Kingston Upon Thames Studios: London's BEST Film & TV Production Hub?
Kingston Upon Thames Studios: London's BEST Film & TV Production Hub?
Okay, buckle up, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the supposed "BEST Film & TV Production Hub" in London – Kingston Upon Thames Studios! Forget stuffy reviews; this is going to be raw, real, and probably riddled with exclamation points. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of opinions!
Kingston Upon Thames Studios: London's (Probably) BEST Film & TV Production Hub? Let's Find Out!
Right, so I’ve heard whispers. Rumours. Legends, even, about Kingston Upon Thames Studios. They bill themselves as the peak, the pinnacle, the creme de la creme of London's film and TV production havens. Bold claim, right? Let's see if the reality matches the brochure.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Can I REALLY Get Here?
Okay, so the all-important question: can I actually get here? Accessibility is EVERYTHING, especially in a place like London. Good news peeps! Getting here seems pretty decent. I poked around, and they tout themselves as being wheelchair accessible, the whole shebang. That's HUGE. Makes a massive difference. Now, the actual experience within the studios is a whole other kettle of fish. I can't speak to that firsthand, but the potential is there, and that's a big win. Plus, they mention airport transfer. Score! Saves me the headache of navigating the Tube after a long flight – always a plus, especially if you're hauling gear. Car parking (free!) is also mentioned. Okay, Kingston, you're starting to win me over.
On-Site Amenities and…Stuff You Can EAT!
Look, let's be honest. In the frantic world of film and TV, sustenance is KEY. You need your fuel. Your coffee. Your…sanity, perhaps? So, let’s see what Kingston has to offer on the food front.
- Restaurants and Lounges: Okay, this is where it gets interesting. They boast restaurants, a bar, even a poolside bar. Fancy! And look, a coffee shop! Crucial. A snack bar – perfect for those 3 AM cravings after a grueling night shoot. I'm already picturing myself demolishing a late-night burger after a particularly tough scene. And, get this, a vegetarian restaurant! Seriously, good on them. Catering to diverse dietary needs is a BIG deal these days. Happy hour? Sign me up!
- Dining Options: We’re deep diving here! They have your basic Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service. A la carte in restaurant is on offer. They've got Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. I mean, it's all there! And even, Alternative meal arrangement.
The Crucial Stuff: Internet, Wi-Fi, and Keeping Connected
Alright, this is vital. In today’s hyper-connected world, being offline is, well, a career killer.
- Internet Access: The Essentials: Good news! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Huge, HUGE win. And they mention Internet [LAN] which is even better if you are an old fart like me that prefers a cable connection. Wi-Fi in public areas too, which is pretty standard but still appreciated. They seem to understand the need to stay plugged in, which is a big tick.
Relaxation and Well-Being? Because, You Know, Sanity
Filming and TV is stressful.. So, the question is, can Kingston help you unwind?
- The Spa Life: Okay, they have a spa. Spa/sauna. Sauna. Steamroom Yep. Pool with view. Swimming pool [outdoor]. Massage. Body scrub and Body wrap. Now we're talking my language. Might be easier to find a good body wrap than a decent script. This is a HUGE selling point for me. After a 16-hour day on set, a massage is practically a medical necessity.
- Fitness Fanatics: For the fitness enthusiasts, they offer a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. Maybe I’ll actually try to do something other than watch Netflix in my room. Probably not, but the option is there!
- The Little Details: Foot bath
Cleanliness, Safety, and Feeling Secure
In a world where everyone is paranoid, this is important.
- Safety First: They're taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products. Cashless payment service. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Professional-grade sanitizing services. Rooms sanitized between stays. They're even offering Room sanitization opt-out. Staff trained in safety protocol. All good signs. First aid kit.
- Security Measures: CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms. Security [24-hour]. Feeling safe is important!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Again, Because FOOD)
Let's be real, you're going to live on caffeine and whatever's quick. So, how useful are the food and drink services?
- The Choices: I'm already picturing the Poolside bar on a hot day. Breakfast in room is a godsend for those early call times. Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you have the post-shoot munchies at 2 AM. Bottle of water in your room? Appreciated!
- Little Things: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
These can make or break a stay!
- The Basics: Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Concierge, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service. All the essentials are covered!
- Business Needs: Looks like they cater to business travelers with Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Meetings,
For the Kids
- Family Stuff: If you have the little ones in tow, they have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal.
In-Room Amenities: Where You Actually Live
What's your room like?
- The Goods: Air conditioning (thank god!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free].
My Verdict (So Far):
Look, based on the laundry list of amenities, Kingston Upon Thames Studios sounds pretty darn impressive. They seem to have thought of everything, from the practicalities of staying connected to the all-important luxury of a post-shoot massage. I'm cautiously optimistic.
Now, Let's Talk About the Hook: The "Unbeatable Offer"
Okay, let's say you're a film producer. You're on a budget. You need somewhere that is going to make filming easier. Here's where Kingston can make that happen for you:
The Offer - Lights, Camera, Action!
Book your production at Kingston Upon Thames Studios and receive:
- Exclusive 10% discount for booking for over 10 days
- Complimentary breakfast served in your room, or takeaway for those early call times.
- Complimentary use of private meeting rooms for pre-production planning.
- Guaranteed late check-out (up to 2 PM) to accommodate post-wrap relaxation.
- Access to discounted spa treatments at the on-site spa, perfect for unwinding after a long day on set.
Why Kingston?
- Prime Location: Close to central London and easy access for crew and talent.
- Full-Service Experience: On-site everything – restaurants, spa, fitness.
- Production-Ready: Well-equipped, secure, and designed to make filming seamless.
- Unbeatable Value
Call to Action:
Don't miss out on this exclusive offer! Head over to their website or give them a call today to lock in your dates at Kingston Upon Thames Studios. It's time to make your next production a smooth and enjoyable experience. Make sure to book now, before available dates are filled!
The Honest Truth
Look, I haven't actually stayed there yet. But based on the incredible amount of options, I'm tempted. Very tempted. I mean, free parking, a spa, and reliable internet? That's the trifecta of a
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because here’s my, uh… ahem… attempt at a Kingston Upon Thames adventure. (Don't judge the itinerary, the journey is the important thing… and probably a bit of a car crash, honestly.)
A Kingston Caprice: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & False Starts (and a lot of self-doubt)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Kingston Station. (Hopefully I get there. I have a spectacularly terrible sense of direction, and the Thameslink website is currently taunting me.) Okay, breath. Pretend you know what you're doing. Pretend. (Emotional Reaction: Mild panic. Maybe a slight, involuntary twitch.)
- 10:30 AM: Find the bloody Kingston Upon Thames Studios. Should be simple, right? WRONG. Google Maps is sending me around the bloody Houses of Parliament (again). I swear, if I see another swan… (Quirky Observation: Why are swans always so judgey?)
- 11:00 AM: Finally find the Studios. Am I at the right place? The sign looks a bit…faded. Oh well, In. (Opinionated Language: This better be worth it! I've already walked a mile in the wrong direction, wearing shoes that are clearly plotting against me.)
- 11:30 AM: Studio tour. Okay, let's do this. I'm assuming it's a 'real' studio, not a glorified storage unit. Pray for me. (Fingers crossed it involves some creative genius and not, you know, a lot of filing cabinets. I'm a sucker for a good filing cabinet, though.)
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. Sandwiches, because I'm a cheapskate and also don't know anything about the local food scene. (Anyone got a good recommendation? Hit me up.) Anecdote: Last time I tried to be fancy, I ordered something I didn't recognize. Ended up with a plate of what I think was pickled onions. We had to throw them away, I was on the verge of tears.
- 1:30 PM: Explore the Riverside. "Charming" is the word, isn't it? Or is it just… watery? Let's be optimistic. I'll try to like it. I hope it’s not raining. (It’s probably going to rain.) (Emotional Reaction: A glimmer of hope…quickly snuffed out by the impending downpour predicted by every weather app in the world.)
