20 January 2026
A British film studio boss spills the secrets on what Hollywood's biggest names are really like behind the scenes.
A British film studio boss has revealed what it's really like working alongside movie icons including Anthony Hopkins, Renee Zellweger and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Frank Khalid OBE is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with Hollywood's finest. The 56 year old, who runs the UK's most eco-friendly production facility, has hosted numerous award-winning blockbusters and television series including Killing Eve, Ted Lasso and Bridget Jones's Baby, amongst others.
Speaking about the Bridget Jones actress, he said: "Renee Zellweger has such a big heart. She was in the canteen one day, after the cast and crew had left, and noticed that they had made a bit of a mess – so she helped clean it up with our staff."
"Anthony Hopkins was a bit of a joker," the owner of West London Film Studios Parkside added. "One day, he sneaked behind my receptionist and scared her by making the noises from his character in 'The Silence of the Lambs'."
The initial West London Film Studios opened its doors in 2014. A decade later, the Parkside facility launched right next door.
Frank invested a staggering £30m in his cutting-edge environmentally-conscious production site, which was built with sustainability at its core.
The facility houses a substation containing 10 engines with the capacity to produce up to three megawatts of electricity. Supporting this power facility is a one megawatt battery backup system, guaranteeing the studio stays protected against power cuts and electrical surges around the clock.
"Benedict Cumberbatch loves how we're the greenest studio in the UK," Frank said, "and Idris Elba told me that he was really impressed that we source our own power."
Many actors who have filmed at the impressive studio have scored awards – including coveted Oscars.
He said: “It’s an amazing feeling having [these big names] film at our studio. I’m hoping that we can attract Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio in the future. I think it’s only a matter of time.”
Frank is also angling for Marvel to snap up his studio after they expressed interest a few years ago. But right now, he’s focusing on being the leading production company with an eco-friendly approach.
He said: “I built this from scratch but my background is actually in cash and carry, restaurants and wedding halls.
“I bought the building as an investment and tried to change it into a hospitality venue – but the council refused and wanted it kept as a film studio. I realised that I had an opportunity to create something new that the industry needs.
“We left a big part of the land as green landscaping; wild plants, greenery, open space – because it all matters.
“This isn’t just a film studio, it’s a green creative hub.”
Frank recently featured on BBC News London, highlighting West London Film Studio’s commitment to a greener UK film and television industry.
Source: Daily Star