Elstree Studios becomes the first Studio to join Creative England’s new Filming in England Partnership

22 Oct 2020

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Creative England launches their Filming in England website

This week, Creative England launched their Filming in England website, a directory for film and TV productions looking to film outside of London in the UK.

The new website provides regional maps and studio guides, location galleries and helpful production resources. More information about Filming in England can be found here:  www.filminginengland.co.uk

The website launch coincides with the launch of the new Filming in England Partnership which works to connect different organisations from studios to local authorities and Film Offices to ensure that England has the most film friendly environment possible. More information about the partnership can be found here: https://www.filminginengland.co.uk/partnership/

Elstree Studios are pleased to have Creative England’s south east office based on site and have worked with the organisation on many projects. Elstree is the first studio to officially register as a member of the Filming in England Partnership and fully supports both the Partnership and website as an excellent initiative for the film and TV industry.

Elstree Studios’ Managing Director, Roger Morris, said: “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of the initiatives taken by Creative England to make Filming in England information easy to access. Their team is without doubt the most knowledgeable Film Production resource if you wish to make a Film or TV production in England.”

Hayley Armstrong, Head of Production Services at Creative England, said: “We are delighted to launch the new Filming in England website and hope that it will prove to be a valuable resource for film production companies the world over. With production activity resuming, and the launch of the Film & TV Production Restart Scheme, it has never been more important to showcase the incredible scope of locations and filming expertise we have on offer in England. From Star Wars to The Crown, Paddington to Peaky Blinders, England’s stunning scenery, experienced crew and world class studios, like Elstree Studios, make it one of the best places in the world to film. We are also delighted to announce our new Filming in England Partnership that includes Elstree Studios as a joined member.  Working in partnership with film offices, local authorities, organisations and studios across the country, we know that by working together, we can help the sector bounce back from the effects of the on-going pandemic and maintain England’s reputation as one of the best locations in the world.”

Elstree Studios welcomes back A League of Their Own

20 Jul 2020

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A League of Their Own © Sky UK Ltd

Elstree Studios welcomes back Sky’s BAFTA award-winning entertainment show A League of Their Own for production of Series 15 in George Lucas Stage 2. With new strict safety measures put in place across site since the outbreak of COVID-19, Elstree Studios are committed to working with companies who help make the show, to ensure the new series is produced safely.

A League of Their Own will film without a live audience for the first time but will still include the fan favourite end games, VTs and challenges throughout the series. The show has been a stalwart in Sky’s entertainment portfolio over the past decade and one of the most popular shows on Sky One.

Production Company – CPL Productions, a Red Arrow Studios company
Technical Facilitator – BBC Studioworks

Elstree Studios remembers as ‘Big Brother – Best Shows Ever’ comes to E4

12 Jun 2020

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Big Brother - Best Shows Ever © Channel 4

From this Sunday (14th June), Davina McCall and Rylan Clark-Neal will be reminding us of some of the very best moments and episodes from iconic reality TV show: Big Brother.

Next week marks the 20th anniversary since Big Brother’s premiere on Channel 4 on the 18th June 2000. Big Brother became an instant hit in the early 2000s. The first reality TV show of its kind in the UK, it offered viewers the chance to watch the ‘housemates’ 24 hours a day on a live stream and encouraged participation in the ‘eviction’ process.

 

The Big Brother house relocated to Elstree Studios for series 3 in 2002 where it occupied a large area of the backlot to the rear of the site until the franchise finished in 2018. During this time, a total of 619 housemates passed through the famous Borehamwood House.

 

In total, the various series of Big Brother over the years included: 17 Classic shows and 21 Celebrity shows plus 1 Celebrity Hijack, 1 Ultimate, 1 Panto and 1 Teen. In addition, the house provided a location for a feature film with zombies as well as for an open day event with the National Trust. The Big Brother House was transformed and themed for each series with some spectacular sets plus an outdoor pool, garden and jacuzzi.

 

To record and transmit the shows, the Big Brother House had 87 cameras (mostly remote-controlled robotic cameras transitioned from SD to HD) and 110 microphones, all placed strategically around the house to make sure not a moment of drama was missed – including the intimate night time recording. These were all controlled from a 24-hour production centre, also located at Elstree Studios.

