A new chapter in the services provided by Westside BID has started with the official opening ceremony of its impressive new broadcast studio.
The fully equipped studio, plus adjoining green room, was declared open and ready to use during an intimate event at the BID’s offices in Broad Street.
Around a dozen people attended the 3 April studio opening, including Jim Simpson from Big Bear Music, plus representatives from train company Alstom and the Hampton by Hilton hotel.
The new studio is available for BID members to book and use free of charge, Monday to Friday, from 8am until 4pm. External companies can also utilise the studio, with a negotiable fee for the service.
Once fully operational, the studio can be used for social media filming and creating videos for meetings, as well as other creative requirements suh as podcasts.
In addition to the studio space, a green room is also available for free hire, where people will be able to watch what is being filmed.
Refreshments can be stocked in the green room, for which there is an additional cost. Likewise, a technician will be available for hire if businesses require this to complete their filming.
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, carried out the official ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new studio at the event on Wednesday.
He said: “The BID’s board of directors felt that it would be appropriate to offer our members a provision where they could create quality content for their websites and social media.
“Our new studio has got a very high technical specification which offers a broadcast quality prodcution.”
Luisa Huggins, marketing manager for the BID, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new studio for members to use. They can come and film whatever they have to film for their business needs.
“We are so confident it is going to provide a great new service for members, and we’re honoured to serve our businesses in this way.”
She added that there was lots of interest in the new studio, with separate viewings booked with BID members over the coming weeks.
One of the business leaders attending the launch was Jim Simpson, of Big Bear Music, who organises regular live music gigs on Westside every week, plus the annual Birmingham Jazz Festival.
Mr Simpson said: “The new Westside film studio is most impressive, a totally professional, multi-camera set up staffed by people who really do know what they are about.
“It is a great idea and is based on real common sense. I’m sure that the Westside business fraternity will take full advantage of this splendid new facility.”
As well as being available for hire, the new studio is home to the very first Westside podcast called ‘Westside Live’. The podcasts will uncover the untold stories of Westside, together with interviews with local businesses and the occasional wellbeing feature.
Our video about the new studio, featuring interviews with Mike and Luisa, can be watched here:
For further information, and to hire the studio, contact Luisa at: luisa.huggins@westsidebid.co.uk
ENDS
