A tour of turbulent times (From Borehamwood Times)

A tour of turbulent times

9:44am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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John Shepherd started working at Elstree Studios when it was called ABPC, in 1959.

Starting as an accountant, he eventually went on to become general manager of the studios before leaving during Brent Walker's period of ownership in 1991.

I was delighted to meet John for the first time while on a visit to the studios in September 2007. It was John's first trip to Borehamwood since he left in 1991.

We toured various parts of the site, including the Preview Theatre and the Andrew Mitchell building, and it was obviously a very emotional visit for John. I, too, must admit to having felt quite emotional during our time together as he recalled his memories of working at the studios.

I asked him about his recollections of his Elstree days.

What were the studios like when you first started working there?

"When I joined ABPC there was a permanent team of 500 people working there in the various other departments."

Were you involved in the production of the Cliff Richard film, Summer Holiday, in any way?

"Yes, I still remember well the five or six weeks I spent in Greece, based in Athens, for Summer Holiday. Despite the filming being called Summer Holiday it actually rained on the first day of filming. I also recall that Cliff and the cast were very much part of the team."

What would you say were the best times you experienced when you worked at Elstree?

"It was always great to have all of the sound stages occupied and enjoy the buzz every lunchtime in the restaurant.

"At our peak we had ten sound stages, now there are only three stages (7, 8 and 9) left of the original. We also had super cutting rooms and the best dubbing theatre."

The Seventies proved to be quite a challenge for the studios. What do you remember of this period?

"In the early Seventies, EMI boss Bernard Delfont gave the studios one year's grace before closure. The number of staff was greatly reduced and only three stages remained open.

"Then we had a visit from George Lucas and Gary Kurtz to discuss the renting of the stages for Star Wars.

"Andrew Mitchell (the then managing director) and I agreed a deal with George and Gary and the closed stages were re-opened. The rest is history."

"When plans for The Empire Strikes Back were made, Lucas required a huge new stage and Bernard Delfont and EMI gave permission for this to be built, and Stage 6 was born. This is the stage which was taken down and re-built at Shepperton Studios in the early Nineties."

How did you find life at the studios once Brent Walker took over in 1988?

"The Brent Walker days started well, but it soon became apparent that they were property developers. The eventual demolition of the major part of the studios was upsetting, and seeing the front administration building coming down was especially sad.

"However, I was very lucky to have worked at the studios, even through the difficult times, I realise how wonderful it all was."

Visit Paul Burton's website: www.elstreecalling.co.uk

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