Smashing Pumpkins @ FBN Studios

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GIGS GALORE AT FBN STUDIOS

In the two years since FBN Studios opened its doors, the purpose-built rehearsal facility has welcomed over 100 clients, and won a TPi Award. Studio Manager, Scottie Sanderson, discusses how it all began, and more importantly, why it’s all working out rather nicely… as the Smashing Pumpkins crew load-in pre sold-out Wembley gig.

When Fly By Nite’s transport company - which has an ever increasing fleet of over 160 trucks of varying sizes - bought a new site as an ideal parking solution, MD David Coumbe and Company Director, Carl Reed, came up with the idea of using some of the space to develop a rehearsal studio. The result? Middle England’s purpose-built pre-production dream. This way, FBN could further supports the clients they supplied transport to... with a state of the art facility.

TPi spoke to Studio Manager Scottie Sanderson: “With very few options across the UK, and nothing in the immediate area - it seemed the obvious route, and so FBN Studios was created!” he beamed, from within the shiny new walls of the building. “The only other two purpose-built studios for production rehearsals are in Yorkshire and London, and we have been fortunate enough to offer futher options close to Birmingham.

“David and Carl worked closely with the architects to agree on the final build, as we wanted to create something spectacular. If something wasn’t right, or didn’t ‘fit’ in the real world, we changed it, ensuring FBN Studios

was the ultimate rehearsal space.” He continued: “The underlying process was to make it right, without cutting corners. Having never been a facility or venue manager before, I set up a dozen or so whiteboards in a large, empty office. There were days were I simply wrote down lists of ideas and doodles, and gradually, the writing became less and less, and the project started to take shape with great support and guidance from key industry players, as well as local firms.

We tried to supply a space that was easily adaptable, and importantly, immediately easy to use. Loading docks, roller shutters, cable traps to name but a few are all designed for the client to be able to use - not chase down the in-house staff for help.

“To be given an opportunity such as this doesn’t happen every day, and I hope the skills I learned on the road as lighting crew, stage managing and production managing - plus for a rental company - has stood me in good stead. I spoke to touring chefs, audio suppliers, lighting services - where did the dimmer guys want their power - and more importantly, how much

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FBN STUDIOS

of it did they need?

“Knight Rigging Services had a massive input into the roof and how that would work, and worked closely with the architects to make sure it was able to deliver. None of this was done in a vacuum, there was a lot of conversation and discussion to arrive at what clients need, and hopefully, it’s obvious we’ve catered for this upon arrival. I believe this is another contributing factor to the success of the studio - people automatically feel that it is right as soon as they walk in, as if they have played a part in its design,” Sanderson enthused.

IN GOOD COMPANY The first client through FBN’s doors was A-Ha, closely followed by Hans Zimmer, and today well over 100 satisfied clients, ranging from a single-day users to cross load containers for 4-week residencies for the more intricate productions have all come away happy. The repeat customer numbers speak volumes for the success of the studio, which Sanderson believes is due in part due to the most left field of requests being answered. “Plus, it’s great working closely with my old touring friends...” he smiled.

Before Kylie’s recent tour hit the road (see TPi November cover story), the production spent two weeks at FBN Studios. “The number of technical elements that make up that show meant the production needed a bespoke space to ensure the crew and equipment were up to speed in advance of the tour. FBN Studios is a state-of-the-art facility with onsite accommodation to maximise productivity during the rehearsal period.

“I spent 20 years on the road myself - including four tours with Kylie!

- and know how demanding it can be. The camaraderie of the right mix of people is second to none, and adds a great feeling to life on the road. I always look forward to seeing who is on the crew list for incoming shows, and there are always old faces to catch up with, such as on this experience.”

Sanderson noted that the studio sells itself. “We are very adaptable and accommodating, and that makes the studio extremely versatile. For example, our core clients have, up until this point, been pretty much musicbased, concert touring productions. Whilst we are gaining interest from the TV market, we are also getting a lot of advance bookings from previous clients, and those that have been recommended to us, to the point where we sometimes struggle to fit them in the calender. I think our record booking is 13 months in advance of the show coming in. That speaks volumes about our space. We have also had numerous automotive events visit us, from new car launches to top secret car clinics.”

When TPi visited FBN, US alt rockers Smashing Pumpkins crew were rehearsing for their only UK date on a recent tour; a sold-out Wembley gig. Sanderson said of the team: “I first worked with Production Manager, Greg Dean about six years ago when he was looking after Green Day, and I was working for PRG as a Senior Account Handler. We have been trying to get him in here a few times, and with his chosen supply companies being nearby, I think it helped! That said, I have every faith he will be back as soon as the need arises.”

The band’s Stage Manager, Sean Robinson told TPi about his experience: “FBN Studios is a great place to rehearse. The facilities are

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FBN STUDIOS

Below: Scottie Sanderson, FBN Studios Manager, proudly wearing his 2018 TPi Awards trophy for ‘Favourite Rehearsal Facility’.

second to none, a lot of thought went into the design. Only a short distance from Birmingham Airport means you can fly straight in and cut out the hassle of Heathrow. Simple things like having accommodation on site is a big plus for me too, and the rooms are more than adequate, and very comfortable. The things that really make a difference are: the loading docks; they’re safer, require less man power and fewer forklifts. The Rigging system for the bridles is also very fast and efficient. Fewer riggers are needed when rehearsing here. A strong roof means FBN can accommodate the weight of the biggest tours. And then there’s the space... Ample space inside and outside. The catering was brilliant too, and the catering area itself is large and bright, with a nice little sun deck. The chef is a star! In fact all of the staff at FBN, from Scottie down, are always helpful and happy to help with anything. It’s a great place, run by great people.”

A SUM OF ALL PARTS Praise indeed. The main studio is intrinsically a large, empty 1600sqm room with underfloor heating. And 6 x 400a services “along with more Ceeform services than you can shake a stick at” in all four corners of the studio. “We have fantastic load-in access, and lots of light throughout the building. This has been mentioned plenty of times to us, and I do believe daylight helps the enjoyable vibe of the studio as a whole, when you’re potentially stuck indoors for long days. There are also lovely views of the neighbouring countryside. We are also fortunate to be served by an International Airport,

which can really speed up immigration for inbound US clients. There is a major rail hub at Birmingham International too, and we’re on the main HS2 feeder line. Nearby motorways such as M40, M6, M5, and M42 mean we can get our trucks to any part of the UK (and Europe) very quickly.”

Then there are the 21 bedrooms. “There are USB charge points in sockets, by the bed! The laundry room is never quiet, and catering being on the top floor keeps traffic to a minimum. It also has a UDL (uniformly distributed load) in excess of 500 tonnes. Riggers can work in a completely safe, self-contained area, without the need to wear a harness. Once the floor is chalked, the roof can be spiked. All of the bridals required and loose rigging takes place above the grid, so there are never any steels or shackles to litter the floor, or to be kicked around. The load-in can continue in conjunction with the rigging call - a real time saver. Also, being able to walk freely speeds the process up - we had a recent production that had almost 150 points - the house team had them all hanging within 90 minutes. Whilst hard to replicate in many UK venues, it does give the rehearsal a kick start, and possibly enough a little more time for the lampies!”

For those less familiar with Redditch - we’re looking at you, America - perhaps it’s time to pay a visit to suburban middle England… TPi Photos: FBN Studios & TPi www.fbnstudios.co.uk www.flybynite.co.uk

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