Fresh from his success with producing the spin-off film version of Dad's Army at Shepperton Studios at the start of the Seventies, film producer Greg Smith moved to Elstree Studios to produce Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall.

The 1972 film starred Spike Milligan and Jim Dale. Happy with studio life at Elstree, Greg was to remain based there until 1991.

During his time there, his work included the four Confessions Of' films for Columbia Pictures, which starred Robin Askwith.

There is no doubt the production of the series helped to keep Elstree Studios in business at what was a very difficult time for the company.

But these films are not the only work this busy television, film and theatre producer has made in his career.

Greg's other extensive and varied credits include producing the films Stand Up Virgin Soldiers and The Boys in Blue.

He also made The Shillingbury Blowers and The Shillingbury Tales, for ITC/ATV, the Bafta-nominated Othello for BBC Television, and co-produced the hit West End theatre musical, Buddy.

In an interview with Greg Smith in 2007, he told me about his work at Elstree.

What memories do you have of working on Confessions of a Window Cleaner at Elstree Studios?

"It was such a great time. The film cost just £150,000 to make in 1974 and was a huge success. However, it was a miracle that it ever got made, as Britain was on a three-day week, but despite everything the film was completed on time."

What was director of Confessions of a Window Cleaner, Val Guest, like to work with?

"Val was a great director and a great craftsman. His death in 2006 was a great loss to the film industry."

At the end of 1975 you and your then wife, actress Lynda Bellingham, held your wedding reception on Stage 7 at the studios?

"Yes, and the cast of the film Confessions of a Driving Instructor, which we were just about to make, including Windsor Davies and George Layton, attended the reception."

What other memories do you have of working on the Confessions films at Elstree?

"Well, part of my deal with the studios was that if Stage Three or Four was not being used at the time, then the cast and crew of the films would play five-a-side football on them at lunchtime."

Did you get to know Andrew Mitchell, the one-time managing director of the studios?

"I used to meet Andrew twice a week at the studios for lunch. He was the best studio managing director I have ever met."

How was life when Brent Walker took over in 1988?

"Elstree suddenly became like a ghost town. In the past, it had been a vibrant studios, and it was soul destroying to see what happened, especially when part of the site was demolished.

But I was very pleased to hear you say that the remaining parts of the studios are now very much open again and very busy."

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