Here we look at 11 occasions film and TV crews have used the city and other areas on its doorstep as locations.
5. Harry Potter
The blockbuster film series, based on the massive bestselling books by JK Rowling, saw Durham Cathedral used as a location for scenes in Hogwarts. Alnwick Castle was another North East location used by producers. Photo: AN
6. Alien 3
Looking distinctly less foreboding here than it does in the third part of the science fiction horror series, Blast Beach in Seaham provided a backdrop in Alien 3. Other scenes were shot up the coast at Blyth Power Station. Photo: Kevin Brady
7. Dark Angel
ITV drama Dark Angel was based on the life of infamous Sunderland poisoner Mary Ann Cotton. The series was filmed in Yorkshire and County Durham, including some scenes at Beamish, where the museum houses some artefacts purportedly once owned by the murder, a stool and a teapot (pictured here) Photo: Picture by David Allan
8. Vera
Brenda Blethyn's no-nonsense detective Vera Stanhope is no stranger to Sunderland, with the Port of Sunderland, former Sunderland Civic Centre, and Park Lane all having featured in the series. Photo: Stu Norton