The group operates and services studios all over the world, including the iconic Elstree Studios

Global studio giants The MBS Group has been engaged to operate the newly-expanded Belfast Harbour Studios complex.

The MBS Group is the world’s largest studio operator with more than 650 sound stages across its global network. Its UK facilities include Eastbrook Studios and The Wharf Studios, both in east London and Cardington in Bedfordshire. Earlier this summer, it was announced that Elstree Studios would also move under the operational umbrella of MBS.

Developed by Belfast Harbour in 2017, with a further expansion in 2024, Belfast Harbour Studios is based at the 340-acre Giant’s Park and includes more than 107,000 square feet of purpose-built soundstages, as well as supporting production offices, workshops and unit base.

In June 2025, Belfast Harbour Studios also announced the opening of Northern Ireland’s largest film and TV virtual production studio, the £72 million 75,000 square foot Studio Ulster, a partnership between Belfast Harbour, Ulster University and NI Screen.

Belfast has become a major international production destination, with HBO’s Game of Thrones having raised the region’s film-friendly profile as well as recent Belfast Harbour Studios-based productions like DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon.

“With best-in-class production facilities that include 60-foot tall 64,000 square foot clear-span soundstages, Belfast Harbour Studios can handle productions at any scale,” said Jason Hariton, chief studio & real estate officer at The MBS Group.

Graeme Johnston, property and place director at Belfast Harbour, added: “This the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Belfast Harbour Studios and the region’s wider film and screen industry.

“Belfast Harbour Studios is now a substantial media campus that can compete on the world stage. The specialist expertise and connections MBS Group brings will enhance the operation and profile for Belfast Harbour Studios and Northern Ireland’s outstanding film supply chain.”