BCoT installs Hollywood-style film production studio

Students studying film and production at Basingstoke College of Technology now have access to the cutting-edge technology used in big-budget Hollywood TV shows like Star Wars The Mandalorian and House of the Dragon.

BCoT has opened the CreaTech Suite, a new production studio, fully equipped with motion-tracked cameras, an advanced green screen and lighting setup, high-spec video editing and colour grading hardware and software.

Students taking the college’s Level 2 and 3 Games, Media and Art courses have been getting to grips with the new technology.

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Alex Foster-Duckworth (Image: BCoT)

First-year student, Alex Foster-Duckworth, said: “It’s amazing to use the same technology that made films like Transformers and Star Wars.

"You don’t get opportunities like this every day, it's great to not have our work held back by the equipment.

"I hope learning to use the studio will open lots of doors and lead to many more exciting opportunities."

The £500,000 facility has been partly funded through the Local Skills Improvement Fund and was co-designed by CJP Broadcast Service Solutions.

The real-time rendering equipment allows aspiring filmmakers to see digital environments live on set so they can make creative decisions on the spot.

But it is not just film students who can benefit from the Createech Suite.

BCoT students taking any course in the Creative Industries Department will have access to the studio and will be encouraged to work collaboratively.

Peter Gordon, course director - Games, Media and Art & Design, explained: "The CreaTech Suite will benefit all our creative industries students.

"They will have access to some of the highest specification equipment being used in the industry today and be able to work side by side, whether it’s props, narrative planning or motion design, the students will be able to form a working film studio.

"The studio has been years in the making, so to finally open it today, is very exciting for everyone involved.

"We want to be able to give our students, real hands-on experience that will help them stand out to potential employers in the future.

"We’re delighted that so many of them are already creating exciting work and enjoying using the technology.”

The production studio was opened by Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke, at a special event where he met students and saw the technology in action.

He said: "I saw the suite when it was an empty classroom, so I feel privileged to see it open today.

"It’s an amazing facility at the cutting edge, which will develop the skills and carers of the future. BCoT is a credit to Basingstoke, not just because of the facilities but because of the students and staff.

"I’m excited to see what the students produce over the coming years and to see it out in the real world where others can appreciate the talent of the Basingstoke’s students."

Anthony Bravo OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of BCoT, said: "BCoT has a long-standing reputation for offering excellent educational opportunities.

"We are proud to open such a unique facility at the college, enabling the filmmakers and set designers of the future to have access to such pioneering technology."

Kieran Phillips, director of sales and marketing at CJP Broadcast Service Solutions, said: "We designed and delivered the CreaTech Suite as a comprehensive virtual production facility, integrating real-time rendering, camera tracking, and motion capture technologies.

"This setup ensures BCoT students gain hands-on experience with the same tools driving innovation in professional media production today."

For more information about the creative industries courses at BCoT, visit https://www.bcot.ac.uk/subject-areas/media-and-games-design/cf85/