In an ambitious stride towards invigorating the creative economy, the UK government has unveiled a plan that paves the way for the North East to emerge as a formidable powerhouse in film and television production.
This initiative, backed by a hefty £37m in funding, is poised to become a catalyst for the region’s transformation. By harnessing local talent and resources, the plan aims to propel the North East to compete effectively on a global stage.
A Vision for Revitalisation
The announcement, made during a visit to the University of Sunderland, detailed an infusion of new powers and funding aimed squarely at unlocking the potential within the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) region.
The focal point of this initiative is the prospective development of Crown Works Studios in Sunderland, envisaged as one of Europe’s premier filmmaking complexes. This move is not just about building infrastructure; it’s a strategic endeavour to invigorate the local economy through the creative arts.
Unleashing Potential
With £25m earmarked for the remediation of the site, the government’s commitment is clear. This, coupled with the establishment of a ‘growth zone’ for enhanced business rate retention, promises a fertile ground for both immediate project commencement and long-term support.
The proposed Crown Works Studios, buoyed by a £450m investment from Fulwell-Cain and Sunderland City Council, is set to become a beacon of the creative industry, generating over 8,000 jobs and significantly boosting the regional economy.
The Ripple Effect: Economic and Cultural Renaissance
The transformative potential of this initiative extends beyond job creation.
With an expected £336m Gross Value Added (GVA) annually to the regional economy, the studios will not only elevate the North East’s status within the UK’s creative sector but also enhance its attractiveness to international film and television projects.
This is a region already celebrated as a backdrop for major productions; now, it is poised to be much more – a hub of creative production.
Fostering Talent: The Role of Education
Integral to this vision, however, is the synergy between the creative industry and education. To bridge this gap, the University of Sunderland, with its esteemed media courses, is set to play a pivotal role in developing a skilled workforce.
This ensures the workforce is ready to meet the demands of this burgeoning sector. This alignment of educational excellence and industry needs is critical for sustaining growth.
It also ensures that the region’s talent pool is fully leveraged, maximizing its potential to contribute to the industry’s success.
The Broader Impact: A Thriving Creative Economy
This initiative is a testament to the government’s broader strategy to support the creative industries. After all, this sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. Recognizing this potential, the UK has committed to growing the creative industries by £50 billion in GVA and creating an additional 1 million jobs by 2030.
In this ambitious effort, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in film, television, and the arts. The Crown Works Studios project is a cornerstone of this ambition, symbolizing the potential for local initiatives to drive national prosperity.
PM’s Statement
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
As we have seen from the UK’s success during awards season, our home grown talent is testament to the UK’s reputation as a film, tv and arts superpower.
Through our billion pound package of support for the creative industries, and by empowering local leaders and deepening devolution across England, we are backing British business, growing the economy, and developing the Oscar winners of tomorrow.
A Call to Action
As we look ahead, the message is clear: the North East’s film and TV production endeavour is more than an investment in infrastructure; it’s an investment in the region’s future, its people, and the broader UK creative economy.
With government, industry, and educational institutions aligned, the stage is set for a vibrant, thriving creative sector that not only entertains but significantly contributes to economic growth and innovation.
In sum, the North East is on the cusp of a creative revolution, one that promises to redefine its economic landscape and position it as a key player on the international stage of film and television production.
This is a clarion call for stakeholders across the spectrum to engage, contribute, and partake in the unfolding narrative of the North East’s transformation into a film and TV powerhouse.
Sources: THX News, Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street & The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP.
