Tenant The Pie Factory Blog

Panalux – New Tenant

August 10th, 2010

Author: thepiefactory

Global lighting brand takes space at MediaCityUK

International lighting facilities leader Panalux, have opened an office within The Pie Factory at MediaCityUK on Salford Quays.

Panalux, who have a network of offices across the world including the Czech Republic, South Africa and Australia, deliver the full spectrum in provision of lighting facilities to suit the needs of film and television productions.

Andy Waters, Head of Studios, Peel Media, said: “We are thrilled that Panalux have decided to join us here at The Pie Factory. They have built an enviable reputation on a global scale and are a name instantly recognised by the film and TV community. We hope they will benefit from being next to our anchor tenant the BBC and from being at the foundation of MediaCityUK”.

Steve Smith, Managing Director, Panalux Worldwide said “This new Panalux office helps to underline our ongoing commitment to the support of regional production in the United Kingdom. In particular, our presence at The Pie Factory at MediaCityUK, which augments our existing Manchester facility, allows us to provide an enhanced service to an area playing an increasingly important role within the UK film and television industry”.
Formerly a food production line, The Pie Factory now accommodates three sound stages ranging from 3,000sq ft to 6,800 sq ft and a choice of office accommodation. It also incorporates a costume department, make-up rooms, dressing rooms and green rooms together with 24/7 security and parking.

Extra office accommodation was recently created within The Pie Factory to cope with the growing demand for space. To date there are 25 businesses located in The Pie Factory including Mammoth Graphics, Hive, Web Potential, TSL, Toasted Productions, Gallowglass, MK-V, Axon Birch and Purple Crew.

Last week Peel Media announced that Satellite Information Services (SIS) would relocate its London operation to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays taking a minimum of 25,000 sq ft in commercial offices located above the new studio facilities at the heart of MediaCityUK.

SIS have had a base at The Pie Factory since 2007.

Made in Manchester – BBC Radio 2

July 14th, 2010

Author: thepiefactory

Tags: BBC, Made in Manchester, Radio 2

Posted in: BBC, Radio, Tenant

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Five of the best for Made in Manchester in Radio 2 Comedy Greats Season

Made in Manchester has clinched its biggest deal to date with BBC Radio 2 after being commissioned to make five hours of programmes in the network’s forthcoming flagship Comedy Season.

The season, which kicks off early next week, will see documentaries on the Carry On’s, Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Peter Sellers.

Carry On Forever presented by Leslie Phillips will transmit over two nights next Monday and Tuesday from 10-11pm. 86 year old Phillips, who starred in three of the early films, celebrates the enduring appeal of one of the most successful film canon’s in British movie history. There’s classic clips, new interviews with surviving cast members and archive interviews with the likes of Kenneth Williams, Sid James, Charles Hawtrey and Joan Sims.

“It was in Carry On Nurse where Leslie Phillips first introduced us to his catchphrases ‘oh hello’ and ‘ding dong’. We are delighted to have this legend of British comedy hosting this special series,” says Executive Producer Ashley Byrne.

Made in Manchester also turns its attention to Tommy Cooper with an affectionate hour long documentary presented by comedian Sean Lock. Tommy Cooper: Just Like This! airs on BBC Radio 2 at 10pm next Wednesday 21^st July.

Meanwhile on Monday, 26^th July, Alexander Armstrong will celebrate the life and work of Peter Sellers. Being Here: The Peter Sellers Story comes 30 years after the death of the British comedy actor who had a chameleon-like ability for taking on different personas. The hour long doc will again air between 10pm and 11pm.

And then on Tuesday 27^th July, Barry Cryer will present a moving tribute to his friend Bob Monkhouse. All Round Bob Monkhouse also airs between 10 and 11 in the evening.

Ashley Byrne says: “Made in Manchester is delighted to have been commissioned to make these special documentaries and to be able to help the Radio 2 audience remember some of Britain’s biggest comedy icons. We have a strong track record in this field having already made programmes for the network on Laurel and Hardy, Les Dawson, Dick Emery and Benny Hill.

He added:: “We hope that the Comedy Season will become a regular feature on the network.”

The Comedy Greats series is produced by Phil Collinge and Andrew Edwards and is Executive Produced by Ashley Byrne. It was ordered by Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan.