We've got really big and exciting shows lined up - North East Screen chief reacts as Crown Works gets go-ahead
“We’ve got some really big and exciting shows coming to our region and we’re talking about all the big broadcasters”
The words of North East Screen CEO, Alison Gwynn, who was speaking to the Echo at the site of the Crown Works development after the initial phase one construction of the film studios has been given the green light thanks to £38.5m of funding provided by North East mayor Kim McGuinness through the North East Combined Authority.
Due for completion by the end of 2027, Phase One will see the creation of a 125,000 sq ft film studio including a new build facility and refurbishment of the Doxford Printworks building.
Once complete, the facility will be capable of hosting live events and gameshows, as well as blockbuster films and TV projects.
Based in Sunderland, North East Screen helps to facilitate the production of television and film in the region by providing locations, film crews, and other support services.
CEO Alison said: “These are really exciting times and I need a film studio tomorrow - it can’t come quick enough.
“I’m delighted with this announcement today and I can’t wait to see spades in the ground.
“I’ve already got a lot of big shows lined up and ready to use the film studios.
“We work with all of the major broadcasters. We have a partnership with the BBC and we are looking to extend that partnership and there will be an announcement about this in a month’s time.
“The announcement will talk about some really big and exciting shows coming to our region which unfortunately I can’t say anything else on until they are announced.
“We are talking about all the big television companies; the BBC, ITV, Channel 5, as well as some of the big streamers.
“There’s a lot opportunities. We are already busy with the whole of 2026 for TV and film production, and 2027 and 2028 is already starting to fill up with how it is going to look.”
North East Screen has already helped to generate a 130% increase in film and television production in the region in the last three years.
Alison said: “The region has a lot to offer. We’ve got brilliant and diverse locations including beaches and cities, all within a really close drive.
“This makes production accessible and easy. We’ve also got brilliant talent with very experienced crew and production companies.
“We make things really easy for people, and above all of that, it’s really cost effective to make TV and film productions in the North East.
“We are better value for money than an overcrowded, expensive and noisy London.”
Alison is confident phase one will be just the start of a process which will see Crown Works continue to grow and expand.
She added: “In ten years time I envisage much more than phase one. This site will have warehouses, supply chain companies, and we will have local people working daily on our site.
“I’m much more comfortable with a phased approach. Phase One will meet the demands as they stand now, but as this grows the site will also grow.
“We have to be sensible and sustainable.”
North East Screen has been responsible for bringing an array of blockbuster movies to the region, including Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny, 1917, and Dungeons and Dragons. The company has also worked closely with the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky on the production of popular programmes including Vera, Angels of the North, 24/7 Pet Hospital and Charlotte in Sunderland.