University of Hertfordshire Unveils Propeller Stage One: A Game-Changer for Film and TV Training

The University of Hertfordshire is launching Propeller Stage One, a cutting-edge film studio designed to deliver top-tier training in creative and technical skills for the booming film and TV industry.

This initiative responds to the BFI UK Skills Review's forecast of 21,000 new jobs needed in the creative sector by 2025.

Propeller Stage One will replicate major film studio standards. It aims to solidify Hertfordshire's reputation as the UK's "Hollywood" by providing industry-relevant training to meet the workforce demands.

Already the UK's top filming destination, Hertfordshire has produced hits like Barbie, Eastenders, The Crown, Jurassic World, and Harry Potter. Home to five major studios—Elstree, Warner Brothers Leavesden, Sky, and BBC Studioworks—the county is a major production hub. In partnership with Hertfordshire Film Office and Screen Hertfordshire, Propeller Stage One is part of a movement to support the county's flourishing TV and film industry. Screen Hertfordshire connects industry, council, and education providers to promote Herts as the next big filmmaking destination.

Conceived by Dr. Stephen Partridge and Adam Morley, the Propeller project also supports students from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to succeed in the competitive industry.

Propeller Stage One will offer a commercial film studio for independent productions, with reduced rates for those providing student opportunities. It supports students in various disciplines, from production design to visual effects, ensuring they are job-ready.

Dr. Stephen Partridge, Dean of Creative Arts at the University of Hertfordshire said: “Our Propeller stage is innovative in bringing together multiple skills and trades to bridge conspicuous skills gaps across the sector, working closely with FE providers from across the county.

“The breadth and depth of talent is being aligned across many different curriculum areas to meet a need for more than 21,000 jobs to be filled over the coming years, concentrated in this region, adding terrific value for those seeking careers in the film and television industries.”

Offering a working, commercial film studio for independent production companies to hire at a significantly reduced rate if opportunities for students studying at the University are facilitated, its integrated training programme will support students to develop skills and experience in a generous scope of disciplines required to make films and television programmes from beginning to end.

These will include production design, set build and other related trades, studio and location-based production, catering, sound design, visual effects, editing and post-production, film finance, business planning, promotion and sales and distribution.

Another essential aspect of the Propeller film stages project is its commitment to supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds. The project aims to provide all University of Hertfordshire students with the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed in the highly competitive film and television industries.

Dr Partridge added: “Propeller Stage One will ensure that Herts graduates, whatever their background, are among the most skilled and prepared professionals entering the workforce, ready to meet the demands of a thriving industry. It will also enable the University of Hertfordshire to become a leader in film and media education.”

With the University already having an outstanding reputation in animation and visual effects, ranking in the top five for animation with over 1,400 applications each year, it’s hoped Propeller Stage One will provide radical ‘learning-by-doing’ opportunities. It should also strengthen teaching and learning outcomes and enable students to gain valuable experience and credits vital for their career progression into a broad spectrum of film and television jobs and careers.

Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “The University of Hertfordshire specialises in providing career-focused education that places high-quality skills and experience at the core, and we are proud to invest in industry-mirroring environments and equipment to ensure our students graduate work-ready. The Propeller stage will take this concept to another level: with students able to develop the many skills needed across the film sector while working on live, commercial productions that will provide them with vital real-world experience and contacts.

“It will also be another key area where our innovation and enterprise support is driving regional productivity growth in a key sector, bringing a multitude of benefits to the wider county. It’s hugely exciting, and I look forward to many opportunities this development will bring to our students, our valued partners and the county’s expanding film industry.”

Being delivered in partnership with Hertfordshire Film Office, a “one-stop production service” launched by Hertfordshire County Council’s enterprise arm, Hertfordshire Futures, to maximise the potential of Hertfordshire’s creative and screen industry, Propeller Stage One will also be a vital component within the new Screen Hertfordshire movement.

Representing the centre of the UK’s film and entertainment industry, and all the people, products, initiatives, activity and glamour that come with it, Screen Hertfordshire is an ecosystem ensuring a joined-up, coherent approach to safeguarding the county’s flourishing TV and film industry – as well as working to make it globally iconic.

The brainchild of Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, who also chairs the Screen Hertfordshire Advisory Board supported by a number of other local dignitaries and senior representatives from Hertfordshire’s film and education sectors, including Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, Adrian Hawkins OBE, Screen Hertfordshire connects industry with council and education providers, including the University of Hertfordshire, to continue promoting and developing Herts as the next big filmmaking destination and address talent pipeline challenges.

Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE said: “It is exciting to see the seed of an idea that I had several years ago – of bringing education, council and industry together - coming to fruition as Screen Hertfordshire and I am delighted to be chairing the Advisory Board.

“As Hertfordshire becomes the fastest growing centre for film, television and screen arts, with a number of major studios established and expanding in the county, it is vital that young people are able to gain the knowledge and experience to support the studios. I am thrilled that the major stakeholders in the industry are enthusiastically supporting the new Propeller initiative which will further cement Hertfordshire as the world’s leading centre for Tv and film production.”

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, said: “Hertfordshire is fast becoming a globally significant cluster for film and TV – but for that growth to be maintained it needs new talent and ideas. This is where Screen Hertfordshire and Propeller Stages comes in, by bringing industry and education together to develop that pipeline. I am delighted that Hertfordshire Futures is playing such a pivotal role in this development.”

For more information and updates on Propeller Stage One, visit the University of Hertfordshire.