Hollywood technology lands in Basingstoke: BCoT launches cutting-edge film studio

Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) has unveiled its new state-of-the-art film production studio, offering students in north Hampshire access to the same technology used on major Hollywood projects like Star Wars and House of the Dragon.

The CreaTech Suite, equipped with advanced motion-tracking cameras, an advanced green screen and lighting set-up, and high-end video editing and colour grading hardware and software.

Student Alex Foster-Duckworth.

First-year student Alex Foster-Duckworth shared her excitement: “It’s amazing to use the same technology that made films like Transformers and Star Wars. I hope learning to use the studio will open lots of doors and lead to many more exciting opportunities.”

The new £500,000 facility, co-designed by CJP Broadcast Service Solutions and part-funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund, features real-time rendering equipment, enabling filmmakers to view digital environments live on set. This innovative setup allows students to make creative decisions on the spot.

BCoT is extending the use of the CreaTech Suite to all students within its Creative Industries Department.

Peter Gordon, Course Director for Games, Media, and Art & Design, said: “The studio will benefit all our creative industries students. They can now work together using some of the highest-specification equipment in the industry today, from props and narrative planning to motion design. This hands-on experience will help them stand out to future employers.”

(L-R): Kieran Phillips (Director of sales and marketing for CJP Broadcast), students Alex Foster-Duckworth, Gabriel Meyerson college Principal Anthong Bravo OBE and Luke Murphy MP.

The facility was officially opened by Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy at a special event where he praised the college: “It’s an amazing facility at the cutting edge, which will develop the skills and careers of the future.

“BCoT is a credit to Basingstoke, not just because of the facilities but because of the students and staff.”

Anthony Bravo OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of BCoT, emphasised the college’s commitment to offering students unrivalled learning opportunities: “We are proud to open such a unique facility, enabling the filmmakers and set designers of the future to access pioneering technology.”

Kieran Phillips, Director of Sales and Marketing at CJP Broadcast Service Solutions, described the suite as a “comprehensive virtual production facility” designed to give BCoT students experience with industry-leading tools used in professional media production.

For more information about BCoT’s creative industries courses, visit the college’s website.