 

Director of Production at Initial TV, Sandra Smith, said: ‘Elstree Studios is a great location for Big Brother. We have a complex technical operation set up within our new Big Brother Village.  The Big Brother house is monitored 24 hours a day, and we have more than two live transmissions from the studio every day – 7 days per week.’

 

The show was hosted by Davina McCall and then by Emma Willis. Spin-off shows Big Brother’s Little Brother, Big Brother’s Bit on the Side and Big Brother’s Big Mouth introduced some of today’s favourite presenters including Dermot O’Leary and Rylan Clark-Neal.

 

Big Brother was narrated by the iconic voice of Marcus Bentley who told us: ‘being part of the Big Brother family on site at Elstree in the George Lucas [stage] and in the village has been the highlight of my professional life. The excitement I got from simply walking down that long drive (full of filming history) the literally thousands of times never lessened. Hundreds of amazing memories from walking down that stretch with my headphones on secretly blasting out the theme tune because it had just returned after leaving channel 4 – to chatting with Samuel L Jackson outside the [George] Lucas [Stages] on sunny day in July! I’ve spent quite a chunk of my life on site at Elstree and the warmth and kindness all around, from the security crew to the canteen and bar staff is second to none.’

 

Big Brother played a role in keeping Elstree Studios, already a legendary international Film & TV Studio, firmly in the spotlight with the general public both locally and nationally and was also hugely beneficial in many ways for the wider television industry.

 

Elstree Studios Managing Director, Roger Morris, says: ‘Big Brother was an important production not just for Elstree Studios where it was based for 16 years but for the technology advances it used in production with remote robotic cameras, timeline-based editing, file servers and with the advance in the internet, streaming and online promotion.  It also became a training ground for many of those who now work in the film and tv industry. From producers to camera operators, from sound editors to presenters to directors, there are many people now in the top end of the film and television industry who started their careers as runners on Big Brother.’

 

Many housemates are remembered for the entertaining moments they created and for the impact they made on the Big Brother house. Nikki Grahame, who came 5th in the series 7 proved to become one of the most memorable housemates for her loud personality and tantrums. (‘Who is she!?’)

 

In series 6, Ulrika Jonsson and Verne Troyer entertained viewers and housemates with their rendition of ‘Endless Love’.

 

Big Brother was also responsible for the forming of many romantic relationships. Chantelle Houghton caught the eye of fellow housemate Preston when she appeared as a ‘fake celebrity’ in Celebrity Big Brother 4 (2006). The pair became an item in the house and married later that year but it was unfortunately short-lived and they divorced in 2007.

 

Jackie Stallone had one of the most memorable entrances to Big Brother when she strolled in as the ‘Queen Mother’ in Big Brother 3, much to the surprise of ex-daughter-law Brigitte Nielson who welcomed her. (Yeah, Jackie.)

 

Although her time in the Big Brother house was controversial, Jade Goody ultimately won the hearts of many viewers who followed her life after leaving the Big Brother house. Jade was diagnosed with cervical cancer and passed away in 2009 aged 27. Her story lead to a large growth in the number of women signing up for cervical cancer screening tests and encouraged women to learn more about the disease. Her legacy saved lives. Elstree Studios are in the process of placing a memorial plaque for Jade Goody on site.

 

Managing Director of Elstree Studios, Roger Morris, said: ‘The Big Brother Evictions were very special theatrical events at Elstree Studios, sometimes on wet and cold evenings. Over the years, Big Brother was constantly rediscovered by new audiences whilst it also maintained a large and truly dedicated older following. The show and its audiences probably brought millions of pounds in revenue to the local economy of Borehamwood. It was sad and emotional when it came to an end in 2018.’

 

Big Brother – Best Shows Ever is set to remind us of these memorable moments and many more. Emma Willis who presented the show after it moved to be broadcast on Channel 5 in 2011 and Dermot O’Leary who presented spin-off Big Brother’s Little Brother will also make an appearance in the 20th anniversary celebration show.

 

Big Brother – Best Shows Ever started on E4 on Sunday 14th June 2020 at 9pm.

