Plans have been revealed for a major film studios in Sunderland, creating 8450 jobs over the next 10 years.
Crown Works Studios has come about through FulwellCain Studios – a joint venture between Class of 92 and Carpool Karaoke producer, Fulwell 73 and Cain International.
Fulwell 73’s partners are Gabe Turner, Ben Turner, Leo Pearlman, Ben Winston and James Corden. They issued a joint statement this morning:
“We are unified in our belief that there is a unique opportunity to bring further high end production to the UK through this ambitious Sunderland based studio project; putting the region on the map as a global production destination.”
Leo Pearlman, the Managing Partner at Fulwell 73, continued:
“Fulwell is a company built on family and the North East is embedded in our DNA. For over 100 years my family had a business here in Sunderland and called this great City home, so to be able to bring Fulwell back to where the inspiration for our global entertainment company began is a truly humbling experience.
“Through delivering the studios, we will create a long term production industry infrastructure, attract even more significant high end production to the UK and ensure that future generations of North Eastern talent can develop and prosper at home within the region.”
It’s supported by the City Council, which describes it as “the single most significant development announcement to come out of the North East in decades.”
The joint venture would spearhead the development of a 1.68m sq ft film industry hub at Pallion, with up to 20 premium sound stages suitable for major feature film and HETV productions.
Work is set to start this year ahead of completion by 2027.
However, it will required support from the Government in order to go ahead. Subject to planning, Crown Works Studios will be on the banks of the River Wear.
The City Council said that they would be “transformational” for the region and create an eco-system on a scale not seen since Nissan arrived in the 1980s.
They believe that on completion, the studios could generate £336m for the local economy every year.
“These are absolutely unparalleled proposals that – if approved – will reinvent the Sunderland economy, establishing the city as home to a modern and growing industry that will create jobs and opportunities for thousands of people across the North East,” stated Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council.
“This is a vote of confidence for the city and its people – recognising Sunderland’s history of innovation and of making things. We have been working on these plans with Fulwell 73 and Cain for many months, so it’s absolutely brilliant to finally be in position to unveil them, and to demonstrate the scale of ambition we have for this city. It’s absolutely transformational and something we’re determined to see through.”
The studios will include provision for production workshops and office space, a vendor village for supply chain businesses, administrative and social facilities, a multi-storey car park and an extensive backlot.
The scheme is in addition to the already announced plans for Shipyard Studios.
“Fulwell’s studio announcement is a world class game changer and builds on the North East’s vision for growing the screen industry. We fully support their ambition, and we will work closely with them to build the skills and infrastructure required, supporting both crew and local businesses to become an important part of the supply chain needed to serve the productions made there,” said Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen.
“Their studio will be a global player and will need our regional crew workforce, and the highly experienced world class talent from the region – who had to leave for career progression to come home. We will also need to develop a new generation of industry-ready entrants, and career changers who can step across in technical and craft areas from other industries. This is a phenomenal opportunity for the people of the North East.”
Fulwell 73 has produced shows including The Late Late Show with James Corden, Carpool Karaoke, The Kardashians and more recently the The GRAMMY Awards.
It was also behind Sunderland Til I Die, Adele: One Night Only and Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.
