recently wrapped production. The studio’s longstanding partnership with Pinewood Group has solidified its reputation as a top filming destination in Toronto, attracting a diverse range of film and TV projects.