Studios of Elstree

The studios of Elstree , located at the north of London to Elstree and in Borehamwood, located in the county of Hertfordshire, were created in 1914, at the origin under the name of Neptune Studios , and quickly became the British cinematographic industrial center.

During many years, much of films were realized in these studios, like the long series of television: the Saint , the Invaders and the Muppets .

In 1961, Associated TeleVision (ATV) recovers the studios. BBC buys the site in 1983.

Known as “British Hollywood”, Elstree and Borehamwood played a part in the history of film. It is difficult to imagine in these studios of the British celebrities such as: Laurence Olivier, Anna Neagle, John Millets, Alec Guinness, Ralph Richardson, Alfred Hitchcock.
As well as the largest stars like: Errol Flynn, Ingrid Bergman, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren and Cary Grant.

Star Wars and Indiana Jones , film trilogies of adventure with Harrison Ford, leave these studios.

Elstree is known today as being the house of the BBC, the majority of the popular programs, dramas and televised films are born in these studios.

In February 1996, the municipal council of Hertsmere repurchases the site of the studios of Elstree under the pressure of the inhabitants of Elstree and Borehamwood, enthusiastic defenders and supporters of S.O.S ( Save Our Studios ). Since his repurchase, the municipal council showed his engagement in the safeguard of the studios by renovating the offices, the equipment, the guard wraps, the carpark, as well as the decorations.

Although the Municipal council remains owner, the studios are directed by an anonymous private company which draws up an annual report with the board of directors.

The industry of film plays a main role in the history, the economy and the vitality of the northern area of London.

Random links: