The first 100 years of British film studies, covering over 90 studios.

From the first Sherlock Holmes film to the African Queen, the only full account of this important film studio

Published in association with Elstree Studios, Elstree: A Celebration is a tribute to over a century of world-class film and TV, and provides an intriguing insight into the past glories and hurdles of Elstree Studios and looks forward to an exciting future.

This is the first report from the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications of the 2009-10 session (HLP 37-I, ISBN 9780108459290) and examines "The British film and television industries - decline or opportunity?". The report looks at how these industries have developed, the challenges they are currently facing and what practical help might be provided to enable them to develop further. The film and television industries make an important contribution to the British economy. They contribute to national income and employment, and make a net contribution to exports, which has the capacity to grow. Despite the competition from abroad, particularly the US, UK-produced content on film and television has a strong international reputation and makes a major contribution to the entertainment and education of British audiences. The publication is divided into 6 chapters and looks in detail at the following areas: Chapter 1: The British film industry; Chapter 2: A better future for British films; Chapter 3: British television; Chapter 4: Promoting British television; Chapter 5: Skills and training. With Chapter 6 setting out recommendations, including, in respect of television: that the Government should urge public service broadcasters to revive their investment in training; encourage the expansion of online video on demand; promote greater production of UK TV content by a tax credit or through the use of the proceeds of spectrum sale and sharing part of the BBC licence fee; expand the role played by BBC Worldwide in distributing UK content overseas. Recommendations in respect of film, include: new legislation specifically targeted at making the recording of a film in a cinema by camcorder a criminal offence; provide more support to smaller films and allowing British films to be partly shot abroad without suffering a financial penalty; encourage more private investment in film production. For Vol. 2, Evidence, see (ISBN 9780108459306).

MGM British Studios: Hollywood in Borehamwood tells the story behind England's biggest film studio. Based in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, between 1948-1970, it played host to some of the biggest names in Hollywood's history, and over 150 classic movies from the golden age of cinema were produced on its sound stages. From Under Capricorn (1949) directed by Alfred Hitchcock; to Mogambo (1953) Starring Clark Gable, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly; from Where Eagles Dare (1968) starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood; to 2001 (1968) directed by Stanley Kubrick; this book tells the story of their making, from behind the scenes. Featuring many never before seen photographs, and hundreds of memories from those who worked at MGM British, both in-front of, and behind the camera, this is a nostalgic trip through an important era in British film studio history. Derek Pykett spent many years of his life as a professional actor, working in theatre, television and films, and making his first movie appearance in what is now regarded as a classic, The Princess Bride (1986) directed by Rob Reiner. In 2001 he founded his own theatre company, Theatre Macabre, specialising in horror and fantasy. Shows produced include Dracula, Jack the Ripper and Witchfinder General. More recent years have seen him produce and direct documentaries for DVD, including AMICUS: House of Horrors (Alpha Home Entertainment, USA). Previously published work as an author includes, Michael Ripper Unmasked (Midnight Marquee, USA) and British Horror Film Locations (McFarland, USA). Derek and his partner Ruth live in England, and they have three dogs - Lucy, Willow and Woolly.