tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87809941993216941232024-03-06T12:01:12.030-08:00Save Bray StudiosRobert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-70791929489847204612013-04-29T08:43:00.001-07:002013-04-29T08:43:33.635-07:00Save Bray Studios on FacebookThe Save Bray Studios had a lively and informative group on Facebook, with over 3300 members.<br /><br />
Unfortunately, we've had a fair bit of spam on the group (some well meaning), and the privacy options and way Facebook handles group invitations leaves a lot to be desired. I don't want to be accused of spamming anyone, so I'm changing the group to a page. There is no easy way to do this, so all of our members will have to 'like' the new page.<br />
<br />
However, it should be much easier to share information and attract new supporters to the group (we can simplify our URL too), so please if haven't alreadt, pop along to the page and 'like'.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/savebraystudios">www.facebook.com/savebraystudios</a>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-55341228768928601602013-04-28T03:03:00.001-07:002013-04-28T03:03:26.067-07:00New Petition for the Save Bray Studios CampaignAlong with the renewed interest in the campaign to save the historic Bray Film Studios near Windsor, a new attempt is being made to create awareness at the widest possible level.<br />
<br />
Our Facebook group has well over 3000 members, but simply not everyone is or wants to be on Facebook. One of the campaign activists has prepared a electronic Petition to supplement the campaign.<br />
<br />
Whether you are part of that group or not, please take time to sign the online Petition for the campaign.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savebraystudiospetition/">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savebraystudiospetition/</a><br />
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The petition states:<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">SAVE BRAY STUDIOS NOW </span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Bray Studios is part of our great cultural history with the Main house dating back to the 1600’s and later our cinema legacy.<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
We intend to preserve it.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
The iconic Bray Studios, home of Hammer Horror films, the early roots of the Special Effects </div>
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
and classic movies in Britain and the cherished venue for top British musicians and rock bands is under threat of being turned into 7 “executive homes”.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
The entire site consisting of studios, sound stages, workshops and backlot with the heritage Grade II listed Main House has been deliberately run into the ground, in order to keep business out and declare the property unviable and unprofitable in order to push through planning permission. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
We have a comprehensive list of eminent directors, producers, musicians and rock stars, who wanted to book stage space and were turned away with the excuse that the studio was fully booked.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
The British Film Industry, the Music Industry NEED YOUR SUPORT</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Please help us by signing this petition and sending letters of support to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/savebraystudios/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2e5801; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Save Bray Studios</a> Facebook page these will be presented to government bodies,</div>
<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Thank you. </div>
</div>
Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-7425599952402682402013-04-28T02:59:00.000-07:002013-04-28T02:59:49.114-07:00Mail on Sunday - Save Bray ArticleThe campaign to Save Bray Studios isn't through yet. While planning permission was granted last year for the redevelopment, the campaign has been quietly building momentum again and is making renewed attempts to bring the plight of the complex to the attention of the world once more. A number of key figures in the film and entertainment industry are weighing in.<br />
<br />
Redevelopment could be imminent. We simply don't know when the bulldozers will be brought in (possibly sooner than later).<br />
<br />
<i>The Mail On Sunday</i> have published an article today on the threat to the studio. While very centred on the Hammer history (Hammer/Exclusive founded the studio, and are very much back in vogue, so it makes good sense), it also indicates the campaign has the support of Richard O'Brien (whose cult film Rocky Horror Picture Show was shot at the studio) and Terry Gilliam (<i>Monty Python</i>, <i>The Fisher King</i>, <i>The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus</i>) who has also used the studio.<br />
<br />
You can read the article for yourself here: <a href="http://bit.ly/1891IQP">http://bit.ly/1891IQP</a><br />
