Elstree Studios has continued to flourish despite the economic uncertainty which has clouded this country and it is largely down to the studios' managing director who has just marked 12 years in the job.
When Roger Morris first joined, he says Hertsmere Borough Council were considering selling the site, but under his leadership, he has turned it into one of the most successful television and film studios in the country, helping increase the studios' profitability by 350 per cent.
Some of the UK's best rated and most popular shows are produced at the studios in Borehamwood including Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice, and The Chase.
Perhaps its biggest claim to fame in recent times is being the home of Netflix favourite The Crown; the drama which has just been nominated for six Golden Globe awards, including best television series in the drama category.
The Crown's Olivia Colman, pictured, played the role of Queen Elizabeth II. Credit: Netflix
Mr Morris said: "When I first came to the studios, Elstree Studios was being considered by the council as a potential sale disposal. Since day one I have managed to produce results that other studios and the film and television industry in general have admired.
"Some of the UK’s top shows are now produced at Elstree Studios and I have negotiated technical partnerships deals with BBC Studioworks and that has been a great success."
Roger Morris
The studios, which has been able to remain open throughout the pandemic, has been so popular, it has had to turn away millions and millions pounds worth of contracts because it did not have enough space.
That problem could soon be solved with permission to build two new large soundstages on the site of the former Big Brother house.
The stages will open in 2022 and will be funded by the council and the Local Enterprise Partnership as one of Boris Johnson’s UK economy initiatives to 'build, build, build'.
And because the studios are council-owned, it is a significant contributor to the council's revenues, which in turn benefits residents.
Two new stages will be built at Elstree Studios (artists impression). Credit: Hertsmere Borough Council
Elstree Studios
Mr Morris added: "Whilst I am proud of what I have achieved at Elstree Studios there’s still more to do to maintain our standing in the industry.
The studios industry is growing rapidly with lots of new investment and it’s important that we keep up with both Stage Facilities and Technology."
The film and television industry locally was given an even greater boost when Sky chose the town as its base to build a new studios, Sky Studios Elstree, producing film and television shows, but perhaps more importantly for Borehamwood, jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeships are close to Mr Morris' heart, and in 2013 he founded with the University of Hertfordshire, The Elstree UTC, a college for vocational education in the film and TV industry.
The college in Borehamwood has more than 450 students is considered a centre of excellence for the film and TV industry, and was recently renamed the Elstree Screen Arts Academy.
Roger Morris at Elstree Screen Arts Academy
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