Production resumes at Elstree Studios

01 Jun 2020

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COVID-19 measures on site at Elstree Studios

Elstree Studios undertakes its first production on June 2nd since the lockdown in March. Although Elstree Studios did not close during the lockdown, access was restricted to those working on site and Studio administrative staff worked from home.

Strict protective measures have been put in place for those returning to work on the Elstree Studios site. These include the wearing of masks or face coverings, social distancing and temperature checking by a paramedic at the front gate entrance.

Roger Morris, Managing Director of Elstree Studios, said: “We intend to keep Elstree Studios a safe working environment for all our clients and tenants, it is important to get our industry back to work, but safely. Many employed in the film and tv industry are freelance and they have been hit particularly badly and unfortunately the financial support arrangements provided for them by the Government are hard for many of them to obtain.”

Our Creative Industries are a powerhouse for the UK economy, providing the UK with over £100 billion last year and many thousands of jobs.

We recommend that all our production clients implement the directives circulated by the BFC, BFI, BECTU and the Production Guild regarding COVID-19.

Back to the Studios on site Guidelines

29 May 2020

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At Elstree Studios, safety is our primary concern during this outbreak of COVID-19. If entering the site, you must adhere to the following guidelines to protect the safety of yourself and others. Government guidelines must be adhered to in any event. Full Guidelines and Site Plans here:

Elstree Studios COVID-19 Site Safety Booklet 2021

 

SECURITY

– Security must be notified in advance of access and client crew and cast lists must be provided.

– For Pedestrians: there is an intercom and lock at the front gate and at the Gatehouse. Passes must be shown to Security at the Gatehouse window and Security can be spoken to via the intercom.

– For Drivers: the ANPR system will allow access for drivers with booked spaces but all passes and authorisation must be shown in advance of entering site. Drivers who exit their cars must wear a mask or face covering and adhere to social distancing measures.

– Security may deny access to pedestrians and cyclists who are not wearing masks or face coverings. Client crew and visitors must be aware before visiting Elstree Studios of the site guidelines herein contained.

– A Paramedic Security Guard will be working on site when required. They will have equipment and attend to anyone onsite taken potentially unwell.

 

HYGIENE & SOCIAL DISTANCING

– Please frequently wash you hands.

– Hand-sanitising stations are placed across site

– Adhere to social distancing measures, keep 2 metres away from other people.

– Smokers must not smoke outside office buildings. The green area near the Powerhouse is to be zoned and used as a smoking area temporarily. A marked out area to the rear of site, near the backlot, can also be used for smoking.

– The Event Hall may be used for safe social distancing catering arrangements subject to discussions with Elstree Studios Management.

– The Whitehouse is the isolation point for any person deemed potentially unwell.

– Clients and tenants are responsible for the general health and safety of their own respective areas.

– EFS are not responsible for any health and safety breaches by a tenant or client.

 

PPE

– Masks or face coverings (and ideally gloves) are to be worn in communal areas at all times. Communal areas on site are roads, toilets, corridors and shared kitchens.

– If a client or tenant representative is found not wearing a mask in these areas, they will first receive a reminder and, if they repeatedly fail to adhere to site guidelines, may be asked to leave.

 

ACCESS

– All clients and tenants are restricted to their areas and are not permitted to wander freely on site.

– Clients are responsible for health and safety within their stages but must include within their risk assessment a section on measures taken for COVID-19. A copy of this must be given to Elstree Studios Management.

– If possible, all large meetings are to be held virtually. The Spielberg Suite is available to hire from Elstree Studios Management for meetings adhering to social distancing guidelines.

– All deliveries will be stored in a gazebo next to Security and must be collected by a client or tenant representative. Food deliveries must be collected by a client or tenant representative.

– Barriers on site will indicate restricted areas and zones.

– There will be no access to George Lucas Stage 2 via the Stage 1 door. The Stage 2 door must be used to access Stage 2. All visitors, cast and crew must be authorised and Security and Elstree Studios Management must be notified in advance.

 

Please contact Elstree Studios Management with any queries at: info@elstreestudios.co.uk

Elstree Studios during World War II

06 May 2020

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Friday 8th May 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany of its armed forced in World War II. With this milestone, organisations around the world are remembering what part they played during the war time and whilst there was a general pause on the film industry, Elstree Studios continued to be of use.

