Proposed Sunderland film studio given huge boost
Written by Tobias Luke Phipps on 7th March 2024
A proposed film studio in Sunderland got one step closer to becoming reality after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced funding for the project in Wednesday’s budget.
Hunt announced that the Crown Work Studios project would receive up to £120m of Government funding.
The project is a joint venture between Fulwell 73 and Cain International, who have said they have already raised £450m in private investment.
Sunderland City Council leader Graeme Miller said: “This is a monumental day for Crown Work studios, Fulwell 73, Sunderland and the North East, unlocking jobs and opportunities for our people and businesses that will bring about benefits for generations to come.”
Reacting to the news Ian McPake, a senior lecturer in broadcast and digital media at the University of Sunderland said: “It’s a massive game changer for the region and for Sunderland in particular. There’s talk of more employment and of local businesses benefiting from it as well.
“We’re really excited about it and it’s going to tie directly with the University of Sunderland and particularly our media courses and film production. We now have big industry on our doorstep, whereas previously students may have had to move to Manchester or London. Now they can stay in the region.”
It is believed the project could create as many as 8500 jobs in the region.
Liam Pringle, a film production student at the university, said: “As soon as it opens up I plan to get my name in the door. I’ll be racing towards it as soon as it opens,” before adding: “It’ll be really good for local people, there’s a lot of good talent in the area.”
