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 well accustomed to mingling with Hollywood'selite. The 56 year old, who operates the UK's most environmentally-friendly production studio, has welcomed a succession of award-winning blockbusters and TV programmes such as Killing Eve, Ted Lasso and Bridget Jones's Baby, among others.

"Anthony Hopkins was a bit of a joker," said the owner of West London Film Studios Parkside. "One day, he sneaked behind my receptionist and scared her by making the noises from his character in 'The Silence of the Lambs'."

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Discussing the Bridget Jones star, 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."

The original West London Film Studios launched in 2014. A decade on, the Parkside location opened just next door. Frank spent a whopping £30m on his state-of-the art eco-focused production site which was built with sustainability at its core.

It contains a substation housing 10 engines capable of generating up to three megawatts of power. Accompanying the power plant is a one megawatt battery backup system, ensuring the studio remains safeguarded from blackouts and energy surges at all times.

"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."

Numerous actors who've worked at the remarkable studio have gone on to win accolades – including prestigious Oscars. He said: "It's an amazing feeling having [these big names] film at our studio."

He added: "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 keen for Marvel to choose his studio after they showed interest several years back. However, at the moment, he's concentrating on establishing himself as a premier production company with an environmentally conscious ethos.

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."

Frank recently featured on BBC News London, highlighting West London Film Studio's commitment to a greener UK film and television industry.