BEHIND THE SCENES - Pinewood Studios

20 | BEHIND THE SCENES – Pinewood StudiosBEHIND THE SCENES – Pinewood Studios | 21The HubInnovation, Expertise andTechnologyThe fast moving requirements of the film and televisionmaking business and the clustering of expertise in onelocation means Pinewood Studios is at the forefront ofinnovation in film production techniques. For example, forthe TV mini-series Band of Brothers, a revolutionarymethod for portraying gun shots on film usingcompressed air instead of incendiaries was developed atPinewood Studios by the special effects team involved.This improved safety for actors and crew as well asallowing for close-ups which had previously not beenpossible.0301The adaptability of Pinewood Studios means that it isable to accommodate the unique and sometimesbizarre requirements of film productions. For the 2004Tim Burton film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,Pinewood Studios was host to approximately 40 livesquirrels, which were specially trained over a period of10 weeks to open walnuts and deposit them on aconveyor. In the film, the 40 squirrels were used alongwith CGI and animatronics for a scene inside the WillyWonka’s factory.02One of the unique facilities available at Pinewood Studiosis the Underwater Stage. This is complemented by theoutdoor Paddock Tank and water tanks located withinsix of the other sound stages. However, it is not possibleto make use of these facilities without the right technicalskills and know-how to plan and manage shootingunderwater in a risk free way.Technical experts with years of experience of working onhundreds of high profile productions, including recentBond films Casino Royale and Skyfall. Provide advice tothe international film and TV industry as well as hands onpractical support, safety advice and equipment. Thecombination of this specialist skill set and experiencewith the unique facilities helps to attract filmmakers toPinewood Studios.Shooting film to tape is likely to continue as a majoritymedia. However, Pinewood is also equipped to providefor bespoke digital film workflows. Stages and studiosare fully equipped and networked with fast fibre-opticcommunication, all linked to a secure data centre.Post-production facilities allow digital film footageto be reliably transferred, stored and managed.The embedded investment in the studio runs to hundredsof millions of pounds.0401. Chocolate river from Charlie and the ChocolateFactory on the 007 Stage.02. Mixing desk03. Pressburger Theatre04. The Underwater Stage05. Film restoration05