A COLLEGE has launched a new filmmaking facility in the city as it announces plans for further expansions.

Screen and Film School Brighton opened its new 11,000 square foot studio in Bevendean, comprising two large film sets, a green room, editing suite, make-up and costume areas and a production room.

The Argus: The new studios were opened officially last week. Photo: Rebecca BrandlerThe new studios were opened officially last week. Photo: Rebecca Brandler

The new facility was officially opened by college principal Itziar Leighton on May 11; there was a speech from college patron and film director Alex Kalymnios and a networking event for third year students.

“We have searched long and hard for the appropriate film studio space that is worthy of our students and their aspirations,” said Itziar.

The Argus: College principal Itziar Leighton cutting ribbon with patron Alex Kalymnios. Photo: Rebecca BrandlerCollege principal Itziar Leighton cutting ribbon with patron Alex Kalymnios. Photo: Rebecca Brandler

“I am delighted to say we have now achieved this and look forward to the many productions which will be shot here. Screen and Film School’s Brighton Film Studios will become an asset to the city, and hopefully encourage even more creative media productions in Brighton.

“This city played such an important part in the early development of filmmaking and cinematography in the 1890s, along with The Duke of York picture house operating since 1910. It’s only right we now have a film lot located in the heart of the city.

The Argus: Set One and Brighton Film Studios. Photo: Rebecca BrandlerSet One and Brighton Film Studios. Photo: Rebecca Brandler

“This launch event was also a fantastic opportunity to officially unveil our facilities to our many film and TV industry partners and we are so glad to see so many of our final year filmmaking students taking advantage of this chance to network with them.”

The new studios are one of the only film lots on the South Coast.

The Argus: Film School student Iris Haller (right) talks with assistant director Malcolm Davies. Photo: Rebecca BrandlerFilm School student Iris Haller (right) talks with assistant director Malcolm Davies. Photo: Rebecca Brandler

It comes as the Screen and Film School announces plans to build an additional space for their two newest courses: production design for screen and film, and aair and make-up for screen and film, both of which will start this September.

The school has three locations around the UK: Brighton, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as a site in Berlin, Germany.

It is ranked among the top ten film schools in the UK.