BERKSHIRE, UK — Audio post production facility Pip Studios (www.pipstudios.com) is now fully open, offering Dolby Atmos capability from its six, purpose-built stages on its site in Winnersh, Berkshire. Co-founded by Ally Curran, Mark Sheffield and Nigel Bennett, Pip will offer audio localization services and ADR for feature films, television, gaming and streaming clients.
The six Atmos stages are all Dolby certified and equipped with 24-fader Avid S6 mixing consoles. They are well suited for both theatrical and home entertainment mixing. In addition to Dolby equipment, the stages are equipped with gear from Level Acoustic Design, Westwood Joinery, HHB Scrub, Bell Theatre Services, AKA, Wire Broadcast and Jigsaw 24.
Photo (L-R): Ally Curran, Nigel Bennett and Mark Sheffield
“The COVID-19 pandemic delayed our official opening by a month, so we used that time to further refine the facility,” explains Nigel Bennett, who serves as chairman of Pip Studios. “Happily, we were able to keep building it out with only minor delays on certain materials. The UK production sector has lacked Atmos capacity for a while and opening these six stages now is perfect timing as production starts to ramp up again.”
“We have designed a facility that meet the needs of our clients, whilst ensuring the space is adaptable for a variety of audio work and new business,” adds Ally Curran, who will serve as director of operations. “As a completely new and independent facility, we are also able to offer highly competitive rates, as well as being agile and responsive to client needs.”
The three founders alone bring a vast reservoir of experience to the new studios. Curran was studio manager at Deluxe. Mark Sheffield, who will serve as director of creative services, was director of audio operations at Deluxe. And Bennett continues to serve as managing director of Molinare. He was also creative services director at Pinewood Studios.
“Through our reputation we have been able to bring on board a highly experienced and well-regarded crew to service our clients work,” notes Sheffield. “We might be new and the facilities might be fresh out of the box, but everything is driven by experience and expertise, and we can offer them the assurance that their content is in safe hands.”