INTERVIEW
SILVERBOX STUDIOS Created in the depths of lockdown at the end of 2020, Silverbox Studios is a state-of-the-art rehearsal space with an impressive turnkey rental department. TPi checks in with Silverbox’s Jamie Webb to learn more.
Words: Stew Hume Photos: Silverbox Studios
Almost a year into the first lockdown, with the events industry still reeling, a group of events professionals banded together to try and ride out the storm of COVID-19. The result was Silverbox; a brand new turnkey technical production and rental house for the events industry that also offers a large multi-use studio space for everything from tour preproduction to film and livestream. Walking TPi through the history of the company was Jamie Webb, one of the company’s first employees. “Many of us that started Silverbox were from smaller businesses that most likely would not have survived COVID-19,” began Webb. “I was made redundant in September 2020 after being put on furlough for 10 months and many others in the Silverbox team have a similar story.” With a surplus of event professionals at a loose end, the team that eventually became Silverbox opted to pool their resources, experience and equipment stock to create a new venture. Now the company has become a one-stop shop with a packed warehouse of rental gear and a rehearsal studio, in Newbury. “In the initial stage it was a case of throwing everything at the wall and seeing what stuck,” laughed Webb as he described the multifaceted nature of Silverbox’s offering. “We all have different backgrounds in the industry. Jim, [Silverbox Cofounder] and I came from a production rental business, whereas
102
[fellow Cofounder] Adam came from more of a Touring and installation background. So, we could look at multiple revenue streams from the beginning.” With the live events industry returning, Silverbox Hire division has been busy with numerous projects, and this side of the business is something Webb believes will continue to grow. “‘We’re also looking forward to expanding our work in the touring and concert world as we continue to add to our team and inventory.” The company offers a wide variety of worldclass audio systems along with a considerable stock of leading brands in lighting, LED, laser and effects systems. Aside from the rental business, it’s the company’s studio offering that has been turning heads within the industry. With a rapid return of live events, there has been an overwhelming demand for rehearsal spaces. “I think what has appealed to many is that Silverbox is a completely new unit and had been unused until we moved in,” stated Webb. “We’ve already welcomed Gary Newman, The Shires, Don Broco, Kula Shaker and Razorlight for rehearsals and all that have used the space have commented about how clean it is and how convenient the load-in is. We even had Midge Ure featured on ITV News in our studio. We’ve also acoustically treated the space so it sounds fantastic.” The location of the studio is also very appealing, both relative
to London and also the fact that we’re well serviced in Newbury by local shops, suppliers and catering as well as fantastic parking for trucking and tour buses. The space is 23m by 23m and able to accommodate an academylevel production. Webb explained that there are already plans in the pipeline to extend the space to 23m by 30m to accommodate stadium size tours and stage shows along with increased overhead rigging capabilities and infrastructure to match. “We’ve had a great deal of interest and have bookings all the way into next year,” Webb stated, adding that due to the “nature of the business”, they get just as many last-minute queries from people looking to use the space at short notice. With the increased interest in Silverbox, the company has grown from its five founders and now employs over 20 people, with the intention of doubling its staff by the end of the year. “When we’re feeling the pressure I often encourage our team to take stock of the fact that Silverbox is a remarkable success story in what has been a nightmare for the past two years for the industry,” stated Webb. To close, Webb spoke of Silverbox’s latest collaboration with the charity 3T. The studio was used for the final production day of the project, which saw a group of 20 young people come into the studio and put together a live show. Diversity and equality within the live events industry is something that Silverbox
