The University of Huddersfield’s Yorkshire Film and Television School has unveiled a new and versatile film studio designed to support the next generation of filmmakers. The 300-square-meter Stewart Film Studios, named after the university’s Emeritus Chancellor, Sir Patrick Stewart, serves as an adaptable and interactive space capable of accommodating multiple productions simultaneously.
This innovative facility is the result of a successful collaboration between broadcast solutions specialist Digital Garage and ARRI Solutions, working together to realize the school’s academic vision. Professor Nic Clear, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, emphasizes the studio’s importance in providing students with a holistic learning experience, encompassing hands-on exposure to various facets of filmmaking. The flexible environment encourages creativity and allows students to explore diverse disciplines within the craft.
The studio boasts a unique design, featuring a full-height blackout curtain system that allows the creation of distinct areas for different activities. The ARRI Solutions-designed lighting network is modular, enabling students to control specific areas based on the studio’s current use. This flexibility was praised by Tom Kearns-Phillips, Camera Technician at Stewart Film Studios, who highlighted the students’ ability to shape the space according to their creative needs.
To maximize space within an existing campus building, Digital Garage implemented an innovative steelwork structure that provides integrated support and adds nearly two meters of usable height to the studio. This collaboration demonstrates both companies’ deep understanding of optimizing space functionality.
Safety is paramount in an educational setting, and the studio incorporates a system addressing the challenges of working at height. Nine SkyHoists, delivered by ARRI Solutions, are strategically installed within the Digital Garage steelwork, ensuring safe and efficient rigging for lighting, projectors, and other equipment. The modular suspension system includes customized power and data distribution, security brakes, and warning systems, further contributing to a safe and efficient operation.
Equipped with a comprehensive array of ARRI SkyPanel and Orbiter lighting fixtures, the studio offers students a production experience that mirrors professional environments. This aligns with the university’s goal of providing students with high-quality training and industry-standard equipment.
Since its opening at the start of the academic year, Stewart Film Studios has served not only its primary purpose but has also impacted other degree courses. The space has hosted diverse projects, from fashion shoots by costume design students to extra-curricular activities like talk shows and sci-fi film productions, showcasing its broader influence within the university community.
The collaborative effort between ARRI Solutions and Digital Garage has successfully brought to life a state-of-the-art facility that empowers the next generation of filmmakers and contributes positively to the future of the industry.
