Fulwell73 boss on making Sunderland a 'global hub' with film studio plans

Earlier this year, FulwellCain Studios, a joint venture between Cain International and Fulwell 73, announced their plans to build Crown Works Studios on the Crown Works site in Pallion, which once played a key role in the shipbuilding and crane production industry when Sunderland was the biggest shipbuilder in the world.

Now, the global spotlight could fall on the site once more with ambitious plans to build one of Europe’s largest filmmaking complexes, which will create more than 8,500 regional jobs and generate more than £2billion of economic value for the North East in its first decade of operation.

Speaking at a sold out event organised by the North East England Chamber of Commerce, Leo spoke of how the team are proud to be honouring Sunderland’s rich industrial heritage whilst also building a new future of production in the creative industries.

Leo, co-founder and managing partner at Fulwell 73, said at the Chamber’s President’s Supper: “It is truly a great honour to be asked to address you all this evening - you the business leaders of the North East, the people who create the jobs and the opportunities, and drive so much of the commercial success that this great region enjoys.

“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.”

Fulwell 73, whose partners include Gabe Turner, Ben Turner, Leo Pearlman, Ben Winston and James Corden, is named after the year SAFC won the FA Cup and the old Fulwell End at Roker Park where Leo once stood to watch matches with his cousins.

The studio plans build on Fulwell 73’s existing presence in the city, with offices at Sunderland University, as well as in London and LA.

Leo, whose family had a business in the region for more than 120 years, added: “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.

“‘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.

“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.”

He added: “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.”

How studio plans are coming together

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, 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 more than 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.