The Changing face of BBC Studios

Things are changing at BBC Studios according to studio's boss Richard Philipps, "The central technical area is not as big as it was so we can steal space for extra production offices and adjacent areas for guests to relax" . A recent example is the former TC3 which was completely gutted last October and installed with a Calrec digital audio console plus adjacent green rooms and offices, and is now home to Later with Jools Holland and Top of the Pops among others.

All studios are now simply numbered 0 – 11. "Where they were all once BBC staff, studio production crews are now more fluid and often fiercely independent, so the "TC" (Television Centre) prefix was no longer appropriate" say Philipps. Not only that, but the closure of other BBC Studios including London Bridge, Manchester, Pebble Mill and Bristol, has rendered the tag redundant. However, Philipps says that plans for a purpose-built Studio 12 are due to be announced soon for what he will only describe as a "very important customer".

"Television centre has been totally rejuvenated everybody wants to be here again" he claims. Philipps makes the point that while Elstree works on a long-term service level agreement with scenery left in situ, television centre is hired on a spot purchase basis. This is the prevailing business model at most TV studios, including those that have been part of a broadcast station.