Brighton has always been a city that embraces bold ideas—from its artistic spirit to its historic landmarks—and now one local filmmaker believes the next chapter in its story could be written on a cinematic scale.
Matthew Taylor, the creator behind MattTaylorTV!, has unveiled an ambitious £200 million proposal to build a major film and television studio complex in the city—anchored around an unlikely but enduring British legend: King Arthur.
At first glance, it sounds like something straight out of a screenplay. But for Taylor, the vision is grounded in both opportunity and belief.
“Brighton already has the creativity, the energy, and the identity,” he says. “What it needs is the infrastructure to match.”
A modern myth meets a modern city.
The proposal—known as the Brighton 2222 Project—centres on the creation of King Arthur Film Studios, a large-scale production facility designed to attract major film and streaming projects to the South Coast.
It would also serve as the launchpad for Taylor’s own planned trilogy, King Arthur II – The War King, a cinematic continuation of one of Britain’s most enduring legends.
For centuries, the story of King Arthur has captured imaginations across the world. From medieval texts to Hollywood adaptations, the once-and-future king has remained a constant presence in British storytelling.
“There’s something about Arthur that people don’t let go of,” he explains. “It’s not just a story—it’s part of our identity.”
Why Brighton?
While major film studios already operate across the UK, Brighton has never established itself as a production hub on that scale. Taylor sees that not as a weakness, but as an opportunity.
With its global reputation, thriving arts scene, and proximity to London, Brighton is, in his view, perfectly placed to become a new centre for filmmaking.
The proposal suggests the studio could bring jobs, investment, and a new wave of tourism to the area—transforming the city into what Taylor describes as a “cultural powerhouse.”
Building for the future.
Beyond film production, the project also leans into sustainability and long-term thinking.
Plans include environmentally conscious design inspired by so-called “Earthship” architecture—buildings constructed with recycled materials and designed to be energy-efficient and self-sustaining.
There are also ideas for future expansion, including studio tours and immersive visitor attractions, aimed at turning the site into a destination in its own right.
It’s this blend of creativity, commerce, and environmental awareness that Taylor believes sets the project apart.
A vision, not yet a reality.
For now, the Brighton 2222 Project remains a proposal—one that would require significant investment, planning approval, and industry backing to bring to life.
But in a city known for backing creative ambition, the idea has already begun to spark conversation.
Is it a long shot? Perhaps. But then again, so are many of the stories Brighton has told about itself over the years.
And if there’s one thing the legend of King Arthur teaches, it’s that some ideas—no matter how improbable—have a habit of enduring.
As Taylor puts it: “Every great story starts with someone believing it’s possible.”
Whether this one becomes part of Brighton’s future is a story still waiting to be told.
Executive Summary
The Brighton 2222 Project is a £200 million development initiative to establish a world-class film and television production studio in Brighton, positioning the city as a major UK and international production hub.
At its core is the creation of King Arthur Film Studios, a purpose-built facility designed to:
Attract high-value film and streaming productions
Anchor a major UK-based historical film franchise
Drive sustained economic growth through tourism and media
This proposal seeks £200 million in investment to fund land acquisition, construction, infrastructure, and initial production capability.
The Opportunity
Market Demand
The global film and streaming industry is expanding rapidly, driven by platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+
The UK is one of the most sought-after production locations due to tax incentives, talent, and infrastructure
Existing UK studios are operating at or near full capacity
Gap in the Market
There is no major film studio presence in Brighton or the wider Sussex region
Strong demand exists for new, flexible, and modern studio space in the South of England
The Project
Phase 1: King Arthur Film Studios
A state-of-the-art production facility including:
6–8 large sound stages
Backlot filming environments
Post-production and editing suites
Production offices and support facilities
Accommodation and logistics infrastructure
Design Philosophy
Built using sustainable construction principles (Earthship-inspired design)
Energy-efficient and future-ready
Architecturally distinctive to enhance brand identity
Anchor Production
King Arthur II – The War King Trilogy
The studio will launch with an in-house flagship production:
A three-part cinematic trilogy based on King Arthur mythology
Designed for global distribution
High potential for franchise expansion (TV, streaming, merchandising)
This provides:
Immediate utilisation of studio capacity
Brand identity from day one
Long-term intellectual property value
Revenue Streams
1. Studio Hire
Rental of sound stages and facilities to third-party productions
Long-term contracts with streaming platforms and production companies
2. In-House Productions
Film and TV content developed and produced internally
Distribution deals and licensing revenue
3. Tourism & Experiences (Phase 2 Expansion)
Studio tours
Film-themed attractions
Visitor experiences tied to productions
4. Ancillary Revenue
Merchandising
Licensing
Events and media partnerships
Economic Impact
The project is expected to:
Create 1,000+ direct and indirect jobs
Generate significant local and regional economic activity
Increase annual visitor numbers to Brighton
Establish Brighton as a creative and cultural powerhouse
Financial Overview
Capital Requirement
Total Investment: £200 million
Allocation (Estimated)
Land acquisition: £30M
Studio construction: £100M
Infrastructure & facilities: £40M
Production launch funding: £30M
Return Profile
Revenue generation begins within 24–36 months
Break-even projected within 5–7 years
Long-term asset appreciation and recurring revenue streams
Competitive Advantage
Location: Brighton’s global recognition and proximity to London
Untapped Market: No competing large-scale studio in the region
Integrated Vision: Studio + IP + tourism ecosystem
Sustainability: Future-facing design and environmental positioning
Risk Management
Key Risks
Construction delays
Production pipeline uncertainty
Market competition
Mitigation
Phased development approach
Pre-secured production partnerships
Flexible studio design to accommodate diverse productions
Development Timeline.
Year 1: Planning, approvals, land acquisition
Year 2–3: Construction and infrastructure development
Year 3: Studio operational launch
Year 3–5: Full production capacity and expansion
Exit Strategy.
Investors will benefit from:
Equity in a high-value, income-generating asset
Potential sale to major studio operators or media groups
Long-term dividend income from studio operations
Conclusion.
The Brighton 2222 Project represents a rare opportunity to invest in:
A rapidly growing global industry
A strategically located and underdeveloped market
A project with both commercial viability and cultural significance
With the right investment and execution, King Arthur Film Studios will become a cornerstone of the UK film industry and a defining feature of Brighton’s future.
Investment Invitation
We are seeking strategic partners and investors to participate in this £200 million development.
Next Steps:
Detailed financial modelling
Site review and planning discussions
Investment structuring and equity allocation
Brighton 2222 Project Development Team
taylormediabrighton@gmail.com
