Last week, Alistair Strathern MP for Hitchin officially launched a new industry-standard film, TV, and VFX studio at a leading Hertfordshire college.
Representatives from organisations such as Sky Studios Elstree, Knebworth House and Hertfordshire Film Office visited North Hertfordshire College for the official launch of Purwell Studios at their Hitchin campus.
The launch event began with a reception from principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College, Kit Davies, exploring how Purwell Studios will equip Film Production students with the specific skills required by the current and future film and television industry.
Alistair Strathern MP then demonstrated how the space will generate home-grown talent, ready to progress into employment nearby and contribute to Hertfordshire’s growing film and TV industry.
Creative sector lead for Hertfordshire Futures, Adam Morley, then detailed the importance of industry-input in shaping curriculums, facilities and student development.
North Hertfordshire College’s Hospitality and Catering students then cooked and served a Hollywood themed, fine-dining lunch service for attendees at their student-run restaurant, The Meadows.
In a nod to blockbusters recently filmed in Hertfordshire, dishes included ‘Paddington In Peru’, a savoury Peruvian dish from Paddington’s homeland, and ‘Wicked Enchantment’ a pink and green mirror-glazed bavarois, inspired by the two witches of Oz.
The launch event finished with a series of hands-on workshops within Purwell Studios. Guests had the opportunity to operate industry-standard equipment, including cameras, and sound and lighting control.
North Hertfordshire College secured a £500,000 investment in the new Purwell Studios from the Hertfordshire Local Skills Improvement Fund. Considering the employment opportunities at nearby locations like Elstree and Warner Brothers Studios, the investment aims to address skills gaps and align curriculum delivery with current and projected skills needs of Hertfordshire’s film-industry.
Purwell Studios includes a live TV and film studio, equipped with an industry-grade green screen, lighting and audio capture equipment, and 4K cameras from Black Magic Design with the ability to record live studio and location broadcasts. The College has also invested in high-tech motion capture Rokoko suits worn by actors to construct complex animations.
The space features a soundproofed control room, with an industry-standard editing desk so learners can gain experience in audio and lighting control and begin to develop skills and communication techniques between control room and the studio.
North Hertfordshire College has also invested in high-performance PCs to form part of their editing suite. Software available to learners includes the full Adobe package, DaVinci Resolve, and Unreal Engine, helping them build key skills in editing and animation.
Purwell Studios is designed to replicate film production learners’ future work environments, helping them gain a deep understanding of film production procedures, and confidence using industry-standard equipment, before progressing on to employment or higher education.
Alistair Strathern MP for Hitchin commented: “We’re really lucky to have such fantastic creative and film opportunities right here on our doorstep in Hertfordshire, but we’ve got to make sure they’re accessible to local people. North Hertfordshire College has been leading the way, having fantastic courses and links with industry, but this studio is the next step in making sure that many more young people can benefit from the best-in-class facilities right here.”
Kit Davies, principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College said: “The launch of Purwell Studios was a fantastic way to showcase how we’re aligning curriculum delivery with the skills needed in Hertfordshire’s growing film industry. We were delighted to have Alistair Strathern MP officially open the new facilities and highlight the wider impact Purwell Studios’ will have on the local economy and creative industries.
“I’d like to thank the Hertfordshire Local Skills Improvement Fund and our industry-partners, whose collaboration has helped to ensure our learners leave college with the specific skills and experience needed to excel as part of Hertfordshire’s growing film and television workforce
“I’m confident that Purwell Studios will open doors for our learners at leading film and television organisations nearby and beyond, I’m looking forward to seeing NHC-alumni’s names on the big screen.”
The development of Purwell Studios contributes to the Government’s mission to kickstarting economic growth.
