BBC Studios today announces the completion of the first phase of a project to re-design work and relaxation areas to attract shows featuring top talent and high profile celebrities such as Madonna, Kylie and Kevin Spacey. The new Dressing Rooms, Green Rooms and Superstar Suites have been designed to create practical multi-functional spaces where guests can work, rehearse and prepare for programmes.

The idea for re-designing and refurbishing the support areas was born out of feedback from both BBC and independent production teams who were invited by BBC Studios to recommend areas where they would like to see improvements. Programme makers voted overwhelmingly to have creative and inspiring, but also appropriate and comfortable facilities for the increasing number of international stars that they want to attract in order to make better and more entertaining programmes.

The rooms, which had changed little over the last 20 years, now match the high standard of BBC Studio's fully-equipped studios, which cater for a huge number of prestigious shows including Parkinson, Top of the Pops, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and Children In Need. A range of rooms including single and group rooms have been produced to cater for varying programme needs and budgets.

BBC Studios, which provides experienced craft staff as well as state-of-the-art studios, operates as a commercial business and competes with other TV and film studios. Along with its sister commercial companies, any additional revenue generated through hiring out studios, staff and support areas is ploughed back in to BBC programme making.

Following a competitive pitch, BBC Studios enlisted the services of GA Design International to design the rooms. The first phase, which completed at the beginning of November, includes the complete design and fit out of four Superstar Suites, seven Star Dressing Rooms and 11 Group Dressing Rooms, as well as two conference rooms and a Green Room.
Initially a commitment was made to construct two prototype suites for full and rigorous testing prior to the main construction stages going ahead. The design team was briefed by BBC Studios to design rooms that would be functional, fit for purpose, aesthetically pleasing and good value for money - whilst working within the constraints of an old circular shaped building. The base design point for all of these rooms was a generally neutral surround with strong decorative accents and layers of texture – a cost-effective solution since the appearance of the rooms could in future be altered quite simply with a few decorative changes.

The rooms feature the latest technology including Holo Screen TVs, plasma screens or LCD TVs in the rest areas. In addition, extensive audio and visual equipment points have been built in to the walls allowing superstars to use their favourite music centres, electronic games consoles and other gizmos. There are also space saving chairs and desks that double up as make-up units and these have been specially designed with swivel-end mirror panels, lit on the reverse side to allow guests to check make-up in tungsten light for film sets, or fluorescent for video. Blackout blinds have been used to ensure full privacy from the outside world.

Commenting on the new Superstar Suites, Richard Philipps, Head of BBC Studios says:
"We have responded to the programme maker's requests to have stylish, funky and practical Dressing Rooms and specially equipped Superstar Suites and Green Rooms so they can attract top name guests. These areas now match the calibre of the talent that they cater for. So far, we have had a great response from the celebrities that have used the rooms and even requests to have their favourite rooms."
-ENDS-

Design: Terry McGinnity, Joshua Judd, Joanna Biggs, Rebecca Roberts, GA Design
Project management: Land Securites Trilium
Fit out contractors: MITIE Interiors

For further information, please contact:

For further press enquiries, please contact:
Georige Hollett, PR & Comms Exec, BBC Resources
Tel: +44 (0)20 8576 2350 (Television Centre)
+44 (0)20 7765 3964 (Brock House)
+44 (0)7834 845612 (Mobile)
Email: georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk

or

Su Pecha/Sarah Wickings, ESP Business Development
Tel: +44 (0)20 8374 4476/6320
Email: supecha@aol.com

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