Student Resources
Ealing Studios: Resource Sheet
Ealing Studios Films is a British film production company, based in London.
- One of London's most famous and popular film studios
- Originally acquired in 1902 by Will Barker
- Ealing Studios can claim to be the oldest film studio in the world. The stages and offices are steeped in history having survived the onset of the talkies, two world wars and the more recent technological advances in film and TV.
- During the 1950s British film was at its peak with films like the Ladykillers, The Lavender Hill Mob, Passport to Pimlico and Kind Hearts and Coronets.
- The BBC then bought the Studios in 1959 and spent the next 20 years creating television productions from Ealing Studios such as Colditz and The Singing Detective.
- Ealing Studios has recently accommodated high profile films including An Ideal Husband, Notting Hill, Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones and Lucky Break.
- Ealing Studios recently returned to film-making after 43 years with the release in 2002 of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Ealing Studios provides five stages:
- Stage 1 (1000 sq ft) a multi-purpose silent studio suitable for small sets.
- Sound Stage 2 (9,300 sq ft) is a medium-size sound stage suitable for all types of production.
- Sound Stage 3A & B (both 5,800 sq ft) are smaller adjacent stages that can cater for all types of production and provide a uniquely flexible environment. The dividing door between them enables different configurations such as shooting one side and striking/setting the other.
- Sound Stage 5 (970 sq ft) is a small, converted music recording theatre that provides an excellent low-cost sound-deadened environment.
Currently building an expansion to the original studios, the completed development will provide over 130,000 sq ft of flexible long-term accommodation and will incorporate underground parking, screening rooms and a café, as well as performance and production space.