BBC S&PP to open central London facility in new year

The commercial subsidiary of the BBC moved into Editworks’ former building on Charlotte Street earlier this week, with a full post facility set to open in January.

BBC S&PP commercial manager Charlotte Forde said the facilities firm’s forced move out of Television Centre was the perfect opportunity to give its post operation “a new lease of life”.

“Our customers have been asking us to open in the centre of London since the year dot,” she said.

“We will bring a robust technology safety blanket from TVC, so that editors, colourists and mixers can work without any down time.

“We want to be known as the first point of contact for productions and the venue of choice for freelance craft operators.”

The Charlotte Street building will be renovated and fitted out with nine Avid Media Composer offline suites, nine Avid Symphony Nitris DX finishing suites, an Avid Pro Tools 5.1 audio suite and voiceover booth, and an Autodesk Smoke system.

It will house 14 permanent staff and freelancers.

From spring 2013 until 2015, BBC S&PP will temporarily shift part of its studios business to Elstree Studios while BBC Television Centre is redeveloped.

From February, the company’s Digital Media Services will move to a permanent home in South Ruislip.

Editworks vacated its Charlotte Street premises after it ran into financial difficulties earlier this year.

After the firm ceased trading, ten Editworks staff joined Evolutions to operate as a standalone brand inside the post firm.