Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern officially launched the new industry-standard film, TV, and VFX studio, Purwell Studios, at North Hertfordshire College’s Hitchin Campus.
We were thrilled to be joined by representatives from organisations such as Sky Studios Elstree, Knebworth House, and Hertfordshire Film Office for the event.
We kicked the launch off with a reception from NHC Principal and CEO Kit Davies, who gave a speech about how Purwell Studios will equip our Film Production students with the specific skills required by the current and future film and TV industry.
Keynote speeches from Alistair Strathern MP and Creative Sector Lead for Hertfordshire Adam Morley about how the space will generate home-grown talent, ready to progress into employment in the local area and contribute to Hertfordshire’s growing film and TV industry. There was also a focus on how important industry-input is in shaping curriculums, facilities, and student development.
Following the speeches, guests were invited to dine in our on-site restaurant, The Meadows, for a fine-dining lunch service. 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 controls.
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 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.”
Interested in starting your own career in the film and TV sector? Check out North Hertfordshire College’s Creative Industries pathways to start your journey to your dream career. With NHC, you can stay close to home and access amazing experiences to help you go far in your future career.