 

Prior to the start of the War in 1939, it is estimated that over 200 films had been made at Elstree Studios; amongst these were Alfred Hitchcock’s Jamaica Inn (1939), St Martin’s Lane (1938) and Mimi (1935). At the time, Elstree Studios was owned by British Film Producer and Businessman, John Maxwell, and Studio Manger, Joe Grossman, oversaw the site.

 

As a facility, the Government saw a purpose for the Elstree Studios site during the war years and it was subsequently requisitioned by the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. The Corps had several uses for the studios but it was mainly used as a depot; the large open-space buildings on site provided useful storage for essential supplies: weapons, equipment and food. As the war continued, various devices that would go on to aid the war effort were secretly created inside the workshops at Elstree Studios.

 

In addition to storage, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps built a 550-seater Auditorium on the Elstree Studios site and named it the Garrison Theatre. The Garrison Theatre brought together troops who worked on site or who were based locally and kept them entertained. This played an important part on site in boosting the morale of the troops during the uncertain times of war.

 

At the end of the war, Elstree Studios did not re-open as a production facility until 1948. John Maxwell died in 1940 and his wife sold large shares to Warner Brothers who agreed to substantially rebuild the facility during 1946 and 1947. In September 1948, the town of Borehamwood saw the opening of a new Elstree Studios – named then the Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC).

 

This was followed by a boom in production at Elstree Studios with the release of some of the most famous post-war films. Box Office hit The Hasty Heart (1949) starring future US President Ronald Reagan, Alfred Hitchcock’s crime film Stage Fright (1950) and, of course, Michael Anderson’s The Dam Busters (1955) were all made at Elstree Studios in the following years.

Lifecast: Lifecast Body Simulation’s ‘Medical Manikins’ used to test ventilators

21 Apr 2020

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Lifecast's Manikin's being used by Medical Professionals

Lifecast is a company based at Elstree Studios who provide prosthetics, VFX and props for the film and television industry, overseen by Creative Director, John Schoonraad. John has worked on many popular films including: Kick-Ass (2010), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014).

 

As a branch of Lifecast, Lifecast Body Simulation started 3 years ago to create ‘medical manikins’ for research, training and education in health organisations.

 

Lifecast Body Simulation are currently making a significant contribution to the training of NHS staff. Due to their uniquely realistic appearance, Lifecast Body Simulation’s manikins are being used to train medical staff on the use of ventilators during the outbreak of novel coronavirus/Covid-19.

 

David Halliwell, Director of Lifecast Body Simulation, said: ‘the work we are undertaking recently has been to support the education of clinicians by ensuring that NHS teams are prepared for ‘surge’ capacity in the coming weeks. It is a great privilege to be able to help in this way.’

 

Manikins are also being used elsewhere in the world for medical preparations. David added: ‘Lifecast distribute worldwide and have most recently opened manufacturing in Florida – so we have stories from USA, Australia and Europe of how our work to ensure realism in simulation is preparing teams to cope with this unprecedented activity.’

 

Director and Co-Founder of Lifecast Body Simulation, Rob Clark, said: ‘We have loaned equipment for training at the new NHS Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre [London] for the duration of their operation. I personally delivered one of our Bodies to be used to train all the staff there to prepare for caring for large numbers of patients.’

 

Managing Director of Elstree Studios, Roger Morris, said: ‘The film and television industry has many transferable skills and Lifecast demonstrate how these film and TV creative skills can help the health industry generally and especially at this terrible time. Their initiative is fantastic and we applaud them.’

Lifecast: Life3D make PPE for Healthcare Workers

20 Apr 2020

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Lifecast is a company based at Elstree Studios who provide prosthetics, VFX and props for the film and television industry, overseen by Creative Director, John Schoonraad. John has worked on many popular films including: Kick-Ass (2010), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014).

 

A branch of Lifecast, Life3D produce work using 3D Scanning and Printing equipment and techniques. Life3D is run by son of John, Tristan Schoonraad and Jasper Turner with Lennie Counsel and Gracie Schoonraad. Gracie Schoonraad explains below how their 3D printing equipment is being used in effort to support key workers during the outbreak of COVID-19 by producing essential PPE:

 

“It all started with an online article. Somebody was suggesting 3D printing parts for ventilators and PPE for patients and frontline workers.

