Star power and satire hit university campus

A university has played host to a major film production.

The University of Sunderland has been used as the main filming location for dark satire Trash TV, starring Noah Taylor of Game of Thrones, Almost Famous and Peaky Blinders fame. 

Joining him on screen are Robert Cavanah, Millie Brady, Rosie Fellner and Dave Johns.

Written and directed by Danny Lee, the feature was shot entirely in the North East, with scenes captured at the University’s David Puttnam Media Centre and St Peter’s Campus.

The film follows cynical talk show host Sandy Boulton as his life unravels during a single day on air, dragged down by a mix of personal baggage and professional missteps.

Marking a first for the University, the project is a collaboration with independent production company Turnover XXV, led by Craig Conway and Amita Krishna.

The partnership has created hands-on opportunities for students and graduates, who supported the production in roles spanning sound, lighting and set design.

Backing the production is regional entrepreneur Ammar Mirza CBE, who has helped link the creative project with the area’s wider business and enterprise network.

Craig, who in October last year used the University’s Priestman Building on City Campus to film scenes for his directorial debut Little Red, said: “The University of Sunderland has been instrumental in allowing us to fuse education and industry in a meaningful way.

"Our goal is to make sure this relationship not only continues but grows stronger with each new project.

“We are committed to fuelling a cultural and economic renaissance in the region through film. 

“With a slate of new productions in development, Turnover XXV is proving that the north-east can be a sustainable, thriving hub for independent filmmaking.

“This isn't just about one film, it's about building a foundation for a creative industry ecosystem right here in the North East – an industry that nurtures, trains, and retains talent locally, while drawing in global stars and international attention.”

Lee Hall, head of school of media and creative industries at the University of Sunderland, added: “This project has been a supreme example of how industry and educators can combine to provide life-changing student opportunities and develop a rich talent pipeline.

“Craig and the Turnover XXV team recognise the need to support a learning environment where people developing their skills are supported to grow while making a huge contribution to a professional production.

“The buzz around the Media Centre and campus has been a great fringe benefit and I can’t wait for the next collaboration.”

A release date for Trash TV will be announced in 2026.

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