New TV & Film Studio Complex Coming to Sunderland

Following a devolution deal agreed between the U.K. government and the north east of England as part of the spring budget, the region is equipped to develop Crown Works Studios, a TV and film studio complex in Sunderland.

Production in the north east of England was already up 28 percent in 2023, with growth expected in 2024, thanks to the work of the North East Screen Industries Partnership, delivered by North East Screen.

The development of Crown Works Studios will provide the north east with the large-scale infrastructure that is needed to welcome productions year-round and create a sustainable industry for years to come.

The North East Screen team will work closely with FulwellCain Studios, a joint venture between Fulwell 73 and Cain International, and Sunderland City Council as the Crown Works Studios plans come to fruition.

North East Screen’s skills team works with incoming productions to create bridges to the industry and support life-long. career development for established crew in the region.

“The backing for Sunderland’s Crown Works Studios is significant in ensuring that local industry talent and businesses have a place they can create global film and high-end TV content without having to relocate to other areas of the U.K.,” said David Parfitt, chair of North East Screen. “My generation had to leave the north east to pursue careers in the creative screen industries. Record investment in local talent from the North East Screen Industries Partnership and major U.K. broadcasters has started to produce substantial change, but this major investment in a large-scale studio development will take us to the next stage, supporting the incredible talent already working in the north east and bringing others home.”

Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, added, “With the U.K. screen industry worth an estimated £12.5 billion in 2023 and regional production already up 28 percent, to have backing for the Crown Works Studios will supercharge the north east in becoming an international production hotspot where world-class content for global audiences is made all year-round. We have world-class locations, we have talented crew, we have indies winning commissions, and we have the support of all our local and combined authority partners to ensure our region is truly filming-friendly. Studio development will provide the infrastructure we really need to continue the trajectory, attracting major big-budget features, key suppliers, and in the process, creating a broader range of opportunities for the people and businesses of the north east.”