I was excited to be asked to speak at the Future Cities Forum's latest discussion at the BFI. The topic was Creative Cities and the panel was on the power of film studios to boost the UK economy. It was a great session, with expert voices from across the sector. I also spoke. Here's what you missed.

Barry Jobling of Hoare Lea gave an insight into the acoustic challenges of developing film studios. He touched on how for each project it was about finding the right solution for the client - not unlike law. The constrains on each site will be different: physical, environmental, planning or just good old fashioned budgetary. 

Sound is one of the vital elements of making a film, that was obvious to the audience at the BFI's screening room. The rich silence which followed the acoustic thud of the heavily sound proofed door, acting as an audible reminder of the importance the industry places on sound. 

Andrew Osborne, Head of Economic Growth at Ashford Borough Council, shared plans for bringing forwards Ashford Studios. Having already secured planning, the site will be mixed use and centres around the historic locomotive sheds. 

The location of Ashford, away from the west London studio core, led the conversation towards the challenges of attracting skilled crews, when there is already a sector wide under-supply. This issue was most recently highlighted in David Puttnam's speech to BAFTA. The site's proximity to HS1, giving easy access to the London and French employment markets, and close links to the University of Canterbury to address training needs, are strengths the studio can capitalise on to face this challenge. 

Michael Davies, founder and Director at Vitamin Advisers (previously the lead within JLL's film studio team), challenged the orthodoxy that crews wont travel. He gave examples of existing studios outside the traditional studio heartland, which have thrived and have been fully utilised for yeas. However, he also acknowledged that there was a need for more people to work in the industry. 

The Knight Frank 2022 Film & TV Studio Market Report shows that as of 2020 only 17.7% of film production graduates were employed within the arts, design and media industries. Over 80% of those graduating with relevant skills are therefore being lost to the industry. Part of the solution must involve creating better pathways to work within the sector.

One new studio which looks like it has the tools to deliver the training required is Shinfield. Jason Lebidineuse, Director at architects Scott Brownrigg, explained that the links with Reading University had been key in bringing the development forwards. He said that having those close ties to the community has allowed the development to be flexible, which is necessary in the fast moving sector. 

A full report from the Future Cities Forum can be found at the link below and to learn more about Forsters' experience in supporting Studios clients, get in touch with our Studios Group.