Underwater Stage

The Underwater Stage, of Pinewood Shepperton studios (merged 2001), is a permanently filled and heated underwater filming stage.Pinewood Shepperton, "Gordon Brown Opens Underwater Stage at Pinewood Studios," 19-May-2005, webpage: [http://www.pinewoodshepperton.com/html/News/ustageopening.htm PinewoodShepperton-Stage] , accessed 22-August-2006.] The stage opened in 2005 after four years of planning and development. The water in the tank is filtrated using an ultraviolet system which creates crystal clear water and a comfortable environment to work in for both cast and crew. The tank is permanently filled, and the water is maintained at 22˚C (72˚F).

The Underwater Stage was opened on May 18 2005, by the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, as Europe’s only studio-based, permanently filled and heated, underwater filming stage; the Chancellor was accompanied by Michael Grade, Chairman, and Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive of Pinewood Shepperton plc."Gordon Brown Opens Underwater Stage at Pinewood Studios," 19-May-2005, webpage: [http://www.pinewoodshepperton.com/html/News/ustageopening.htm PinewoodShepperton-Stage] ] Chancellor Gordon Brown opened the stage by pressing a button that dropped an automobile into the water tank of the Underwater stage.

There is also an underwater stage at Basildon in Essex. Action Underwater Studios were formally located in Waltham Cross. After the area was redeveloped, a purpose built underwater stage was designed and constructed at their new location in Archers Field, Basildon. Action Underwater studios have the only underwater stage in Europe with a removable roof. Credits include: The Bourne Supermacy, Star Wars Phantom Menace, Sexy Beast, James Bond and Thunderbirds. More information can be found at: www.actionunderwaterstudios.com

The Underwater Stage has been used for TV, Film, Commercials, pop promos and photo shoots. The Stage has hosted: The Da Vinci Code, Basic Instinct 2, Scoop, Silent Witness, James Blunt, and a Water Aid promotion with actress Keira Knightley."Gordon Brown Opens Underwater Stage at Pinewood Studios," 19-May-2005, webpage: [http://www.pinewoodshepperton.com/html/News/ustageopening.htm PinewoodShepperton-Stage] ]

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