<br />Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-20786974784099224002011-04-05T03:46:00.001-07:002011-04-05T03:46:57.419-07:00Last chance to comment on planning application for Bray Studios<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Bray Parish Council met last night, and have recommended the application for refusal - but on the grounds that the development is too big for green belt land.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Council are not against the residential development, and would still be minded to approve a smaller scale development. This obviously is still something of great concern to members of this group.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The deadline for consultation regarding the plans is this Thursday. If you haven't already, please visit the planning application website:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam/view.jsp?ID=11%2F00474%2FFULL" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam/view.jsp?ID=11%2F00474%2FFULL</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You can use a link on the right hand side of the page to comment on the application and voice your disapproval. Please do remember that planning applications have strict criteria, and that the best way to delay this application is to refer to those. If you visit the group's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106861216022812">Facebook page</a> you'll see some comments and suggestions from other members already - I'd suggest these are a great place to start. Of course, you are free to make additional comments as you see fit (and indeed, if you support the application and plans to demolish the studio you are free to do this via the same means).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The priority right now is to have the current plans refused. This will buy time to further our arguments and built interest and support and attention. Please continue to do this.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Don't delay.</span>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-796559801590914742011-03-16T06:58:00.000-07:002011-03-16T06:58:06.604-07:00Planning application now formally submitted<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Neville Hendricks and the Bray Studios Management through developers Pegasus have now lodged their formal planning application, which is pretty much as expected from last year. We at Save Bray are obviously deeply disappointed that the developers have completely ignored our appeals to date, and are pushing ahead with their attack on the cinematic cultural history of the UK through a warped and misleading statement of the current state of affairs. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm currently in the process of reviewing the 150+ documents that make up the planning applications, and I would encourage you to do the same.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The two applications relating to the conversion of Down Place back into a residential dwelling, and the total destruction of the historic Bray Studios themselves are here:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam/view.jsp?ID=11%2F00474%2FFULL" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span>http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span><span>/view.jsp?ID=11%2F00474%2F</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span>FULL</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
<a href="http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam/view.jsp?ID=11%2F00476%2FLBC" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></span></a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam/view.jsp?ID=11%2F00476%2FLBC" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></span><span style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">/view.jsp?ID=11%2F00476%2F</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b5998;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="cursor: pointer;">LBC</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Thanks to campaigner David Cook for spotting these, and for the associated links. Please review information on RBWM website on correct procedure for commenting on planning applications:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/dc_commenting_on_planning_applications.htm" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span>http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span><span>/dc_commenting_on_planning</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span>_applications.htm</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There is still time to lodge objection to the plans, and we have received the following information:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"The plans are due to go up for discussion by Bray Parish Council on April 4 and then with the Royal Borough who will make the final desicion in June. Member of this (Save Bray Studios) group are able to make representations at both meetings if they wished to do so and I will post any new info I have on the group wall."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We would encourage members of the group to make representation at the meetings. If I can, I'll personally attend both meetings, but it would help if others could do same.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You can also continue to get involved in the debate via the Facebook group here: </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106861216022812">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106861216022812</a>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-8720248647582616432011-01-19T04:43:00.000-08:002011-01-19T04:43:31.026-08:00Bray Management accountsThe last few months has seen continued activity at Bray Studios, though not even verging on capacity. My visit to the studios in August for the consultation revealed the studio to be quite run down cosmetically. Weeds were strewn across the site, which certainly give the impression of something like an abandoned ghost town, but are purely cosmetic problems easily dealt with by a groundsman with a hoe, rake, pair of gloves and a bottle of weedkiller.<br />
