Wimbledon Film & Television Studios Opens Stage Doors To Business

Merton Studios is beginning a fresh start as the studio has now been relaunched as Wimbledon Film and Television Studios.
A newly formed consortium, led by Piers Read and John Brennan, backed by investor Panther Securities, purchased Merton Studios from Fremantle Media in September 2010 with the intention of reinventing it into the UK's elite studio.
The fully refurbished studios have opened their doors to producers of film, television, commercials, photography and other creative industries.
Piers Read, Managing Director, said: "The exciting thing for the industry is Wimbledon Film & Television Studios can house virtually any production shooting in the UK. From earliest pre-production, to shooting and into post-production, we have the facilities, expertise and space to offer clients a self-contained studio complex. Everything is here from large production office, sound stages, over 50 purpose built 'location' sets, 2d and 3D post-production suites.
"Early feedback to the refurbished studios has been very positive and reinforced our opinion that the studio has the potential to become the capital's most central and unique production base."
John Brennan, Director, Wimbledon Film & Television Studios, said: "From studio runners through to the Managing Director, the focus at Wimbledon Film & Television Studios will always be the customer's experience. The studios are of an extremely high standard and I'm proud to be part of this unique opportunity to put the studios firmly on the production map."
The entire 220,000 square foot site has been completely upgraded over the past four months. This renovation includes; the installation of a state-of-the-art door entry system (using swipe cards); the upgrade of facilities such as the production offices and dressing rooms and the sound proofing of two large sound stages.
The studio complex has increased its collection of freestanding sets, of which there are already over 50, by adding a House of Commons set. Further sets are due to arrive in coming months. The opening of two new stages of around 2,500 square foot each, will cater to smaller set ups, including a green-screen studio. In addition, it has some of the hardest to find locations: a prison, police station, court room , pub, hospital and exterior street sets. Also on site are an HD shooting kit and HD post-production facilities as well as over 45,000 costume pieces.
The re-launch is an important part of the continued promotion by South London Boroughs for filming in this area, as Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London, said: "London is the third busiest production centre in the world behind only LA and New York. Production makes a vital contribution to the city's economy and last year in London, approximately £886 million was spent on film production alone; a figure which doesn't include the spend on the huge number of TV productions shot in the city (from the likes of the long-running Spooks to more recent successes such as Luther and Law & Order: UK) or the numerous commercials and music videos etc…
London is a popular filming location for many reasons - the quality and talent of our crew, our excellent studios and also the varied and distinctive backdrops it offers. Through the work of Film London and our partners, the capital also has the infrastructure in place to make the city film-friendly - something which is constantly being developed to meet the demands of the production industries. The launch of Wimbledon Film & TV Studios is part of meeting that demand and I am delighted it will be offering yet another attractive asset to shoot in London."
The studio complex also boasts a new Media Village providing an exciting creative network for businesses in the entertainment industries and allowing them the opportunity to benefit from the production activity at the studio.
One of the first companies to move in to the Media Village is Pro3D and in doing so have already given the studio an industry first by opening the world's first dedicated stereoscopic post-production training facility dedicated to CineForm Neo3D.
Andy Bellamy, Managing Director, Pro3D, said: "Pro3d will provide 3D production services including a 3D online edit suite and production, as well as a dedicated training room. Facilities range from computer controlled 3D camera system hire through to 3D data management and 3D daillies for any onsite shoot.
"Pro3d also offer extensive 3D rig and workflow training for all major camera systems. We are hugely proud to make our home at Wimbledon Film & Television Studios, the site has already inspirited us to new levels of creativity. The standing sets and huge studio space make the facility a special place to be berating cutting-edge 3D."
(KMcA)