As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, Elstree Studios has announced the reopening of its world-renowned Stages 7, 8 and 9 at its 13-acre site in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
Following renovation work, the three sound stages, home to legendary film and TV titles The Crown, The Shining and Star Wars, are opening for the first time since 2022.
Each of the three, which form a combined studio space of more than 20,000 square feet, have housed some of Elstree’s most iconic productions.
Over its 60 year history Stage 7 has seen movies such as: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark; The Dark Crystal; Superman IV, and more recently the Netflix series, The Crown, was filmed there.
Jabba the Hutt’s famous throne room scene from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was filmed on Stage 8, along with such films as Flash Gordon and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. While Stage 9 is where Jack Nicholson’s famous door axing scene in The Shining was filmed, and titles including: Star Wars: A New Hope; Labyrinth and The Great Muppet Caper.
The stages were officially re-opened on Friday (September 26) with EastEnders veteran Rudolph Walker, who has filmed numerous productions at Elstree during his 60 year acting career, on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Speaking at the industry event, Samantha Perahia, Head of Production UK at the British Film Commission, said: “The reopening of stages 7, 8, 9 here at Elstree Studios and the additional stage space capacity it creates, not only allows the region to build on its already established and impressive reputation amongst the international clients, but it also provides a considerable boost to the combined efforts of the British Film Commission, and our public and commercial partners, in marketing the region, and the UK more widely, globally as a leading destination for film and television production.”
Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Studios at Elstree, said: “These stages have hosted some of the most famous creations in film and TV history and the reopening sets the scene for this legacy to continue.”
Jason Hariton, Chief Studio & Real Estate Officer at The MBS Group, who took over operations at Elstree in June, added: “While the retrofit and revitalization of these historic stages had a tight timeline with logistical challenges, the MBS team, led by our SVP of Studio Real Estate, Mark Hudson, worked closely with stakeholders to deliver on time and on budget.
“We thank Rebecca and the Elstree Film Studios team for putting their trust in us to restore these iconic stages and position the facilities for the future.”
Elstree is set for further improvement work after Hertsmere Borough Council recently approved £1.4m of investment for the renovation of the 150 space underground car park beneath Stages 7, 8, 9. This follows the completion of remedial RACC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) and asbestos removal work.
Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of the Board of Elstree Film Studios, added: “Stages 7, 8 and 9 coming back into play and this additional investment gives us excellent flexibility and versatility. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as we celebrate 100 years of film-making that has touched millions of people’s lives across the world, all produced in Borehamwood.”
Elstree Studios is marking its centenary with a series of special events including: a world record attempt uniting film fans across the globe; film screenings with Q&A sessions and the UK’s first AI driven film and television immersive experience, as well as a community open day and regional partner activities.
Image: Photographer – Richard Blanshard. L-R: Tim Higham, SCOMAC; David Steadman, IESIS Group; Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Elstree Studios; Rudolph Walker; Jeremy Newmark, Chairman of Elstree Studios; Mark Hudson, SVP, Studio Real Estate & Facilities (UK/EU) at Eastbrook Studios,
Jon Creamer
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