<br />
The house certainly does need work done, but we still refute that the studio itself needs to be torn down - and we'll address some of the lingering issues and news over the next week or so here.<br />
<br />
A visit to <a href="http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/">Companies House</a> this morning and using their web-check system reveals that Bray Management Ltd, the current owners of Bray Studios and those behind the plans to destroy the complex, are late with their accounting returns. The accounts were due on 31 December 2010, but as of today (19 January 2011) are late. This is a common occurrence when businesses are in financial difficulties or about to start winding up procedure, so we wouldn't be surprised if Bray Management are planning to transfer the complex into private hands and close the shutters permanently.<br />
<br />
Of course, this is purely speculative at this time, but worth watching out for.<br />
<br />
Despite being late with accounts, just two days ago they filed a 'Declaration of Satisfaction In Full or Part of A Mortgage/Full Charge'. It would take someone better versed in finance than me to go through the Bray accounting history, and if anyone has or can provide more information, do get in touch.<br />
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Fuller accounts can be bought and downloaded from Companies House for perusal, but for the moment we will share the following publicly available information about Bray Management Ltd., which may be of interest:<br />
<br />
Registered office: Brooklawn, 12 Littleworth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9PD<br />
Company No.: 02473986<br />
Date of incorporation: 23/02/1990<br />
Nature of Business: 9231 - Artistic and Literary Creation.<br />
<br />
Nice to know Bray Management is supposedly interested in Artistic Creation rather than property development...Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-5167648278696656472010-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:002010-08-09T08:41:03.173-07:00Last day to get comments in to architects of proposed Bray Film Studios redevelopment<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">If you can, please email the architects of the proposed Bray Film Studios redevelopment - Pegasus Planning Group - with your concerns regarding the plans. They have asked for submissions by 10th August (ie. tomorrow).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Because of copyright restrictions I can't post the leaflet itself on here, but I can direct you to the specific (weighted) questions that have been posed.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The specific questions asked on the pamphlet that was distributed at the Bray exhibition are as follows:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Do you support the proposed demolition of the large studio buildings and removal of the areas of hardstanding? Yes / No<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Do you support the principle of retaining Down Place and returning it to its former residential use? Yes / No<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Do you agree that the proposals would enhance the openness and visual amenities of the greenbelt? Yes / No<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Do you agree that the density of the proposed development is appropriate? Yes / No<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Do you agree that the proposals will enhance the setting of the listed building? Yes / No<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Do you agree that it is appropriate to retain an element of employment as part of the overall development? Yes / No<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Are there alternative proposals that should be considered such as storage and distribution? A more standard style of residential redevelopment? Yes / No<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Other Comments<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Your name [Optional]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Road name / Post Code [Optional]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Please take the time and email comments to admin@pegasuspg.co.uk<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We would encourage you to oppose the current redevelopment plans, which do not address the issue of maintaining the use of Bray Studios as a film studio, or retaining the existing buildings.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Again this week I have reports from a contact interested in purchasing the property or leasing it for film production, who are unable to make contact with the owner Neville Hendricks. The various companies including Bray Management are seemingly unwilling to co-operate and open discussions - in stark contrast to what Hendricks said to parties at the exhibition last month.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It may also be prudent to email you concerns to the Maidenhead/Windsor Planning Council (planning.maidenhead@rbwm.gov.uk) and the Department for Culture Media and Sport (enquiries@culture.gov.uk). Whilst formal planning isn't in yet, voicing concern is very important.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks again to everyone for your support.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Robert</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">www.savebraystudios.com</span>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-38283461637885996842010-07-16T11:07:00.000-07:002010-07-20T07:09:41.445-07:00Bray Management Ltd reveal plans<b>UPDATE (20/7/2010): PLEASE NOTE: Open day is next TUESDAY 27TH JULY.<br />
