The developers behind the Sky Studios complex in Borehamwood have partnered up with a college for a nine-month project to celebrate Elstree & Borehamwood’s rich film and TV heritage.

As part of the partnership, students will create four, ten-minute documentaries centred on the new Sky Studios Elstree project, with each documentary looking at a particular theme; film & TV heritage, sustainability, diversity & inclusion, and the construction process itself.

To mark the start of the partnership, teachers and students from Elstree Screen Arts Academy met with Sky Studios chief operating officer Caroline Cooper on site off Rowley Lane to sign a piece of steel, that will become part of the structure of the first studio erected on site, marking a key milestone in the construction of the studios.

As part of the project, students will also receive masterclasses and workshops from members of the team at Sky and Sky Studios on documentary research, marketing, PR & distribution, and planning & production. Each class will develop their skills and help them progress their films.

A CGI of Sky Studios Elstree which is under construction

A CGI of Sky Studios Elstree which is under construction

Caroline Cooper said: "We want to support the next generation of young creative talent, and this partnership will allow us to share some of Sky’s film-making expertise with local students in Hertsmere. I am very much looking forward to seeing the films that these talented young people create, and hope it inspires them into a career in film and television."

Lauren Christy, assistant principal at Elstree Screen Arts Academy, said: "We are all about giving young people industry experience through meaningful partnerships with industry professionals. This project will be giving students relevant experience and will develop key skills in order for them to progress onto careers in the creative industries.

"In addition, the briefs that the students are working allows them to explore the history of Elstree as 'British Hollywood' and the contexts that they face as young creatives. We are thrilled to be working with Sky Studios Elstree and excited that going forward we will be providing the necessary training to give access and opportunities to work in the industry."

Sky Studios Elstree on land between Rowley Lane and the A1

Sky Studios Elstree on land between Rowley Lane and the A1

Sky Studios Elstree is scheduled to open on 2022 and will house 13 sound stages and create 2,000 jobs in the local area.

June Wilkinson, education & community coordinator at BAM - the construction firm appointed to build Sky Studios Elstree - added: "Our partnership with Elstree Screen Arts is a great opportunity for local students. The documentaries and site visits will provide valuable work experience and insights into a career in the film & television industry.

"I hope that this encourages the students to follow their dreams and that one day some of them will be back on site, creating the films of the future."