The Duke of Edinburgh was given a sneak peek at progress on London’s largest film studio - which will be used to shoot many Hollywood blockbusters.
Prince Edward visited The Wharf Studios in River Road on Friday (December 8) in his role as royal patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB).
Over the last ten years, Film Barking & Dagenham, a service which encourages collaboration of the film industry in the borough, has helped encourage notable productions in the area like Marvel Cinematic Universe flicks such as Avengers Age of Ultron and Doctor Strange, as well as Warner Bros films like The Batman.
During his time at the studio, His Royal Highness met with students from Make It Here – a programme from Film Barking & Dagenham – as well as runners and marshals who worked on high end television productions.
He was also given a glimpse of the Eastbrook Studios development, which will be London’s largest film studio - made up of 12 new sound stages - from spring 2024, alongside the six sound stages currently found in The Wharf Studios.
A plaque was unveiled to commemorate the visit.
The Duke of Edinburgh said: “Film, as with all of the creative industries, is about imagination, and making it happen. It takes a lot of different people to be able to do that, and that’s what the Guild is trying to encourage – more people who understand that there is a place in this industry for you.”
Lyndsay Duthie, PGGB’s CEO, said: “We would like to thank The Duke of Edinburgh for his ongoing support of The Production Guild of Great Britain and the work of our members and partners. We are delighted to be able to highlight this important initiative in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.
“To sustain a healthy and thriving film and television industry in the UK, we need to provide a skilled workforce for the future.
“The foundation for that future comes alive in places like Barking & Dagenham. PGGB celebrates the work that has been done so far and we are proud to support ongoing initiatives.”
Cllr Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “It will be one of two film studios in Barking & Dagenham with 18 new sound stages, unlocking huge opportunities and bringing in 21st century jobs for a 21st century borough.
“The Duke’s visit was a really special moment for our community. I’m so proud he witnessed first-hand our transformation, from Ford to film, as we set the stage for East London’s new film industry era.
“We’re a borough with huge ambition and we’re working tirelessly to ensure our residents benefit from all the opportunities the film industry brings.”
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