Member Article

Sunderland filmmaking startup looks to soar with drone technology

With momentum flowing and new contract wins apparent at Roar Motion, the Sunderland Filmmaking startup, the firm is looking to expand its offering by investing in the increasingly popular drone technology.

Launched in 2014 by University of Sunderland graduates Matt Eyre, 22, and Rob Parsons, 23, the pair have worked with a range of clients including Northern Gas Networks, Liebherr and Seaham Hall, having been supported by the Uni to kickstart the business.

Setup by Matt and Rob after they met at the university, the firm’s services includes filming, editing and storyboarding.

Matt said: “We decided after university to take the plunge and go into business together, as we knew we had the skills and drive to make it work.

“Between us, we have developed a good network and have been able to pick up work in Sunderland and the wider North East.

Matt, originally from Rotherham, has revealed that with new clients coming on board, the duo plan to invest in more sophisticated equipment to take on more complex filming projects, such as drone filming.

He continued: “We are investing all the time in new kit to allow us to produce better and better films, and the plan is to add drone filming to our list of services soon, which should put us in a different creative space.”

Rob Parsons, joint managing director of the company achieved a first class honours degree from the University of Sunderland in 2014.

He said: “We worked on a live client project during our time at university that won us a Royal Television Society regional award and realised very quickly that we wanted to work as freelance film-makers when we graduated. Matt and I work really well together, and I think that reflects in the quality of our work.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to succeed in Sunderland, which is a place we definitely call home now, having lived here since embarking on our university studies.”

Gary Hutchinson, chair of Sunderland Business Group, which brings together the city’s business community to promote the city to investors and business owners, said he was delighted to see such vibrant, creative businesses growing in the city.

He said: “Roar Motion is just one example of the many hugely talented young businesses we have in the city, that – little over a year after going into business – is doing some great work for its clients.

“Sunderland has a really exciting business scene, with young entrepreneurs coming through from the college and university and making their mark on a local, regional and often even national scale.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →