Volunteer Police Cadets from two VPC units, one from the Metropolitan Police Bromley VPC Unit and the other from Thames Valley Polices', South Buckinghamshire Unit recently joined forces for an incredible day visiting Pinewood Studios, as guests of the Disney European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) security team and the Pinewood Group.
Famous for some of the big and small screen’s most enduring productions over its 85-year history, Pinewood’s iconic UK studios are 20 miles from central London.
Pinewood is home to the legendary James Bond Stage, a further 30 stages including the unique permanently-filled Underwater Stage, 3 TV studios, one of Europe’s largest exterior tanks, acres of backlot and thousands of square feet of production office and workshop space, Pinewood has everything for making film and TV productions, all in one place.
After a detailed briefing at the Studios cinema complex, meeting senior leads and professionals, the Cadets had the chance to see how the magic happens, how iconic films and TV shows are made, special effects and highly detailed sets and back lots.
The Cadets met specialists and professionals from different departments and learned all about the diverse range of roles and careers that go into creating incredible movies and unforgettable scenes on the big screen.
Those not only include actors and supporting artists in front of the camera, but also directors and producers behind it, as well as construction teams, builders, carpenters, electricians, fire and ambulance specialists, make-up, tailors and dress makers, painters, security, health and safety, camera technicians, underwater specialists, lighting, maintenance – a seemingly endless list!
Cadets stepped onto iconic film and movie locations, finding out about the hard work and dedication that goes into creating magical moments and scenes on incredible films and shows.
It was eye-opening to realise that a few moments on film may have taken weeks to plan, prepare and shoot, on location or a studio set, and how skilful technicians and professionals can create whole cities and streets, ports or sea battles that are totally convincing when you watch the finished film.
Here's what some of the Cadets said -
“Visiting Pinewood Studios was one of the most interesting things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do. We learnt heaps about the security measures put in place to ‘Protect the Magic’ .
I was especially surprised to learn how many people were employed to help safeguard the film industry and how they all came from very different backgrounds, the diversity of employees was amazing and inspiring. It has encouraged me to look at the film industry as a possible career option and helped me to understand how important film is to individuals and the economy. Thank you Disney and Pinewood!” - Cadet Ophelia (16)
"Unique & an exciting opportunity, so interesting to find out how the sound stages are used and how sets are built for different types of settings." - Cadet Lex (16)
“It was a brilliant day and I loved seeing behind the scenes of films!” - Cadet Lottie (15)
“We had a great experience, I really felt like we were part of the story!” - Cadet Eden (13)
“Amazing to see and hear how the films we watch & love are created! Great seeing the photos from all the old films and TV, standing on the places where they were made, and hearing stories from production.” - Cadet Holly (17)
“This was a great opportunity to see the inner workings of such a big complex, and how everyone works together to create such amazing films.” Cadet Liam (15)
Thank you to everyone who took part and everyone who made this exciting experience happen.