For six series running across six years, CBBC’s Operation Ouch has filmed its lab episodes at Red Farm, Oxon. Their lab set is housed in a smart, clean barn conversion, with big-bang experiments and stunts spilling out into the fields and hard-standing areas. Other farm buildings are put to good use too—housing the Art Department, Production Office, and Catering.
So what makes this such a successful partnership—a long-standing marriage, even? Here’s what farm owner Eddie and CBBC’s Operation Ouch Producer Kate from 141 Productions have to say about why they work so well together.
What drew Ouch initially to Red Farm?
Kate: “There were some essential elements we needed
1. A workable studio solution for our laboratory set
2. Outdoor space within a few metres of the studio to conduct big-bang experiments
and stunts, where we could fly drones too
3. Easy access from London for the crew. It’s 40 minutes door-to-door from Paddington
4. Sufficient additional practical buildings for the individual departments (Production, Art)
5. A location that contributed to us meeting the ALBERT standards set for sustainable productions
6. And importantly, one that the two Doctors Chris and Xand really liked.”
Not just a match. This one’s a longstanding marriage
Five years of marriage—how so?
Kate: “We are like one big family now, and each year has become easier because we really know each other well. For us, Red Farm and Eddie are hard to beat. The practical and logistical side is fundamental when choosing a site to film a full 10-episode series. The farm is in easy reach for the crew and Doctors. We can travel on public transport very easily from London. We need plenty of spaces, and we need to get on with the owners—filming never goes 100% to plan, and with Eddie being always contactable, so helpful and flexible, he’s an understanding owner that puts my mind at rest. We feel completely comfortable here. Even when bad weather hits, we need to juggle plans.
As well as the studio barn, the farm also provides great additional buildings to serve dedicated areas for production, Art Department, catering, and storage. We even used a small lockable storage shed on the farm for our chemicals. And of course, the surroundings are beautiful.
Going a step further, Eddie has helped with services we wouldn’t normally expect from a location —for example, we’ve benefited from sharing his recycling system.
With Red Farm, not only does the practical side work, but so do our values fit like a glove. There’s an overlap I haven’t found elsewhere. The Doctors, Operation Ouch, the BBC, and Red Farm all want to educate, especially about health and wellbeing. On this farm, like no other, we can tap into so many areas: we’ve filmed in the saunas, used the on-site caterer, and everyone shares our sustainable values.”
Eddie: “I love having Ouch here. My goals for creating a broader role for the farm go hand-in-hand with how the farm works for Ouch. The Doctors are passionate about sustainability and health —and so am I. Dr Chris is a fantastic public voice on ultra-processed food, and I’ve long had a policy of no ultra-processed food or drinks being allowed on the farm.”
The Studio space is the key element of the farm provision. What is it about the barn that makes it such an ideal studio barn?
Kate: “Its size works. We need to set up a laboratory set on one end, and then behind it is where our camera, kit and crew are. In fact, we use every inch of the building. There are small zones for individual departments, and the kitchen is even used as another set space. It’s well insulated from noise, including rainstorms!
Creating a studio on the farm wasn’t difficult. OK, it’s not a purpose-built studio, with preset lighting and facilities, but that solution comes at a price. Eddie’s spacious, high-ceilinged barn has the right dimensions. We can even do green screen filming in there because the height is so tall.”
Eddie: “The barn was originally converted just to host family parties, however I did have a bigger vision for the local community to stage classes, workshops and other events in here. So it’s been converted in a way to be well insulated, fresh and comfortable, with a loo and separate kitchen too. The idea of a film studio only came when Farm Locations approached me with the enquiry. Hiring it out as a film studio is simply another event, therefore, for me. I block it out for the 3 weeks that Ouch is on site.”
How does the farm function when a film crew takes over for two weeks?
Kate: “We only take over parts of the farm. The main studio space is a full takeover of the barn, but other areas are planned well in advance so Eddie can work around them. There’s plenty happening here, but that’s okay—as long as our spaces are quiet and secure. We share parking with others, have a designated dining space and time slots with the caterer. Being part of vibrant farm life is actually lovely, and as long as the crew know the rules, boundaries, and timings, everything works smoothly.”
Eddie: “We agree on the itinerary upfront, and the designated spaces are manageable for us. The studio barn is used for other events throughout the year. Usually, Ouch books at least six months ahead, which gives me flexibility around other commitments.”
You are an Albert accredited production, and the Doctors are super-hot on health and sustainability. How does that translate into the requirements of Red Farm?
Kate: “We are all aligned on shared values, so inherently Red Farm is a huge support in our goals and standards as a production. From helping with waste management to the day-time power being solar-generated, Eddie’s farm is exceptionally good on sustainability. For Albert, it’s the practical elements that contribute from the farm, but still knowing Eddie is also contributing to nature restoration, biodiversity and community education with forest schools, local sourcing of ingredients for the on-site cafe, they all make for a very wholesome, positive environment – such that we just keep returning each year!
The Key sustainable services from the farm to contribute to sustainable production:
1. Power generated by renewable energy (on-site solar panels) and battery storage available
2. Studio heating generated by renewable energy (biomass boiler)
3. EV charging points on location
4. Public transport access to the farm. Fast train from London stops just 3 minutes from
the farm”
Eddie: “It’s great to know the investment in sustainable services is appreciated. I also really enjoy lunch times on set when I get to dine with the doctors and crew, and their passion for raising awareness around health and ultra-processed foods is something I am also trying to achieve in my own way on this farm. We bounce so much around together, and they give me a huge boost to keep heading down the path I’m taking with this farm.”
How else has Eddie helped with your role as Producer?
Kate: “If I quickly roll off a list of why Eddie is a lifesaver for a producer:
– He’s accommodating, honest, decisive, and helpful
– All the spaces we need are here – from prop workshops to a large-enough
studios
– We don’t have to book other local locations to film at. It can all be filmed at Red
farm
– Drone cameras can fly here
– The farm is convenient: for trains, shops
– The farm offers countless backdrops to help with our experiments: we’ve involved
the cattle, sauna on site, caterers, etc (the caterer even helps us chop food in
their kitchen)
– The on-site cafe is delicious and on brand
– The doctors love Eddie!
– The sustainable services help us meet our Albert score standards
– Eddie is open to helping us in so many ways – we’ve not needed to hire machinery for kit movements, e.g.”
Highlights of the Ouch-Red Farm partnership?
Eddie: “Having such a friendly, like-minded crew here lifts my mood every day. We tend to
meet at lunchtime to share ideas and put the world to rights. And yes—a perk is definitely
the free lunches!”
Kate: “Being surrounded by farm life and nature. It’s wholesome and so much more enjoyable
than life in a box.”
This partnership between Red Farm and CBBC’s Operation Ouch has become more than a location arrangement, it’s a working relationship built on trust and shared values.
Six series in, it’s clear this isn’t just about finding space to shoot. It’s about a farm that adapts, supports, and grows with the production, and a crew that returns year after year because it works for both sides. From lab stunts in the fields to production life spread across the barns, Red Farm has become an extension of the Ouch family.
If you’re looking for a versatile, production-ready farm location with strong sustainability credentials and a proven track record with long-running series, get in touch to find out more.