Bray Studios
Bray Studios is a historic film and television studio complex located in Windsor, Berkshire, England. Here is a detailed overview:
History
- Foundation: Bray Studios was established in 1951 by Hammer Film Productions when they purchased the Down Place country house in Bray, Berkshire. The studio quickly became synonymous with horror films during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Early Years: The studio's initial focus was on producing low-budget horror films which helped to redefine the genre. Films like "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957) and "Dracula" (1958) were shot here, cementing its place in film history.
- Expansion: Over the years, Bray Studios expanded its facilities, adding soundstages, workshops, and offices to accommodate larger productions and different genres.
Notable Productions
- Hammer Horror: Bray Studios was the primary location for Hammer's horror productions, which included classics like "The Mummy" (1959), "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1959), and "The Horror of Dracula" (1958).
- Other Films: Beyond horror, the studio was used for various other genres. Productions like "One Million Years B.C." (1966) and "The Viking Queen" (1967) were also filmed there.
- Television: In later years, Bray Studios has hosted numerous television shows, including "The Muppet Show" for its second season in 1976, "The Avengers," and "Doctor Who."
Modern Era
- Change in Ownership: In the 1970s, Hammer Films' fortunes declined, leading to the sale of Bray Studios to EMI in 1970. The studio has since changed hands several times, with its most recent owners being Pinewood Studios Group in 2011.
- Current Use: Today, Bray Studios continues to operate as a film and TV studio. It has been used for a wide array of productions, from blockbusters to indie films, and remains a significant production hub in the UK.
Facilities
- Soundstages: Bray offers several soundstages of varying sizes, suitable for different scales of production.
- Backlots: The studio features outdoor sets and backlots that have been used to create everything from medieval villages to futuristic settings.
- Support Services: The studio provides comprehensive support services including production offices, post-production facilities, and workshops for set construction and special effects.
Legacy
Bray Studios holds a special place in film history due to its association with Hammer Horror, which influenced the horror genre worldwide. Its atmospheric settings, innovative special effects, and the iconic horror films produced there have left a lasting legacy in cinema.
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