 

Until this time, we were feeling pretty useless, other than staying at home, there was nothing else we could do to contribute to the ‘war effort’. We don’t have any nursing or healthcare qualifications, but what we do have are multiple 3D printers and the team use them day in and day out as part of their artwork.

 

I reached out to the Borehamwood Facebook community with a hope that we could contribute to the effort. Since we put the post out asking for help and guidance, people reached out from all over the country.

 

It was exciting. A sense of purpose finally in our state of unease and limbo.

 

I have heard of the national effort described similarly to Dunkirk and I would have to agree. Collective effort from many smaller groups creates a tsunami effect in the fight against this pandemic, which buys time for government projects to come to fruition. The government are putting together vast projects and facilities. They’re big and cumbersome, and they take time to get organised.

 

But due to the massive shortfall in lifesaving equipment and personal protective equipment for one reason or another, it is needed now.

 

We have some very good family friends; an artist friend of Tristan’s and his wife, a doctor of palliative medicine. By pure coincidence they already had started hatching a similar plan to help protect frontline healthcare workers so we decided to team up with them.

 

This team up has become bigger than anything we could have anticipated. Our friends have formed an online hub, drawing on multiple skills and disciplines of people, including legal professionals, web designers and IT experts. Huge research has gone in to designing our PPE that stands up to the infectious environments they’ll be used in, drawing on every possible medical advice available.

 

The scrub and face protection hub was born.

https://faceprotectionhub.org/

 

A virtual headquarters for coordinating hundreds of volunteers that have adapted their skill sets to 3D print and sew personal protection equipment (PPE), healthcare workers to order PPE for their place of work. All of which is free of charge at point of ‘sale’.

 

People have given us financial back up, which has helped to cover some direct costs of materials and are helping to deliver the goods in their cars.

 

The initial funding, we so generously received from our friends at Sunnymarch Productions. Adam Ackland and Benedict Cumberbatch kickstarted our project. It has enabled my husband and I to buy additional 3D printers, the material and essential supplies plus the setup of the website to maximise the manufacture of PPE that is so desperately needed. We now have multiple printers printing face visors twenty-four hours a day.

 

Small numbers, considering there are over half a million frontline workers. However, add up small pockets of ‘us.’ We can make a big impact.

 

We are bridging the chasm between safe healthcare practice with adequate personal protection equipment and potentially tragic consequences.”

 

Managing Director of Elstree Studios, Roger Morris, said: ‘The film and tv industry has many transferable skills and Lifecast demonstrate how these film and tv creative skills can help the health industry generally and especially at this terrible time. Their initiative is fantastic and we applaud them.’

Elstree Studios used for Emergency Ward Installation Vehicles

19 Apr 2020

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Elstree Studios has provided a secure holding area for vehicles containing materials to install a new emergency ward at Barnet Hospital, North London, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19/ novel coronavirus. The new ward will provide essential beds for patients.

With the current social distancing measures put into place, Elstree Studios’ car park and space has meant that vehicles and modules are sent to the hospital in a scheduled order, making the installation as organised and contact-free as possible.

 

Roger Morris, Managing Director of Elstree Studios, said: ‘It’s important that we all play our part in helping our NHS at this frightening time and I hope that this terrible situation with this uncontrolled pandemic will ensure that we all focus our resources and strategic thinking in the future to protect and respect our health workers and NHS. These units go to help those with non- COVID-19-related health issues allowing the established wards at the hospital to focus on COVID-19.’

Sky to develop major new studio at Elstree

03 Dec 2019

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Over 2000 new jobs and £3bn production investment in UK creative sector expected in first five years alone

• Sky Studios Elstree to become a leading European studio with 14 stages and cutting-edge tech
• Significant investment in UK and European talent and creative industry by Sky, NBCUniversal and parent company Comcast, working in partnership with Legal & General

Sky announces its intention to invest in building a new 32-acre, state-of-the-art TV and film studio at Elstree, just north of London, home to the world-renowned Elstree Studios. The proposed development represents a significant new investment in the UK and European creative economy and will be made with the backing of Sky’s new owner Comcast and in partnership with sister-company NBCUniversal. Legal & General will develop its site and provide financing for the project.