Day 2: Arts, Awkwardness, & a Slightly Questionable Pub
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Trying to cook in the kitchenette. I'm gonna burn something. Probably the toast. Definitely the toast. (Messy Structure: Okay, so I REALLY messed up the toast. Fire alarm, anyone? Nope. Just black, smoking bread. Success?)
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Rose Theatre Kingston. Beautiful, right? I hope so. I think I saw Julia (Roberts or a similar celebrity) was in the last season? I'm not sure. So, I need to see the new stuff. I hope there is not someone I know at there. (Anecdote: I once went to a play and spent the whole time worrying that the guy in the front row was judging me. So, I just closed my eyes and tried to absorb the art. Didn't work. Great place for the theatre, though.)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Ok, now food is a very important thing. I want something tasty, easy to eat. I hope I don't make a mess as always. I'm gonna try to find some places to eat. (Messy Structure: I spent all my morning looking for food, uff, I'm desperate.)
- 1:00 PM: Explore more studios. I'll see if they have something special. I'll try to go and see what they are doing. (Anecdote: Last time I tried to be fancy, I ordered something I didn't recognize. Ended up with a plate of what I think was pickled onions. We had to throw them away, I was on the verge of tears.)
- 3:00 PM: Back to the Riverside. This time with a coffee. Okay, I will try to love the riverside, but it's so very…watery. I hope I find a lovely bench to sit and drink the coffee. (Emotional Reaction: I'm starting to feel a bit nostalgic… even though I've only been here a day and a half.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a pub. The "Swan Inn". I'm slightly biased. The name is a bit on the nose. But the reviews were good. I hope the food is good. I'll pray.
- 8:30 PM: The Swan Inn. Okay. Let's be honest, the food was just ok. The ale was amazing. The conversation with a local about the proper way to pronounce “Worcestershire sauce” (apparently, I’m an idiot) was… educational. (Quirky Observation: I'm starting to think I should become a pub philosopher. Though, I'd probably just spill beer on my beard.)
Day 3: Unexpected Adventures & a Hasty Retreat
- 9:00 AM: One more breakfast mess. I feel I'm getting better, maybe…
- 10:00 AM: Walk around. Maybe I should go shopping? I'm not a big fan of spending money. But I want to see at least what's around.
- 11:00 AM: Time to leave. I will try not to get lost.
Departure:
- Adios! (I'm still alive! I also managed to leave the studio with most of my belongings. Victory!)
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- Did I actually enjoy myself? Maybe, a little.
- Will I return? Probably. (Once I've recovered from the logistical nightmare that was my first visit.)
- Kingston Upon Thames, you are a quirky, slightly confusing, undeniably memorable place. And for that, I thank you. (Emotional Reaction: A grudging respect, tinged with exhaustion and a deep, burning need for sleep.)
Kingston Upon Thames Studios: Your Burning Questions, Answered (and My Thoughts, Oh So Many Thoughts...)
So, like, is Kingston Upon Thames Studios actually "the best"? Sounds a bit... boastful.
Okay, okay, "BEST" is a strong word. Look, I've been around the block. I've seen studio kitchens that look like crime scenes (and smelled worse...). And while it's *definitely* got competition (looking at you, Shepperton, you fancy thing!), Kingston Upon Thames Studios... it's got a certain charm, a *vibe*, you know? It's not all polished chrome and pretentious catering. It's got a gritty, real-world feel. Like, you can almost *smell* the creativity (and sometimes, the leftover coffee from the night before). It's not perfect, but it's got… character.
They do a lot of stuff there, though. Big TV shows, some pretty decent films... you always see the blacked-out vans and the security guards looking vaguely bored, like they're waiting for the next celebrity meltdown (which, let's be honest, is probably more interesting than their job). It's got a history, too. Remember that episode of… oh, shoot, what was it called? Anyway, it was filmed there, and I remember thinking, "Huh, this studio has seen some things." Probably some really epic things, and some truly awful ones (I’m looking at you, that experimental indie film that shall remain nameless).
What kind of productions actually *shoot* at Kingston? Like, is it all Marvel movies? (Please say yes.)
