Friday 7 January 2011

Inside a film studio: tour of Pinewood & Elstree studios

The stage for Big Brother (source: Elstree)

In December, the Film Studies students were given a rare opportunity to tour Elstree and Pinewood studios in north London.

Elstree was alive with activity as they were in the process of shooting the new Sherlock Holmes film. After signing strict confidentiality agreements, we were shown around lavishly constructed sets, and the students were particularly pleased to see the film’s star, Robert Downey Jr.

Pinewood Studios (source: Pinewood Studios)

In contrast, Pinewood was quiet, with crews clearing up after the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean 4. We saw the underwater stage and the vast concrete hangar of the 007 stage, and were given an inspiring introduction to the process of set design.

Many thanks to Mr James Gemmill (a scenic artist whose film credits include Sherlock Holmes, Atonement and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) for arranging this fascinating tour.

— By Emma Tinker, Film Studies teacher

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