THE SITE set for the North East’s first TV and film studios, Crown Works, has served as the backdrop for a new showcase production, highlighting the scale of ambition and investment opportunity in the region.
Titled “Built Here”, the film showcases eight major sites and opportunities across the region, including Crown Works in Sunderland, which recently secured £38m in funding backed by Mayor Kim McGuinness.
The film highlights the North East’s strengths in offshore wind with the world’s largest offshore wind farm currently being constructed in the North Sea. Crown Estates has begun its auction for 6 gigawatts of offshore capacity in the region – enough to power a quarter of homes in England and Wales. It also showcases the region’s advanced manufacturing and construction capabilities across a range existing sites such as IAMSS in Sunderland and Shepherd Offshore. It is hoped that investment in key sites such as NETPark, Port of Blyth and Forth Yards will accelerate the development of the sectors further.
Spotlighting sectors including offshore wind; advanced manufacturing; creative industries; life science; tech and AI, the film brings a cinematic edge to the North East’s presence at UKREiiF.
Experienced filmmaker from Sunderland, Carley Armstrong produced the film which will be unveiled at UKREiiF – one of the UK’s leading real estate investment events. Produced by Carley’s company, True Moon Pictures, the film aims to celebrate the region’s talent, diversity and creativity, while showcasing the regions investment proposition.
Carley, who lives in the region, is looking to support and build on the growth of TV and film production, beyond established hubs such as London and Manchester, said: “The North East is brimming with potential, and I’m incredibly proud to play a part in telling that story to an audience who can help unlock it through further investment.”
“The North East is a place that knows how to deliver, and that’s the message I want to share; that investors can have real confidence in what we can achieve here.
Mayor Kim said: “This film shows our huge ambition for the North East and even better that it’s been created by Sunderland-born filmmaker Carley, assisted by a fantastic local team.
“I want to see blockbusters filmed on the banks of the Wear that’s why we’ve invested £38m in Crown Works studios. This will create more opportunities for our local working-class creatives both in front of and behind the camera to show what we’ve always known – our region is packed with talent.”
UKREiiF takes place between 19 and 21 May and is the UK’s leading forum for real estate, investment and infrastructure, bringing together property professionals, investors, developers and senior decision-makers from across the UK. More than 16,000 delegates – including over 4,000 investors and developers – will come together across three days to share insight, build long-term partnerships and drive innovation.
The North East England UK REiiF delegation brings together partners from all seven local authorities, united in championing investment across the area, alongside more than 20 private sector organisations from across the supply chain.
“Built Here” offers a fresh take on the type of investment promotion films typically developed by cities and regions, with the North East’s aspiring workforce demonstrating the region’s investment opportunities.
The film will be premiered for the first time at UK REiiF on the North East England Pavilion on Tuesday at 9am, followed by a showcase at Sunderland Film Festival following the event.