Pinewood Group marked the 90th anniversary of Pinewood Studios with a special celebratory screening of Casino Royale, held on the very date which the Studios first opened its doors in 1936.
The studios located in Buckinghamshire are one of the world’s most iconic film and television production facilities. Pinewood has been the creative home of some of the most successful and enduring screen franchises in history, including James Bond, Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and numerous Disney Live Action productions.
At the screening event, dedicated birthday messages were shared from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and Patron of BAFTA, as well as long-term friends of the Studios. These included the film producers, David Puttnam, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the former Pinewood Chairman, Michael Grade, Ben Roberts the CEO of the British Film Institute, and the film directors Ridley Scott and Edgar Wright. The anniversary event was attended by 500 guests including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe, Pinewood customers, production crew, Pinewood staff, onsite tenants, members of the local community, partners and friends of the Studios from past and present. The 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale, also celebrates 20 years since its release this year.
Guests entered via the original entrance to Pinewood Studios and along the famed South corridor, and the event took place on ‘A’ Stage, one of Pinewood’s original sound stages, which was dressed as a beach including 16 plant species,320 palm trees and shrubs, 80 tonnes of sand, 500 deck chairs and 1000 festoon lights.
“Celebrating Pinewood’s 90th anniversary on the day the Studios opened in 1936 was a very special moment. Bringing our community together on ‘A’ Stage to watch Casino Royale was a fitting way to honour both our history and the people who continue to make Pinewood such an extraordinary place. As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting the talent, creativity and innovation that will shape the next 90 years of storytelling.”
David Conway
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Chief Executive Officer, Pinewood Group
Opening on 30 September 1936, by J Arthur Rank and Charles Boot, Pinewood Studios began with just four original sound stages, A, B, C, and D, which were built around the grounds of the Victorian country house, Heatherden Hall. It has since grown into a globally recognised home for film and television production with 31 sound stages, including the Albert R Broccoli 007 Stage and the unique Underwater Stage.
As Pinewood Studios enters its tenth decade, Pinewood Group will continue to celebrate its heritage while investing in the future of film and television production, helping new generations of storytellers bring extraordinary ideas to the screen.
The anniversary celebrations continue through the week with screenings of Dr No, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Mamma Mia! These are being held for the local community, South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA), and surrounding counties and friends of the Studios. All four screenings have been supported by long-term suppliers to the Pinewood lot, including Greens Team Ltd who dressed the set, MBS Equipment Co. who provided all the lighting and power, and catering by Red Chutney.
Photos by Tim Whitby
