Introduction
Elstree Film Studios required Stage 5 to be converted from a former sound stage into a fully functioning multi-camera television studio. Having successfully installed our Universal Television Studio Floor System many times for BBC Studioworks, Elgood Industrial Flooring was appointed to design and install a super-flat studio floor surface to support multi-camera pedestal use, heavy production loadings and semi-permanent studio paints. The facility now provides over 1,000 m² of space, including a new 590 m² multi-camera studio floor, completed within a three-week programme.
Background
Stage 5 at Elstree had previously operated as a sound stage, with the concrete slab carrying multiple layers of historic paint and localised damage. To operate successfully as a multi-camera television studio, the floor needed to deliver:
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A super-flat profile for smooth camera tracking and pedestal movement
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Structural capacity to handle scenery, equipment and heavy point loads
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A static dissipative surface to manage static build-up around sensitive broadcast electronics
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Compatibility with semi-permanent studio floor paints that can be applied and removed between productions
With more than a century of industrial flooring experience and over 40 years specialising in television studio floors, Elgood Industrial Flooring was tasked with delivering a British-manufactured, purpose-designed system that would meet these technical and operational demands.
The Challenge
The conversion presented several key challenges:
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Removing layers of old paint and contamination from the concrete slab left by years of use as a sound stage
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Dealing with a highly variable slab level, fluctuating by approximately ±40 mm across the studio area
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Achieving a super-flat operating surface for multi-camera pedestals, right up to the studio walls and set lines
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Forming smooth transitions at doors and along the perimeter to ancillary areas without compromising flatness in the studio
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Coordinating works so the studio floor was completed before installation of acoustics, galleries and new lighting
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Providing durable, easy-to-clean industrial flooring for surrounding areas that would complement the main studio surface
The solution had to deliver both the precision performance of a specialist TV studio floor and the practicality of a robust industrial floor in the supporting zones.
The Solution
Elgood Industrial Flooring designed and installed a complete flooring package for Stage 5, built around our Universal Television Studio Floor System.
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Mechanical preparation and repairs
Layers of existing paint were removed from the concrete using vacuum-contained shotblasting, ensuring an efficient clean and mechanical key. Diamond grinding was used to clean edges and detailed areas and to prepare localised repairs where the slab required reinstatement. -
Detailed levels survey and levelled frame
A comprehensive levels survey was undertaken to map slab variation and plan how to achieve the required flatness. The new studio floor was then laid within a carefully levelled frame, allowing the operating surface to be brought within tight tolerances while following the critical levels needed for the studio. -
Super-flat Universal Television Studio Floor System
Elgood installed its Universal Television Studio Floor System to create the main 590 m² multi-camera studio floor. The surface profile is engineered specifically for multi-camera pedestal use and the floor loadings associated with a large production studio. The system is static dissipative and designed for use with semi-permanent studio paints, allowing production teams to repaint, brand and refresh the floor as required between shows. -
Ramps and transitions
Ramps were formed at doorways and along the perimeter to ease the transition between the super-flat studio surface and adjacent ancillary areas, maintaining accessibility for people, equipment and scenery while protecting the integrity of the operating surface. -
Surrounding industrial flooring
The surrounding areas received a 4 mm solvent free epoxy self-smoother with a fine slip resistant finish, providing a smart industrial look. This hard-wearing, easy-to-clean industrial flooring has proved highly successful across a wide range of manufacturing and support environments, making it ideal for back-of-house and supporting spaces around the studio.
All works were carried out by Elgood’s own in-house, trained installation team, ensuring complete control over quality, flatness tolerances and programme.
Outcome
The completed project has transformed Stage 5 at Elstree Film Studios into a high-performance multi-camera studio environment. The client now benefits from:
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A super-flat Universal Television Studio Floor that supports smooth multi-camera pedestal movement and precise tracking
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A static dissipative surface compatible with semi-permanent studio floor paints, ideal for changing productions and visual requirements
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Reliable structural performance to handle heavy studio loadings, scenery and equipment
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Smooth, well-designed ramps and transitions between the studio and ancillary areas
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Robust epoxy industrial flooring in surrounding spaces, combining a neat appearance with long-term durability and easy maintenance
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A three-week installation delivered by a British manufacturer-installer with decades of experience in both industrial flooring and television studio floors
Stage 5 now offers a modern, technically capable studio floor system that underpins production quality, safety and flexibility, while reinforcing Elstree’s position as a leading UK television and film facility.
