25 year-old filmmaker outgrows incubator space

A young filmmaker who set up his own production company in Sunderland has outgrown his first incubator space and is ready to expand in the region.

25 year-old Robert Carr, the man behind RGR Film Productions, has worked with the likes of The National Glass Centre, Mini Cooper and Peter Heron.

Now the young entrepreneur, a graduate of the University of Sunderland’s MSc in Media Production, has outgrown his premises at The Enterprise Place and is moving on to a new base.

He said: “I see the move has a new chapter, I didn’t want to get a job, so I made my own one up. When I was at university I always tried to do more than just the university work, I have done lots of different internships and worked closely with the National Glass Centre to build upon my own portfolio.

“Being able to do what I love on a daily basis is an incredible achievement for me. When I was at school, I didn’t achieve as well as I’d hoped but I have managed to find a different path to do what I always wanted to do.

I was determined not to fail and I haven’t. I am 25 now, by the time I am 30 I want to make films – the corporate side of the business is hopefully going to fund the film side. This is where my heart lies.“

Creative Cohesion’s office space has fostered a number of other successful creative business.

Robert said: “When you are just starting out, having access to a space like this is great. Especially as it comes at a cheap and accessible rate. It’s fantastic that there is support for creative businesses within the city.

“It’s nice to have a little community of people to help you out as everyone knows how difficult it is when you are first starting out in business. Being part of a supportive network is invaluable to me, there is always someone around to offer you advice, give a different perspective on things or simply give you the opportunity to join forces on projects that require the skillset provided by creative collaboration.”

The Enterprise Place proved to be a significant stepping stone for Rob to develop and explore his business concept, whilst working within a supportive environment. The project has received support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-2013.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.

Vince Robson, business development manager said: “The Enterprise Place brings together entrepreneurs at all stages of their development, operating across a wide range of industries and sectors.

“Couple the expertise on offer with all of these enterprising brains bouncing off each other and it is the perfect environment to launch many successful businesses.

“We quickly realised that Rob had the entrepreneurial spirit and drive needed to succeed. Over the past 12 months, we have worked alongside RGR Film Productions and have witnessed how the business concept has developed into a young, credible business that now works with a wide range of clients. It is great to see Rob settled in his own office space, whilst continuing to progress his business.”