In a huge boost to Britain’s creative sector, the new Sky Studios Elstree will:

– lead to the creation of over 2000 new jobs and help fuel the local economy
– generate an additional £3 billion of production investment in the UK’s creative economy over the first five years of operation, from Sky, NBCUniversal and other producers
– house 14 sound stages and become a new home for the best of British and European creative talent

Subject to planning consent the 32-acre development is expected to open in 2022 and will be able to facilitate the production of several films and TV shows simultaneously, with each of the 14 sound stages covering over 20,000 sqft. Once complete, the site will include production offices, a set construction workshop, a screening cinema and state-of-the-art post-production and digital facilities.

Sky is also committed to supporting the next generation of young and diverse creative talent and will use Sky Studios Elstree to build on its existing work.

The creation of Sky Studios Elstree will provide a new home for Britain’s flourishing creative sector and much needed space for Europe’s brightest talent. It will provide significant capacity for Sky Studios to produce more original content in-house, while continuing to work with independent production companies across Europe.

The new studio space will also play host to major film productions from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Working Title, and television series from NBCUniversal Content Studios. It will also have capacity to host productions from third party producers.

Sky Studios Elstree will be situated in the borough of Hertsmere. Legal & General are in the process of finalising a detailed design of the scheme and expect to submit a formal planning application early next year.

Sky Studios Elstree will work in close collaboration with Elstree Studios despite both businesses being managed independently of each other.

Roger Morris, Managing Director, Elstree Studios, said: “Sky Studios Elstree will be of immense importance to the UK Film and Television industry – it will not only boost the local economy of Hertsmere and Hertfordshire, but will also have a major impact on the UK’s creative sector as a whole. We are extremely proud that Sky Studios Elstree has chosen to locate near us and we look forward to working closely with them.”

Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, Sky, said: “Sky Studios Elstree will play a pivotal role in bringing the wealth of UK and European talent and creativity to the world. We know our customers love our award-winning Sky Originals like Chernobyl and our investment in Sky Studios Elstree will enable us to bring more unique stories to more viewers. We are proud to be working with our colleagues at NBCUniversal and Comcast, and our partners Hertsmere Borough Council and L&G to bring this project to life. Together we share a joint vision to create a world-leading production capability that will support the creation of thousands of jobs in the creative sector. We can’t wait to get started.”

Sajida Bijle, Interim Managing Director of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “Hertsmere Borough Council is delighted by this announcement. This presents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our creative industries in Hertsmere and build on our proud film and television heritage in the Borough. This scheme would bring significant employment opportunities to the region and put Elstree firmly on the global stage, whilst further enhancing our local film tourism. There will be opportunities for people to see the plans and to comment on the proposals once a formal planning application is submitted.”

Nigel Wilson, CEO of Legal & General Group, said: “The UK is a great place to invest. Growing at twice the speed of the economy as a whole and accounting for over two million jobs, our creative industries are a key component of Britain’s bright future. This investment is a great match for backing our UK pension promises. Sky, NBCUniversal and Comcast are global leaders in entertainment which will bring the best out of the UK’s amazing pool of talent. L&G is thrilled to be playing a supporting role in this major production.”

BBC Studioworks extends Elstree Studios partnership

25 Nov 2019

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BBC Studioworks is continuing its successful partnership with Elstree Studios for another four years, until at least March 2024.

The collaboration sees BBC Studioworks continuing to hire studios ‘Elstree 8’, ‘Elstree 9’ and ‘George Lucas Stage 2’ from Elstree Studios – an arrangement initially formed in 2013 to temporarily house parts of BBC Studioworks’ operations while Television Centre was being redeveloped.

For the past six years, the arrangement has bolstered Studioworks’ presence in Elstree where it also sells studio ‘Elstree D’ (at BBC Elstree Centre) and post production services to the market. Complementing its two sites in Elstree, Studioworks reopened its operation at Television Centre in September 2017 where it runs a further three TV studios.

