Elstree Calling

John Maxwell Building, Elstree Studios. Photo: © Paul Burton

Present Day:

So there you have it - my overview of the extensive story of Elstree Studios to date. As the studios are constantly busy and new film & TV productions are taking to its stages all the time - the story continues. And I will endeavour to keep adding as much material to this website as possible in order to bring you features on Elstree Studios - past, present & future. 

And as I am never one to shy away from giving his opinion, I am more than happy to add here what I would like to see happen to Elstree Studios in the future. Personally I would like to see more investment in the site. The main thing I would like to see is that the old back lot area, which is situated behind the Big Brother house, be brought back into life either for the building of exterior sets or for use as the site for new stages and studio buildings. To see this area, where once the Overlook Hotel exterior set built for the film The Shining stood, not being used, for me, seems a crying shame. It is, after all, quite a large part of the site and there's no-doubt that many a production company could benefit from the regeneration of this area of the studios' site.

If the BBC was to ever move out of BBC Elstree across the road (as has often been rumoured of late), then I would like to see that the former ATV Centre and Elstree Studios sites be merged. Although they are across the road from each other, I feel this would be viable and add much-needed extra stage, workshop and office space to the studios. Such a merger of the facilities may encourage further investment from outside parties and thus further benefit the town of Borehamwood. Both sites would remain open, but just be operated as one. This would hopefully create extra business for the studios and lots of extra jobs. Although I realise that realistically Hertsmere Borough Council might not be able to afford to purchase the old ATV Centre as well.

But who knows what the future hold for the studios? I just thank goodness that the studios continue to be open and very busy. It could so easily have disappeared forever if certain people had got their way some years ago. I personally will always be one the first people to help fight the studios' corner! I always feel both lucky and proud every time I get the chance to visit the studios. Indeed, I was thrilled when I had the chance to make a short film there - entitled Amy - in 2008 and another - entitled Resentment - in 2009. And I hope to make another film there in 2010! The studios have an atmosphere that one cannot fully describe. There is a almost a palpable feeling in the air, an intense aura probably created by the fact that so many legendary filmmakers, actors and actresses etc. have worked there over the years. If buildings have life within their very foundations, and in their bricks and mortar, then Elstree is certainly proof of that. And, in my opinion, even at the part of the site that was sold off and developed into a Tescos supermarket store, that atmosphere still lingers. The magic of Hitchcock, Kubrick and Lucas will never leave Elstree...

But ultimately, whatever happens, I believe that we must never lose Elstree Studios and that it should never become just a museum for the chosen few to visit.

• Paul Burton
• Webmaster
• Elstree Calling

Website Links:

Paul Burton - Writer, Filmmaker and Film & TV Historian: www.paulburton.org.uk

Paul Burton Films - Short film production for satellite & cable TV channels: www.paulburtonfilms.org

Please do not reproduce any part of the article without first contacting Paul Burton to request permission.