Also, the email contact for the developers is admin@pegasuspg.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
Finally we now know the full scale of Bray Management Ltd.'s plans for Bray Studios.<br />
<br />
We have been forwarded a copy of the leaflet that has been sent to local residents outlining the plan for development.<br />
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The main points from the plans are:<br />
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<ul><li>Demolition of the entirety of the existing Bray Studios buildings</li>
<li>Conversion of the listed Down Place house, back into a private residential property (which will be lived in by the owner of Bray Management Ltd. and his family)</li>
<li>Construction on the site of 7 residential properties </li>
<li>Construction of a new 'media centre' which will employ approx 25 people on site</li>
</ul><div>Effectively this means the end of Bray Studios, the historic independent film studio founded in 1951 by the young Hammer Films company as Exclusive Studios. A property which has been home to hundred of film and television programmes, and music recording over the last 59 years.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The plans also suggest that the development will ensure a substantial reduction in the HGV traffic to the site - as traffic is currently a concern in the area, as is likely a point which will be used to persuade the council to accept the proposals.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The development is being handled on behalf of the owners by the <a href="http://www.pegasuspg.co.uk/">Pegasus Planning Group</a>. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A <b>public 'exhibition'</b> is being held on <b>Tuesday 27th July</b> at Bray Film Studios, Water Oakley, Windsor, SL4 5UG between <b>3 and 8pm</b>. Visitors should report to security on arrival. Comment sheets are being provided and can be deposited at the venue.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Pegasus have also said they are willing to hear from local residents and other interested parties during the current consultation. Comments can be emailed to <b>admin@pegasuspg.co.uk</b>. All comments are due before 10 August 2010.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We would encourage supporters of the Save Bray Studios campaign to contact Pegasus to voice their dissatisfaction at the closure of the studios, and to stress the importance of its continued existence as a film site. Please refrain from abusive messages, and offensive language.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The leaflet does make the following comment "Whilst reuse of the existing buildings for alternative purposes remains an option, it is considered that the site offers opportunities for redevelopment that will deliver wider benefits." This suggests that if a strong case is made the Studio still has a chance to be saved.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Pegasus also indicate that formal planning applications will be made in the next 1-2 months.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>A Response</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>Speaking personally, I have little objection to Down Place being converted back at least in some way to housing. Certainly it would make a lovely residence for any millionaire. The building has retained live-in residents throughout the last 60 years. Similarly the building has undergone much work over the years, with the inside radically altered. Any conversion though should be sympathetic to the original, and as much of the original building should be retained. Currently a projection room is housed in the old Ballroom stage and it would be a pity to loose this from a historical point of view.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I have not personally investigated the rest of the property, and it would be informative to see what the rest of the property is like, and what remains from the old studios. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Down Place is the iconic element of Bray Studios, and once it returns to private dwellings I assume we will loose all access to the property. Many of us rightly feel the property is of cultural significance and in some way we have a right to experience that. Conversion to dwellings would prevent future events like the Hammer At Bray reunions from taking place. The decision should not be taken lightly. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The new dwellings that are being proposed, whilst supposedly eco-friendly, are rather dull, contemporary affairs. Much is made of the improvements to the view of Toad Hall (an separate building to Down Place), but the buildings do not fit in with the historical character of the village and surrounding properties any more than the current studio buildings do. These will be expensive properties for the elite few and will clutter the site.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As for the new 'media centre' - this looks as inept as the new dwellings. Fashionable perhaps, but also prompt the question why? The building is much smaller than the existing studio buildings and seems like a needless construction. The existing studio buildings could be adapted - but more than this, the buildings could continue to be used as studios if the Management allowed it. We have already reported how at least one producer expressed an interest in either long-term hire of the site or buying out the studio for a series of productions, only to be met with silence at Bray Management.