Sky Studios, Elstree

Sky Studios Elstree, Hertfordshire’s brandnew state of the art studio facility, is well and truly up and running having wrapped its first production and with all major building work complete. Locals may have noticed the new hero archway above the studios’ main entrance, marking a new chapter in Hertsmere’s creative industry.

The studio is made up of 12 stages starting at 10,000 sq ft and going all the way up to 40,000 sq ft. More recently over 6,000 solar panels were installed across the rooftops and the site has electric golf buggies to get around. This is all part of the environmental ambitions of the studios as it aims to be the most sustainable film and TV studio in the world. But not only that, Sky Studios Elstree has exciting plans to ensure that opportunities are available to young local people. The studio has just finished recruitment for 12 new team members to join them as part of their Content Academy scheme where school leavers and graduates receive first-hand experience in a busy studio world. And there are more exciting plans to come.

The studio has also committed to working with local businesses and organisations, an example of which is the partnership with JPA Workspaces. The two companies met at a Chamber event, and it soon became clear that there was an opportunity to partner as both have a high focus on sustainability. Fast forward a few months and Sky awarded JPA Workspaces a seven-figure contract to source and deliver more than 10,000 pieces of recycled furniture.

The studio also wants to give back to the community and has formed partnerships with many local charities, including Sebby’s Corner and WD6 Foodbank, which they support through donations and volunteer hours.

Sophie Owen Street, Project Lead for Sky Studios Elstree says: ‘We’re so excited that we’re at the final hurdle. We can’t wait to work even closer with local suppliers and charities as well as create even more opportunities for young people across the local area as we embed ourselves into this truly historic film and TV borough.”

King Bee a highly creative animation and digital marketing studio

King Bee is a highly creative animation and digital marketing studio located in the Elstree Studios, Herts, UK.

With over 20 years of experience, it has produced diverse animations for a range of brands and storytellers. Its studio is well known for its exceptional creativity and friendly approach. Its work includes brand promo and explainer videos, animated series, educational and training content, and much more.

It prides itself on the positive spirit of its team and the joy of the creative process that each member brings. It is able to respond quickly to clients’ needs and save time and money while still delivering high-quality production values.

Notable projects include animations on The Voice, parenting videos for mental health charity Place2Be, explainer videos for PepsiCo and Unilever, music videos for famous artists including Christina Perri, animated series on CBeebies and having its animators feature on the most recent series of The Apprentice.

In terms of innovative strategies, King Bee has its own original IP, including an animated band Soul Jump that offers a unique experience for families to share that hasn’t been done before in this way.

King Bee has worked with Visit Herts to launch its own original animation workshops to inspire a new generation of filmmakers. It has piloted these at the Museum of London and is also developing a new innovative animation tool using AI.

King Bee’s goal is to grow the business into a multi-faceted agency that is not only able to provide animation services, but one that operates as a full creative studio. It is doing this by updating its branding and messaging, collaborating with other businesses to be able to offer joint services that use both sets of expertise to provideinnovative and effective solutions. For more information visit: https://kingbee.co.uk/ The