Cutting-edge Hive Studio opens to acclaim from award-winning director
A CUTTING-EDGE film studio in New Milton was launched at a networking event with producers, directors and screenwriters.
The Hive Studio based at IncuHive offers filmmakers state-of-the-art facilities including separate white and black screens, green-screen capability and a range of lighting kit.
Photographers will appreciate the dual infinity cove five metres wide and nine metres apart, under a five-metre-high ceiling to give space and rigging room for spectacular shoots.
There is also a changing room and kitchen, and booking will be available round-the-clock online, with smart card access for users.
The facility was launched at a crew networking event organised by New Forest District Council’s Film:New Forest team and Creative England.
Attendees were welcomed by Eddie Curry, manager at Incuhive New Milton, and Steve Northam, director and creator of The IncuHive Group Ltd.
Matt Callaghan, economic development manager at NFDC, congratulated the team behind the quick turnaround of Hive Studio. He said: “This new creative space will be a major attraction for productions filming in the New Forest.
“Many location managers require multiple locations close together so to have access to a studio facility like this will be welcomed within the industry.”
Mr Curry said: "The new Hive Studio is a fantastic addition to our IncuHive facilities in New Milton which already offer entrepreneurs high quality office space, business services, digital and engineering equipment and more.
"The studio is meeting strong demand – within days of its opening there was a music video shoot by a team coming in from London. I'd urge any creative professionals looking to use the space to book now. We're expecting to become very busy."
Lymington-based director Keith English, whose film The More You Ignore Me was named best comedy at this year’s National Film Awards, said: “The Hive Studio space is an impressive and well thought-out facility for local productions to rent at a terrific price.
“It’s the kind of studio one would be paying a lot more for in London or any other city. For New Forest companies it’s a fabulous resource just on the doorstep.
“We can see it could have a whole host of uses for visiting and local productions - from stills shoots to green screen and other video productions wanting a truly professional look. We’ll definitely be considering it for future projects."
The occasion also kicked-off the one-year countdown to the 2020 New Forest Film Festival which will take place from 19th-27th September.
Mr Callaghan commented: “With the success of the 2019 festival, having over 50 events and injecting £15,000 into the local economy, the Film:New Forest team are looking forward to making the 2020 festival an even bigger success.
"And maybe we will see some entries to the festival competition that have been made at Incuhive.”
Hive Studio can be booked via www.hivestudios.co.uk.
Keep up to date with Film:New Forest and the 2020 New Forest Film Festival at www.filmnewforest.com.