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One must also question the funding of this. Recent filing activity for Bray Management Ltd. at Companies House suggested that the accounts were empty and the studio can not remain. But the redevelopment of the site also requires medium to long-term investment, and that finance must be found from somewhere.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We maintain that Bray Studios could continue to function as a working studio if the owners were willing to engage. Failing that, something could be made of the history of the space as a film studio, and perhaps turned into a living museum, or full muli-media space.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We would welcome any representation of Bray Management Ltd. to contact us and present their side of proposals. </div><div><br />
</div><div>In the meantime, we will be encouraging campaign supporters to visit the exhibition to view for themselves and lodge objections and suggestions.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-4457830609304012022010-06-24T09:16:00.000-07:002010-06-24T09:16:18.469-07:00Bray Studios isn't just Hammer HorrorIt is very easy to forget that Bray Studios, whilst established by Exclusive/Hammer Films, has a history that encompasses so much more than horror.<br />
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Incorporating the information from the now defunct (and offline) Bray Film Studios website, these are some of the clients who have used the space... (as of 2007).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hammer also leased the studio out during their ownership. <i>The Errol Flynn Theatre</i> filmed there in 1956. Also filmed: <i>Seige of the Saxons</i> (1963), <i>The Brides of Fu Manchu</i> (1966) and more besides... Recent productions to use the studios include Terry Gilliam's <i>Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus.</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bray Film Studios has been involved in the making of films and television productions for over fifty years. Starting with Hammer House horror films, we have subsequently been involved in all genres of this industry, and in all areas from film and television to music videos, rehearsals and commercials. Here are some of our clients past and present:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Music</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Live Aid rehearsals, Band Aid rehearsals, Freddie Mercury tribute concert, 911, AC/DC, A-ha, All Saints, Bryan Adams, Marc Almond, Peter Andre, Michael Ball, Shirley Bassey, Beach Boys, Bjork, Bjorn Again, Mary J Blige, Andrea Bocelli, Boy George, Boyzone, Errol Brown, Sam Brown, Bros, Brother Beyond, Chris De Burgh, B*Witched, Belinda Carlisle, Catatonia, Celtic Tiger (Michael Flatley), Charlatans, The Christians, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Beverley Craven, The Cure, Craig David, Depeche Mode, Barbara Dickson, Dire Straits, Divine Comedy, Duran Duran, East 17, Eurythmics, Gloria Estefan, Elvis the concert, Erasure, Bryan Ferry, Five, Five Star, Gabrielle, Genesis, David Gilmour, Go West, Macy Gray, Hanson, George Harrison, INXS, Iron Maiden, Jamiroquai, Sir Elton John, Tom Jones, Led Zeppelin, Lightning Seeds, Lulu, Barry Manilow, Cerys Matthews, Brian May, Sir Paul McCartney, Metallica, George Michael, Kylie Minogue, Moody Blues, Oasis, Ocean Colour Scene, Sinead O'Connor, Mike Oldfield, The Osmond Boys, The Pasadenas, Pet Shop Boys, Pink Floyd, Robert Plant, Pop Will Eat Itself, Prodigy, Queen, Finlay Quaye, Radiohead, Razorlight, Chris Rea, Sir Cliff Richard, Lionel Richie, The Rolling Stones, Roxy Music, S Club 7, Seal, The Shadows, Simply Red, Snow Patrol, Soul II Soul, Lisa Stansfield, The Stranglers, Status Quo, Steps, Rod Stewart, Sting, Take That, Texas, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Travis, Jethro Tull, Vanilla Ice, Westlife, Wet Wet Wet, The Who, Robbie Williams, Stevie Wonder, War Of The Worlds, Will Young, Zucchero. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Film</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A Month In The Country, Alien (special effects), Britannic, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Chequered Past, Double X, Edward II, Fellow Traveller, For Queen And Country, Girl On A Swing, Jack And The Beanstalk, Hope And Glory, Loophole, MOJO, Midsummer Nights Dream, Monkey King, Mutant Chronicles, Pinocchio (sea monster scene), RKO 281, Resident Evil, Revelation, Shiner, Space Police, Still Crazy, The Hole, The Hollow Reed, The Sea Wolves, The Trench, Unconditional Love, Velvet Goldmine, Witches. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Television</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">99-1, Ain't Misbehavin, Alfred J Kwak, Anglo Saxon Attitudes, Auf Weidersehen Pet, Bad Blood, Bait, Beyond Reason, Born And Bred, Challenge To Sport, Demob, Dirty Tricks, Emma, Fimbles, Forever Green, Gone To The Dogs, Heil Honey, Hobson's Choice, How Do You Want Me, Inspector Morse, Invasion Earth, Jeeves And Wooster, Life After Life, Little Red Riding Hood, Marriage Of Figaro, Matlock, Men Of The Month, Murder Most Horrid, Murder Rooms, National Crime Squad, Night And Day, Our Friends In The North, Out Of The Blue, Paradise Postponed, Penguin Cafe, Pie In The Sky, Poirot, Red Alert / National Lottery Show, Roger Roger, Roughnecks, Ruth Rendall's Harm Done, Sex Chips & Rock n' Roll, Small Metal Jacket, Soldier Soldier, Stick With Me Kid, Still Life At The Penguin Cafe, Terrahawks, The Detectives, The Gentleman Thief, The Gift, The Manageress, The Safe House, The Unknown Soldier, The Wyvern Mystery, Titmuss Regained, Turn Of The Screw. </span>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-16365980257712855112010-06-24T07:30:00.000-07:002010-06-24T07:30:39.817-07:00Update: change for housing imminent : BRAY STUDIOS in DANGERThings are not looking good for Bray at all.<br />
