The Water Tank

In studio No. 4 is situated the water tank 48 feet long, over 18 feet wide and 10 feet deep, formed in reinforced concrete and asphalted, and in the sides are provided porthole lights, from which underwater scenes can be filmed and lighted. Naval scenes are shot using scaled models in the tank, or actors with modelled sections of ships.

I recall seeing the water tank when I visited the studio as a child. It was set up to shoot a naval battle scene, and I remember being impressed how large and detailed the model ships were.

The tank is floored over with removable traps providing access to any part. The removable traps are covered with wood blocks to match the studio floor.

This tank holds 270 tons of water, and can be heated in a short time by steam ejectors, which draw cold water from the tank, mix it with steam and then discharge the heated water back into the tank. The heated water is required for the filming of scenes in which the actors are submersed in the water, such as shipwrecks and swimming, etc.

The Ventilation System & Clear Photography

The all important question of heating and ventilation to studios is through ducts and grilles concealed in the ceiling space and absolutely noiseless in operation.

The ventilation plant installed has a dual purpose. Firstly, the efficient ventilation of the studios, which is of great importance to the artistes, and secondly the rendering of an atmosphere perfectly clear for the photography of films. This is of paramount importance to the producers, as a fog-free atmosphere means a picture of first class quality.

This clear atmosphere is obtained in the studios by passing all the air through specially designed filters before being forced by a super silent centrifugal fan through ductwork, to suitable points of discharge in the studios.

Approximately 14 tons of air is delivered into the studios hourly, this being filtered and tempered to suit the required conditions.

Since 1927 monitoring, recording and other service rooms are also similarly ventilated. But, the heating to dressing rooms generally is by radiators, except the crowd dressing rooms which are ventilated and heated by the ducted air system.

The Sprinkler System

All the studios and adjacent offices are protected throughout by a sprinkler installation, with about 3,000 sprinkler heads, three stop valves and using about six miles of piping. They are served by two separate water mains, to ensure continuous supply in the event of one main being out of use through repairs or other causes.

Full facilities as to emergency escape and inter-communication are provided.