The developers behind a vast film-making complex in Sunderland say their plans will make the region 'a production powerhouse' for TV and film.

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.

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 £2billion 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. 

Leo Pearlman, co-founder and managing partner at Fulwell 73, said at the Chamber’s President’s Supper: “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 said: “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.

The Northern Echo: Leo Pearlman, co-founder and managing partner, Fulwell 73; Deborah Walton, chief financial officer, Palintest and Chamber vice president; Geoffrey Stanford, headmaster, RGS; Rory McKeand, chief executive officer, TSG.Leo Pearlman, co-founder and managing partner, Fulwell 73; Deborah Walton, chief financial officer, Palintest and Chamber vice president; Geoffrey Stanford, headmaster, RGS; Rory McKeand, chief executive officer, TSG. (Image: Press release)

“‘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.”

Leo added: “About 12 miles from here on the banks of the River Wear, lies an eighty-acre plot of land with a long industrial tradition – a proud history as a site for shipbuilding and crane construction.

“Crown Works as it was known, once helped power the industrial revolution – so it seems fitting that it’s about to power another one – becoming a global hub of production once again – as Crown Works Studios.

“While previous generations knew the North East as a centre for coal mining, ship building and heavy industry – our dream is that future generations will know it for film and TV production.”

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 £750million of annual economic value added.

The bold 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.

Strong partnerships are being established to ensure that Sunderland reaps maximum advantage from the opportunity – from the job creation it will bring to the economic prosperity it could generate through increased footfall and spend in the heart of the city. These relationships will be key in delivering the skills needed to power the studio and grow a sustainable film and media ecosystem.

Fulwell 73 is a global entertainment company with offices in Sunderland, London and Los Angeles. In under two decades, the company has grown to produce some of the world’s most loved television brands, documentaries, live events, and multi-Emmy award-winning series.

The Chamber’s President’s Supper took place at Royal Grammar School in Newcastle and was sponsored by TSG. The Chamber’s large business associate sponsor is Learning Curve Group.