Sunderland film studio complex to create over 8,500 jobs amid £2bn economic boost

Fulwell 73 Productions shared its “ambitious” plans to build one of Europe’s largest filmmaking complexes in the region at a sold out event organised by the North East England Chamber of Commerce on Thursday (April 20).

Members heard from the global entertainment company on FullwellCain Studios’ plans for a Crown Works Studios in Sunderland, which will create over 8,500 regional jobs and generate over £2bn of economic value for the North East in its first decade of operation.

FulwellCain Studios is a joint venture between Cain International and Fulwell 73, whose partners include Gabe Turner, Ben Turner, Leo Pearlman, Ben Winston and James Corden. The transformational scheme will build on Fulwell 73’s existing presence in Sunderland.

Leo Pearlman, co-founder and managing partner at Fulwell 73, said at the Chamber’s President’s Supper: “It is truly a great honour to be asked to address you all this evening - you the business leaders of the North East, the people who create the jobs and the opportunities, and drive so much of the commercial success that this great region enjoys.

“I invite you all to come with us on this journey, to believe in this project, I promise it will be worth it. We have all the ingredients to make this region a production powerhouse for TV and film. It makes solid business sense to invest in the North East, for Fulwell, for the screen industries, and for the UK. It’s time for the North East to prove what it’s capable of.”

Leo’s family had a business in the region for over 120 years. He added: “This is a region which relies on its own personality, its strength of character, its stubbornness to survive and to thrive. I’ve tried to use this as part of the building blocks of my own business, Fulwell 73.

“‘73’ refers to the glorious Sunderland FA Cup victory that lives long in the memory. The name of our company is one that forever reminds us of where we come from, and of what is possible if you just dare to dream.”

Work on the complex is due to begin next year, and once complete, Crown Works Studios will be a 1.7 million square foot facility at Pallion, north west Sunderland, complete with 20 sound stages for making films and high-end TV shows.

The planning stage for the studios is well underway, land has been purchased, commercial development partners have been sourced, local education and retraining courses are underway and major global streamers and studios are excited about the plans.

The UK as a whole will “benefit significantly” from the creation of Crown Works Studios, with over 20,000 jobs created across the country, and £750m of annual economic value added. The scheme, which requires support from government to go ahead, will be delivered in three phases, with the final phase set to be completed by 2027.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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