LPA/ 5 Minutes With.../ Mikey McCartney / General Manager of Holborn Studios

After our hugely successful LPA Futures 2019 launch party hosted at Holborn Studios last week, we thought it would be fitting to find out a bit more about the legendary photography and film studios with a rich history and family run feel. Mikey McCartney kindly agreed to spend 5 minutes answering our questions.

Can you tell us a bit about the history of Holborn Studios?

Holborn Studios was established in Roger Street, Holborn in 1979 by Margaret and Vince McCartney. After moving location to Back Hill and then the current site, Eagle Wharf Road, the studios has grown from strength to strength and flourished into a large scale creative hub. Currently run by Billy McCartney, the studios services all aspects of the photographic and film industries. In our 40th year as a company, we look forward to seeing Holborn Studios flourish further in the industry it has sat at the forefront of for 4 decades.

‘How has the studio developed over its 40 year existence?

Holborn Studios has moved and grown over its 40 years, adapting with the industry, in order to cope with the ever changing demands of our clients.

What’s your favourite part of working at Holborn Studios?

That no two days are the same.

What’s the most challenging part of running a busy studio?

Keeping all the plates spinning!

What’s the most unusual shoot/ event that has taken place at Holborn Studios?

There are too many to list, shoot wise each week brings something bizarre! We have an amazing event this week that we have each year - its called New Blades, and is a model makers recruitment fair - we see some of the most amazing SXF and models, some are terrifying, some are beautiful, but all really interesting!

Do you have any top tips for anyone thinking of hiring a studio space?

Email contactus@holbornstudios.com - we can give you all the tips and help you need!

Holborn Studios is based in Eagle Wharf – what is the best thing about this area of London?

How much it has changed over the years, Hackney is vastly different from when we grew up here! We are on the Regents Canal, I like the peace and quiet you can get out there, when all around London is insanely busy.

You have recently been campaigning for #saveholbornstudios – please tell us about this and how it could affect the studio.

Our landlords have repeatedly tried to demolish Holborn Studios and build flats. We won a judicial review at the high court to get the decision to demolish the studios overturned, but the fight continues!

And lastly, tell us something about the studio that people might not know?

All of the iron columns and arches in Covent Garden Market were made in the old ironworks on the current Eagle Wharf Road site of Holborn Studios.

Thanks Mikey! We think you lot are great!

Helen McCrory in Studio 2 © Ray Burminston

Raised by Wolves in Studio 7 © Adam Lawrence

Frankie Dettori in Studio 4 © Nicky Johnston