Cheshire-based Tatton Studios is set to benefit from the upcoming release of a new Tolkien biopic.

The movie, which stars Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins, tells the story of the author’s early years and how he came to create his iconic works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Producers at Fox Searchlight handpicked Tatton Studios as one of their key locations, with war scenes being filmed on one of its 24-acre backlots and interior shots being filmed in its green screen studio.

The site played host to a cast of 150 WWI soldiers, 30 cavalry horses and a 300-strong crew.

Charlie Greenstein, head of TV and film at Tatton Locations, said: “Having such a high-profile production on-site was a truly fantastic experience and helped cement our reputation as Manchester and Liverpool’s backlot.

“With Tolkien, our huge hardstanding car park and showground were perfect for the crew to set up a feature film production village, while Showground Four was used to recreate the Battle of the Somme. Our North Range workspace was transformed into a base for the costume department and Ashley Hall was used for a production office.”

Based on the family-owned Tatton Estate, Tatton TV and Film manages the site’s portfolio of rural and historic locations. Recent productions include Peaky Blinders, Bancroft, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

Greenstein added: “This was our biggest production by far and it required a tremendous amount of forward planning to ensure we put our very best foot forward. We know we have a truly unique location to offer producers and we’re looking forward to welcoming future productions to our studios.”