Winnersh Film Studios Case Study
The Client
Winnersh Film Studios was a film and television production facility in Winnersh, Berkshire, situated between Reading and Wokingham. The studio formed part of the UK's growing film and television production infrastructureRadio infrastructure is the equipment and supporting systems behind a professional two-way radio network, including repeaters, antennas, base stations, network connections, power systems and dispatch equipment. and was used for a number of major and smaller productions.
The facility was associated with productions including Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Argylle. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire used Winnersh Film Studios for filming, while production industry sources also identify Winnersh Film Studios as a filming location for Argylle.
With film and television productions bringing together large numbers of people across multiple departments and working areas, reliable communication is an important part of keeping production activity coordinated.
The Challenge
The Requirement
A production company operating from Winnersh Film Studios required a large-scale two-way radio hire solution to support communications across its production environment.
The requirement was substantial, with 75 professional two-way radios needed for the production.
With multiple teams working across the studio environment, the radio systemA Radio System is a complete communication solution comprising two-way radios and, where required, equipment such as repeaters, antennas, base stations, mobile radios and network infrastructure. needed to provide dependable communications while allowing key personnel to remain connected throughout the working day.
The production also required additional infrastructure and accessories to support the radio deployment.
The Solution
Our Recommendation
DCS 2 Way Radio supplied a complete radio hireRadio Hire is the temporary rental of two-way radios and related communication equipment for events, projects and operational requirements, providing professional communication without purchasing the equipment. solution comprising 75 two-way radios, two radio repeaters and 20 earpieces.
The scale of the deployment provided the production with a substantial fleet of professional radios that could be distributed amongst the teams and personnel requiring direct communication.
Two radio repeaters were supplied as part of the solution, providing additional radio infrastructure to support communications coverageRadio Coverage is the geographical area in which a two-way radio system can provide reliable communication. Coverage depends on the radios, antennas, frequency, terrain, buildings and system infrastructure. across the production environment.
For personnel requiring more discreet communication, 20 earpieces were also supplied as part of the hire.
The combination of handheld radios, repeaterA Repeater receives a two-way radio transmission and retransmits it, usually from an elevated location, to extend the coverage and reliability of a radio communication system. infrastructure and earpieces provided a flexible communications solution capable of supporting the demands of a large film and television production.
The Implementation
DCS supplied and prepared the radio equipment required for the production, providing a fleet of 75 two-way radios together with two repeaters and 20 earpieces.
The equipment was supplied as a radio hire solution, allowing the production company to deploy the communications equipment it required without the need to purchase and maintain a permanent radio fleet.
The large number of radios provided flexibility for key personnel across the production environment, while the repeater infrastructure supported the wider communications system.
The earpieces provided an additional option for users who required discreet communications while working.
The Results
Deployment
The completed deployment provided the production company with a substantial communications fleet consisting of:
| Department | Radios | Typical users |
| Production / Production Office | 8 | Production Manager, Coordinators, Production Assistants |
| 1st AD / AD Team | 10 | 1st AD, 2nd AD, 3rd ADs, key set personnel |
| Locations | 7 | Location Manager, assistants, location team |
| Camera | 4 | Camera Operator, 1st/2nd ACs, DOP/key camera |
| Lighting / Electric | 6 | Gaffer, Best Boy, key electricians |
| Grip | 4 | Key Grip, Best Boy Grip, key crew |
| Art Department | 5 | Production Designer, Art Director, key crew |
| Sound | 2 | Sound team |
| Costume / Wardrobe | 2 | Costume Supervisor/key personnel |
| Hair & Make-up | 2 | Department heads |
| Transport | 5 | Transport Captain, drivers/coordinators |
| Security | 6 | Security supervisors and key personnel |
| Stunts / SFX / Special Effects | 4 | Department heads/key crew |
| Health & Safety / Medical | 2 | Safety/medical personnel |
| Catering / Unit Base | 2 | Catering/unit-base coordination |
| Spare / Float / Management | 6 | Replacement units, visitors, additional crew |
| Total | 75 |
The combination of equipment provided a scalable two way radio hire solution suitable for the size and complexity of a professional film production environment.
Rather than relying on individual mobile phones or informal communication methods, production personnel had access to dedicated two-way radio communications designed for rapid, direct contact.
The two repeaters formed an important part of the overall radio infrastructure, supporting the communications requirements of the production across the studio environment.
After Care
Throughout the hire period, DCS provided ongoing support to help keep the production’s communications equipment operational and minimise disruption.
As part of the radio hire service, any radios that developed a fault or were damaged during the hire were repaired or replaced promptly at no additional charge, ensuring replacement equipment was available when required.
With 75 two-way radios in active use across a busy film production environment, this ongoing support provided the production company with the reassurance that equipment issues could be dealt with quickly without affecting the availability of its radio fleet.
This level of support is an important advantage of hiring rather than purchasing equipment, with DCS taking responsibility for maintaining the hired radio fleet throughout the contract.
Conclusion
The Winnersh Film Studios deployment demonstrates how a professional film and TV radio hire solution can provide communications for a large-scale production environment.
DCS supplied 75 two-way radios, two radio repeaters and 20 earpieces, giving the production company a substantial communications fleet without the requirement to purchase its own equipment.
For film and television productions requiring reliable communications between production teams, locations, technical departments, security and other operational personnel, professional radio hire provides a flexible and scalable solution.
DCS 2 Way Radio can supply two-way radio hire solutions for film productions, television productions, studios, location shoots and other production environments across the UK.
Looking for two-way radio hire for a film or TV production? Contact DCS 2 Way Radio to discuss your requirements.
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