It may be difficult to imagine glamorous golden age stars like Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman in Borehamwood. But many famous actors and directors have worked at Elstree Studios over the years.
Most famously, George Lucas came to Elstree Studios to film the Star Wars trilogy in the 70s and early 80s. He returned some 20 years later to work on Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III. Recently a sound stage at the studios was renamed the 'George Lucas Stage' in recognition of the American director's film achievements.
Steven Spielberg also chose Elstree Studios to film the Indiana Jones films that helped propel Harrison Ford to mega-stardom. Other directors to use the studios include Stanly Kubrick (The Shining), Alfred Hitchcock (Stage Fright), and Muppets creator Jim Henson (Labyrinth).
In February 1996, Hertsmere Borough Council purchased the Elstree Studios at a time when the future for this historic landmark looked bleak. Elstree Studios was essentially saved by the Council, alongside the people of Elstree and Borehamwood themselves, who were staunch and vocal supporters of the local “Save Our Studios” campaign.
After purchasing the site, the Council refurbished the site and built two new sound stages. With an internal height of 50 feet, they are the highest in the UK. The stages, each 16,000 square feet, were officially opened by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in January 1999.
In recent years, the studio has remained a hub of film and television production, being the venue of choice for Dancing on Ice and Big Brother.
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