FIRST OFF . . .

The British entertainment industry is reeling with word that two more film and television production facilities face sale and/or demolition. In addition to the sale of the huge Elstree Studios complex, the Bray studios in Berkshire (west of London) is on the market, and the Limehouse Studios in London--a large TV production and post-production center near the Thames River--is currently under the shadow of the wrecking ball. According to Daily Variety, British entertainment industry executives estimate that the demise of the three shops will reduce the number of Britain’s usable sound stages by 25%. And while the Limehouse production entity might be allowed to move to other quarters, the British government is sending out definite laissez-faire signals on the matter. Films Minister John Butcher was quoted by the trade paper as saying that the use and function of production lots bought by nonentertainment companies are matters for the “commercial judgment of the new owners.”