Alright, settle down, superhero fan. No, it's not *all* Marvel. Though, wouldn't that be grand? Big budget stuff *occasionally* graces the soundstages. They're like, the cool older brother of the production world, doing the really serious stuff. But honestly, it’s a mixed bag. You've got your dramas, your comedies, the occasional period piece (those costumes always look amazing, even if the dialogue is… less so).
And then there are the TV shows. So. Many. TV. Shows. Think of it like this: if it's on the telly, there's a good chance a piece of it was filmed at Kingston. I remember once, stumbling across a set during a location scout. It was for a… well, let's just say it involved very tight lycra and a lot of CGI. The atmosphere was a weird mix of intense focus and utter absurdity. And the catering... well, let's just say I made a mental note to pack my own lunch next time. Even if, the food wasn’t all bad. It did its best.
Oh, and sometimes, music videos! Remember that band with the… well, never mind. Let's just say, I’ve seen things I can't unsee. Let’s move on.
What are the facilities *actually* like? Are we talking state-of-the-art or…slightly dodgy?
Okay, honesty time. "Dodgy" might be pushing it a little. But "state-of-the-art" isn't always the first phrase that springs to mind. The studios *have* been updated over the years, obviously. They've got decent sound stages, editing suites, the usual suspects. But let's be real, it's not Hollywood. They're not going to be giving you gold-plated toilet seats.
It's more... functioning. Good enough. You get what you need to get the job done. And honestly, that’s what matters. I've worked on projects where the equipment was held together with gaffer tape and sheer willpower. Kingston usually has pretty decent gear. Plus, the staff are generally pretty good. They seem to know their stuff and are usually more accommodating than the security guards at the entrance to a night club. Usually. Sometimes you see something, you think, "Oh, that’s… seen some things." But hey, that goes for anything in the film world.
The *real* test, the ultimate barometer of a studio's worth, is the coffee machine. And, honestly, that varies. Sometimes it's decent, sometimes it’s… well, let's just say you’d be better off drinking the water from the tap. But at least they *have* a coffee machine, unlike some places I’ve been… *shudders* Anyway, the overall facilities? They are decent enough. Not perfect. Functioning. Consider that you may want to bring your own coffee.
Let's talk about the *experience* of working there. What's it like? What's the vibe?
The vibe… hmm. Ok, picture this: late nights, fueled by coffee (see previous point, important), and a shared sense of exhaustion. It's a collaborative kind of atmosphere, but a slightly chaotic one. Everyone's got their own job to do, their own deadlines. It's intense, but there's a strange camaraderie that develops. You're all in the trenches together, fighting to make something… well, hopefully something good.
I remember one shoot – a horror film. I won't tell you which one, mainly because I’m pretty sure I signed something that said I couldn’t. But the set… oh, the set. The special effects team were brilliant, transforming a soundstage into a bloody, gruesome nightmare. And the actors… bless them, they were working so hard (and looking genuinely terrified). There was this one scene where… oh, never mind. The point is, everyone was invested. It was a long, grueling shoot, but at the end of the day, you felt like you’d actually *accomplished* something.
It can be stressful. It can be fun. It’s always unpredictable. And, sometimes, you just need a good cup of coffee. Just make sure it's not from the machine. Or maybe bring your own. Seriously.
Is it easy to *get to* Kingston Upon Thames Studios? I hate terrible commutes.
Okay, this is a big one for me, because I've endured some truly soul-crushing commutes in my time. Kingston itself is pretty accessible, all things considered. Public transport is decent. Train lines are pretty good, but you've got to watch the traffic. It *is* London, after all. The roads are not always your friend, trust me. I mean, the worst commutes... I can’t even begin to, I’m going to start rambling about the *time* the train… no. Bad memories.
You can get there by train or by car. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare. They have a car park, but it fills up fast, so get there early. Or be prepared to spend some time navigating the surrounding streets, which can be its own special circle of hell. The traffic in Kingston itself isn't always brilliant either - you're near the river, which adds to bottlenecks. And London drivers… well. Let's just say, patience is a virtue. So if you can, try to go by train and avoid the car. Your sanity will thank you. I had to learn the hard way.
Any insider tips? Secrets to surviving a shoot at Kingston?
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