Sky Up Academy Studios Elstree has now launched.
Based in Sky Studios Elstree, it will be “the first facility of its kind to be opened in an operational film studio.”
To mark the launch, Sky Studios Elstree invited local schoolchildren to attend a panel discussion with industry experts including Caroline Cooper (Sky Studios COO), Ashley Walters (Actor/Producer/Director) and David Heyman (Producer and founder of Heyday Films) who shared stories from their own experiences in the industry, how they got to their current role as well as their tips for gaining the skills needed for a successful career in the film and TV industry. The students then took part in the Sky Up Academy Studios experience, where they were able to take on various production roles and film their own film-pitch idea in a their very own cutting edge virtual reality production studio.
Caroline Cooper COO of Sky Studios said “The opening of this immersive experience demonstrates Sky’s enduring commitment to giving back to the local community where Sky Studios Elstree operates, and to the wider creative industry. It will allow even more young people to grow their understanding of the world of film and TV and will hopefully inspire them to actively pursue a career in this wonderful industry.”
Together with Sky Studios Elstree’s existing Future Talent Programme, Sky Up Academy Studios Elstree will form another training initiative that will upskill and develop local talent, adding to more than 1000 young people who have already learned through training days, school talks and career sessions at the studios.
Ashley Walters, actor and producer said “I know from experience how hard it is to break through into this industry, so anything that can help young people see that it is possible should be celebrated. Sky Up Academy Studios Elstree is interactive, it’s fun, all the things that will catch the attention of kids, and it also lets them know the possibilities in front of them.”
Jon Creamer
Share this story
