GreenRoomStudios began life in 2012 as a multimedia studio. It was originally intended to be a green screen room for film work for community media site Oxbox.TV and parent company Oxford Television Limited, which I set up with Richard Kibbey in 2011. The studio space was to double up as a rehearsal space for our own band. As things developed music took over, the word got out and other bands came in to hire the space. It was organic at its inception. Fluid, growing, functional and yet professional without being pompous.
Disaster struck just 8 months after we opened and the entire studio had to be relocated, we were very lucky to find space just over the road and a very understanding landlord. We were able to re-use much of the soundproofing, timber and plasterboard but the whole experience was hurried and I had to cut a few corners in order to get the room in use. The studio was kept buoyant for the next 2 years but struggled a little as other studios and practice room set up in the area
Throughout 2014 Oxford Television Limited began using the facilities more and secured a contract to provide voiceovers for a prestigious automotive brand. I decided that I would transfer ownership of the studios in to the company so that overheads and facilities would be shared and Richard could assume responsibility for the Website and technical development.
In Mid 2015 one of the other businesses in the building vacated their space and we immediately negotiated with our landlord to occupy more of the building. Plans were put in place for a 3000ft2 media hub including dedicated space for photography and film. Over the next few months, I visited several other studios, altered plans several times and came up with an overall design omitting the film and photography, requirements and concentrating on Music. At this precise moment, I received a message from John West. He was resigning from his job.
Richard and I had met John whilst filming something unrelated for Oxbox. John had then handled the music recording and mixing for the Oxbox live lounge and I had been invited in to the school where John was teaching to lecture on filming. I knew that John wanted to work at a proper studio doing work that he enjoys and he had been named in several of my previous business plans. John came in for a chat and left as the new Senior Producer for GreenRoomStudios. The next day, I had to move all of my desk in to another room as John moved in!
We are building something special, something to be proud of. From the outset, we have allowed the dream to grow and be influenced by others making it their dream too.
Daring to dream is a powerful thing!
Gavin Hyatt
Commercial Director
Oxford Television Limited
Founder of GreenRoomStudios