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The planning permission was granted last month for the much-needed repairs to the roof of Bray Studios' central building, the listed Down Place.<br />
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The Maidenhead Advertiser posted a report on 3rd June which gave a brief overview of the studios history and pointed to further support within the industry to keep the studios operating on some level. <a href="http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/news/article-16504-feature-a-look-back-at-bray-studios-as-it-faces-closure-in-its-60th-year/">See here.</a><br />
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Then last week the same publication reported that an application was imminent to the Council for a change of use to housing - which would have gone before the Council this week. I'm now trying to ascertain what has happened myself. Report is <a href="http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/news/article-16624-council-to-consider-bray-studios-film-future-after-housing-plan/">here</a>. But doesn't bode well.<br />
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I should point out that I was approached by an independent film production company a matter of weeks ago who expressed an interest in renting out the studios for long term or indeed in buying them out to continue use as a film studio. Bray Management Ltd. advised them that the studios were not currently for hire, and would not consider selling. The whole thing reeks of a done deal - the management company wants to make their money from conversion to housing, and is not interested in preserving the industry which has operated there for 60 years.<br />
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Whether anything can be done to halt or delay this process remains to be seen. The sad thing is, we had someone willing to look into buying the studio prevented from doing so. It appears that Bray Studios has been deliberately run into the ground to facilitate this transition. People still want to use the facilities, it still has a use, and should be allowed to continue.<br />
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If we can, SAVE BRAY STUDIOS!Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-72668490525023476352010-04-19T06:40:00.000-07:002010-04-19T06:40:34.278-07:00So What Can Be Done?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtXcRw9pm3HSpboI4nJSty-YQEJHbLc9Lmq1RL8AZ4djFznaezeZif7l0HgDHUNhefhnG7NkTFIIrRgkVTi4JUZ8WA26EUYGE-NUGTdw7qSxIBBJTFoOEvgctWkMuPrAmLxPmhsI9uVFW/s1600/bray_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtXcRw9pm3HSpboI4nJSty-YQEJHbLc9Lmq1RL8AZ4djFznaezeZif7l0HgDHUNhefhnG7NkTFIIrRgkVTi4JUZ8WA26EUYGE-NUGTdw7qSxIBBJTFoOEvgctWkMuPrAmLxPmhsI9uVFW/s400/bray_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Save Bray Studios is as much an appeal to the current owners and anyone else in the film industry who might be able to preserve the integrity of the site as not only a working studio, but an important cultural and social landmark in the history of British cinema.<br />
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The cry isn't yet 24 hours old, but we quickly must look at the question of what can be done to help save the Studio?<br />
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In the first instance we have to assume that a huge volume of cash is needed - Down Place itself is in an unhealthy state of repair. It needs a large amount of work done if the Grade II listed building is to be preserved. With the Studios not making the profit they once were (at present), the proposal appears to be to turn the site into residential property as a means of funding the restoration work. This plan will ensure the survival of Down Place, but it will necessitate the closure of the Studios, and the swift demolition of the old studio buildings. The site is as important because of the additional studio buildings as the house itself. Full plans have not been submitted yet, but it would seem possible that the building of additional houses/flats within the grounds is likely. This would radically alter the setting, and would diminish the impact of Down Place itself. One need only look at the extension work next door at Oakley Court to appreciate that even small changes have a huge impact on the feel of a site.<br />
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According to the information released Bray Studios is no longer viable as a business model - though we would suggest that the Studios need new capital investment to upgrade the equipment and allow it to compete once again. The present owners clearly have no intention or desire to do that. Instead they see the chance for a quick profit in residential accommodation that will unburden them of their responsibility. Bray Management Ltd looks at the studios as property rather than a cultural landmark and facility.<br />
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We are open to ideas and suggestions, and ways of raising funds to keep the studios alive and within the film industry. We want to maintain its historic integrity, and allow it to flourish. We want it to remain distinctive.<br />
