MediaCityUK Produces First Show From New Studio Complex

History was made at MediaCityUK last month, when the first show from the multi-million studio facilities on Salford Quay was recorded.
The half-hour test show (not to be transmitted) was made for the BBC as part of Peel Media's contractual obligations with the broadcaster, which will relocate 2,300 employees to MediaCityUK during 2011.
It was filmed in HQ2 one of the seven HD studios in the multi-million studio facilities to operated by a joint venture between Peel Media and SIS.
Andy Waters, Head of Studios for MediaCityUK, said: "As part of our agreement with the BBC we had to demonstrate we could produce a show with a full studio audience; the only caveat was we had to overcome a few obstacles along the way! Therefore during the making of the show we experienced a power failure and a fire alarm, which resulted in a full evacuation of the audience and crew. Luckily all went to plan and MediaCityUK Studios officially open for business in January 2011."
Last month, Peel Media signed a new ten-year agreement with the BBC to deliver an enhanced range of production and technical services at MediaCityUK when the broadcaster opens it new northern headquarters at Salford Quays next year. The services will be provided through a joint venture between Peel Media and Satellite Information Services (SIS), which was also agreed last month.
By December 2011, the BBC will be fully operational with a total of 2,300 people working from Salford Quays. BBC Breakfast will also be broadcast from MediaCityUK by Easter 2012.
Five London-based departments are relocating from London to MediaCityUK - Children's, Learning, Sport, Radio 5 Live and parts of Future, Media & Technology. In addition, the BBC's Manchester Oxford Road operations will move to Salford, including regional and local programmes, as well as drama, comedy, religion and radio current affairs.
The new studio facilities at MediaCityUK complement the facilities within The Pie Factory. Opened in January 2007 The Pie Factory houses three sound stages, which are perfect for dramas and commercials. The building is also home to 26 companies from casting to lighting, camera hire to advertising.
MediaCityUK is already gradually coming to life, with the new tram stop up and running, the Holiday Inn open for business and the first residents moving into their apartments. By the summer of 2011, retailers including Booths, Costa and WH Smith will be open, with more announcements due shortly.
(KMcA)