“This extension solidifies our presence in the London studios market and is testament to the success of our trusted partnership with Elstree Studios,” said Andrew Moultrie, CEO, BBC Studioworks. “Since our expansion at Elstree, we’ve achieved solid growth across our portfolio and continued to set the gold standard in studio operations – delivering many memorable productions together for our valued clients. As the TV industry continues to rapidly evolve, and demand for compelling content continues, we’re ideally placed for the realm of opportunities this presents.”

Roger Morris, MD Elstree Studios, said, “Our partnership with BBC Studioworks has meant that Elstree Studios has been able to offer television clients superb purposely configured state-of-the-art television facilities supplied and operated by BBC Studioworks. This has enabled the production of a whole raft of top TV shows at Elstree Studios. For instance, the use of the George Lucas Stage 2 for television production with its own permanent production gallery, qualifies this stage as the UK’s largest television studio. In addition, we provide adjoining dressing rooms, wardrobe and makeup areas all contained within a secure studio site close to central London.”

Some of the nation’s most loved and watched shows have been delivered by BBC Studioworks from its Elstree Studios facility. These include BBC One’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘Have I Got News For You’ and ‘Pointless’, ITV’s ‘The Voice’, ‘The Voice Kids’ and ‘The Chase’, Netflix’s ‘The Crown’, Sky One’s ‘A League of Their Own’ and ITV2’s ‘Celebrity Juice’.

Elstree Film Festival 2019

01 Nov 2019

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Elstree Film Studios ran the Elstree Film Festival for the third year exclusively for local schools. Working collaboratively with Elstree University Technical College (UTC), the project offered resources, expertise and guidance from DRCM Ltd. The students made the films from scratch including scripting, producing, directing and acting.

We kicked off the week with a masterclass in script writing, character development and plot outline before the children split into their age appropriate film making teams in order to begin writing their scripts. Elstree UTC allowed pupils the run of its state-of-the-art building which provided a beautiful backdrop for the setting of all the films.

Students made five amazing films which you can see below with an added special sneak peak ‘behind the scenes’ video. The films are; ‘Frenemies’, ‘Gone’, ‘Murder by Midnight’, ‘The Missing Child’ and ‘Unsupervised.’





Behind the Scenes

Elstree Studios Plan a Greener Future

30 Oct 2019

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Elstree Studios are reviewing their policies and procedures concerning their carbon footprint and endeavouring to improve their “green” credentials.

 

Already the Studios are supplied by “green energy” suppliers and waste collection, but now the studios are considering, solar energy for house lighting and exterior road lighting and attempting to encourage users to be efficient in their use of energy for productions and recycling.

 

Most recently the arrival of Universal Production services on the Elstree Site has meant that clients have access to the latest LED lighting equipment.

 

The Elstree Studios board has also seen changes that help this move towards a Green Studio with the appointment of among others, award winning Director and Chair of Directors UK, Steve Smith, who is a prominent member of the Albert initiative run by BAFTA. The Albert Initiative supports an environmentally sustainable future for the Production Industry.

 

Roger Morris, Managing Director of Elstree Studios said, “the Board appointments made recently are to assist in decision making at Elstree Studios from Industry Experts. Currently we intend to build two more super Stages on the old Big Brother Site to accommodate demand for Feature Film, SVOD and Television.”

 

Currently Elstree Studios is the home to The Crown and Strictly Come Dancing plus many other top shows and dramas.

Red Rock Entertainment Film Investment Seminar

11 Oct 2019

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Red Rock Entertainment’s hold film investment seminar here at Elstree Studios. These seminars are designed to help potential investors understand how film investment works.

Existing investors are also welcome, and will be able to meet some of the people involved in projects they have already invested in, along with also putting a face to their account manager here at Red Rock

We hold two film investment seminars a year, so if you are unable to make this one, we hope you will join us at some point in the future.

You can keep informed of future events via our website.

Also keep update to with our movie’s releases here on – Red Rock Entertainment IMDB page

 

HOW TO INVEST IN THE FILM INDUSTRY

We hold investment seminars for people who are looking to understand how to invest in the film industry. For film makers and other industry professionals we hold separate seminars at the Century Club in Shaftsbury Avenue.

Join us and other film industry professionals who will explain how film projects are selected, and nurtured to a point where they are ready for investment.