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We want you to create awareness of this dire situation and as a community to find a way forward.<br />
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Perhaps investors can be found with millions to spare on developing, upgrading and protecting the site? Perhaps there is a way we can find for a stay of execution allowing a campaign to build and find the resources before the site is compromised.<br />
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As suggestions for discussion I put forward the idea that the studio be adapted into a film school, combining education with hands on practical experience. The space could still be hired out for productions and kept in operation while providing education.<br />
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Alternatively the space should be transformed into a working film museum, including a viewing theatre. The studio space could be preserved and some turned into gallery/exhibition space.<br />
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If you have other ideas, please share them. If you are reading this and have means to invest in the space, then get in touch. Bray Studios is a true independent studio space, and some fine examples of British film and television have been made here. Don't let that be destroyed.<br />
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Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braystudios<br />
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<i>Photo: Bray Studios, 2007. (c) Robert J.E. Simpson, All Rights Reserved</i>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8780994199321694123.post-2477741703226209902010-04-18T16:39:00.000-07:002010-04-18T17:12:42.388-07:00SAVE BRAY STUDIOS The world famous Bray Studios near Windsor, England is under threat. According to local news reports in the <a href="http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/news/article-15841-film-studios-hit-by-recession-could-become-homes/">Maidenhead Advertiser</a> (picked up by The Mirror) this week the current owners have put in an application for refurbishment work on the Grade II listed Down Place - the building at the centre of the studio complex.<br />
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However, they have also strongly intimated that they will propose to turn the building back into residential dwellings in the forms of flats, and indeed the entire Bray Studios complex will be turned from a working studio into private dwellings.<br />
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If this happens the character of the Bray Studios site will be irreparably altered and a piece of British film history will be written off.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcOIXXzKrVc-Sk7hhnc7XtXyxS6s2QHOS5HBY0E40BsBLAFT1OxvCtju9S1eii3-VInKlNKtOZ_EpUuFUyOGz_zYyDMNCJY_VNf3ieX8NU6ZOjnK0rXXJiwZwitxlCmZ-o7DvKJnzzh0j/s1600/IMG_4330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcOIXXzKrVc-Sk7hhnc7XtXyxS6s2QHOS5HBY0E40BsBLAFT1OxvCtju9S1eii3-VInKlNKtOZ_EpUuFUyOGz_zYyDMNCJY_VNf3ieX8NU6ZOjnK0rXXJiwZwitxlCmZ-o7DvKJnzzh0j/s320/IMG_4330.jpg" /></a><br />
Bray Studios came into existence when <b><a href="http://www.hammerfilms.com/">Hammer Films/Exclusive Films</a></b> moved into Down Place from their temporary home next door in Oakley Court (now a hotel) in 1951. Taking on a 1 year lease before buying the site, Hammer would convert the main house into a workable studio space eventually building purpose-built studios in the grounds.<br />
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Known for a while as Exclusive Studios, it would soon be renamed Bray Film Studios. and Hammer would remain there until 1966, finally selling the property at the end of the decade. During that time Hammer made some of their most fondly remembered films and some of the most important cult British films ever - <b>The Quatermass Xperiment</b>, <b>The Curse of Frankenstein</b>, <b>Dracula</b>, <b>The Camp On Blood Island</b> and <b>Plague of the Zombies</b>.<br />
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The space was also hired out - the <b>Errol Flynn Theatre</b> filmed there in the 1950s, <b>The Who</b> recorded and rehearsed at Bray during the 1970s, <b>The Rocky Horror Picture Show </b>was made there, and tv series like <b>Inspector Morse </b>and <b>Doctor Who</b> have used the space.<br />
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Bray celebrates 60 years as a film studio next year, a rare survivor from the era of classic British cinema. Its the only one of the Hammer house studios that survives as a working studio. It would be a shame to see the premises closed and the history levelled.<br />
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This site is intended to alert people to the threat against the studios, and to share something of the history of Bray. If you're interested in contributing, get in touch.<br />
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Unless another film production company can invest time and money into the site it looks like the writing is on the wall. Perhaps it could be turned into a living film museum, an authentic film experience? A theatre? Anything but levelled and turned into a series of flats.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photo: Bray Studios, August 2007. (c) Robert J.E. Simpson. All Rights Reserved.</span></i>Robert JE Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697971998442516334noreply@blogger.com9