 

TAX BREAKS

Speakers from one of the UK’s leading film accountancy firms will cover all aspects of how to maximise tax breaks through the HMRC’s SEIS, and EIS schemes.

Some of the benefits associated with SEIS and EIS are

  •  30% or 50% Tax Relief on your investment
  • No Income Tax to pay on Profits (if disposing of shares after 3 years)
  • No Capital Gains Tax (if disposing of shares after 3 years)
  • Capital Gaines Tax Deferral on Existing Liabilities or 50% write off (if any outstanding or due)
  • Shares Exempt from Inheritance Tax (after 2 years)
  • Further Tax Relief if any losses incurred (on disposal of shares)
  • EIS / SEIS Schemes Fully Approved by UK Government

We will also explain how, as an investor, you can benefit from Gap, Equity, and loan investments which can offer up to 10% guaranteed returns

Our Brochure on Red Rock Entertainment explains how EIS works. You can also view all out previous projects as well our sponsorships and charity work.

We will explain how the returns are distributed through a Collection Account Manager and an expert from this sector will also be speaking.

One of the leading film studios will also be present to answer any production related questions, along with speakers from Production Companies, Producers, Directors, and Actors.

There will be a Q & A session at the end, along with an opportunity to meet the guests individually.

Tickets for our events go on sale via Eventbrite.

A charge is made as there are limited spaces available, and ensures a higher turnout.

Refreshments will be available prior to the seminar start, at the break, and at the end of the seminar.

Elstree Studios to Build 2 New Stages

07 Sep 2019

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Elstree Studios to expand with new stages to be built on the former site used by the Big Brother house. Big Brother finished in early 2019. The site was the old water tank where classic films such as, Moby Dick and the Dam Busters were filmed.

Elstree Studios is planning to build two new super stages similar to the George Lucas stages which are popular with their film and television clients. The two new stages will be available in 2020. Planning applications have been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council.

Roger Morris, Managing Director of Elstree Studios, says, ‘The building of the new stages is to fulfil client demand at Elstree Studios. We already have a number of clients who have confirmed interest in hiring the stages once they are built. Elstree Studios is currently home to Strictly Come Dancing, The Crown and BBC Studioworks. The Studios have enjoyed great success in the last ten years and the freeing up of the Big Brother space has opened up great opportunity. The stages will be suitable for both film and high-end television use. We have plans to build more stages at the Elstree Studios site as space becomes available.’

‘Save Our Studios’ – Elstree Studios Local Exhibition

21 Mar 2019

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A dedicated exhibition about an important part of Elstree Studios’ history is in its last month at Elstree and Borehamwood Museum. Closing on the 20th April 2019, visitors have one last chance to learn about an important campaign that began in 1988 – ‘Save Our Studios’.

Today Elstree Studios are an essential part of the UK’s Film and Television industry, and they have established themselves as the number one studios in London. However, in the late 1980s, the studios were at risk of closure and came close to being entirely lost.

The museum exhibition tells the exciting story of the eight-year fight to preserve the site and restore it to its former glory. Led by Paul Welsh, a dedicated team of volunteers began a campaign to save Elstree Studios from complete closure. It’s an inspiring story and the studios emerged victorious when they were finally bought by Hertsmere Council in 1996, and since then the studios have gone from strength to strength.

Featured in the museum are significant archived recordings from the campaign where you can watch Paul Welsh’s strong front to protect the studios and even newsreels featuring testimony from Steven Spielberg, director of many films made at Elstree Studios at the time including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

The exhibition is entertaining and interactive for all ages; one exhibit gives you the opportunity to become an extra in Star Wars complete with costumes and lightsabers. Film fans can also enjoy other important memorabilia including a collection of original photos from the production of Star Wars, old film cameras, original props and costumes, and designs from Oscar nominated art director, Alan Tomkins.

For anyone seeking an excellent experience, the ‘Save Our Studios’ exhibition is a worthwhile trip. Such an important part of local history deserves to be celebrated, and without the courage of Paul Welsh and all the others to fight for Elstree Studios, they wouldn’t be thriving as they are now. Visit the museum to view the exhibition before it closes on the 20th April 2019.

 

You can find out more information about the exhibition on their website — https://elstree-museum.org.uk

Written by Darcy Farrant