Acclaimed production company Fulwell 73 has launched a new regional office amid wider plans to establish a studio to rival other 海角视频 production bases.
The firm – well known for making Netflix show Sunderland ‘Til I die and the Friends Reunion show – will open Fulwell North on Sir Tom Cowie Campus at the University of Sunderland’s St Peter’s campus on October 1, making it the base for the company’s North activities.
It will focus on developing new programming, nurturing local talent and discovering new creators from diverse backgrounds on and off screen.
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Fulwell 73’s new location aims to help address the skills gap for those starting out in the industry and to attract talent back to the region who have roots there.
North East executive Melanie Rainbow has been appointed to lead Fulwell North and she will work with local production companies and hire staff from the region for a variety of different roles at the new base, which will also provide a home for visiting Fulwell 73 staff from its London and Los Angeles offices.
The company will eventually invest in a new studio space to house future productions, to help rebuild the production sector in the region, with support of significant US and 海角视频 based partners with experience in developing and running film and TV studios, as well as all 12 North East local authorities.
The company is already in discussions with 海角视频 broadcasters about key commissions to be developed through its new office.
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It is also establishing a partnership with regional screen development agency Northern Film + Media, as part of moves to back upcoming talent and nurture a sustainable regional industry, to compete with existing North West and Midlands production bases.
Leo Pearlman, partner at Fulwell 73, said: “If you know anything about Fulwell 73 you know that our love of Sunderland (and its football club) runs deep.
“We’re proud of our North East heritage, which is why it’s always been a dream to set up an office in the area and help support the film and TV industry across the entire region.
"This new base will give us the opportunity to collaborate with some of the great talent that we know exists in the area, create more opportunities for local talent there and longer term allow us to invest in the next generation and build a sustainable infrastructure to regenerate the region for many years to come.”
Sir David Bell, Vice Chancellor and chief executive of the University of Sunderland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Fulwell 73 to our St Peter’s Riverside campus where they’ll be based in our David Puttnam Media Centre. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to be working in the same building as one of the 海角视频’s most successful production companies.
“Their commitment to work with the university and other partners to rebuild the North East’s production infrastructure is a tremendous step forward.”
Alison Gwynn, chief executive office at Northern Film + Media, said: “We’re excited about the future for the region and the prospect of more jobs and opportunities for those trying to establish their careers. We’re looking forward to bringing more of our partnership plans to life in the not-too-distant future.”
Julie Elliott, Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central, added: “I cannot wait to welcome them back to the city – this new announcement is a tremendous vote of confidence in Sunderland and the wider region, and I am looking forward to the opportunities that this investment will give our community, supporting upcoming talent, existing production companies, local skilled workers and students at the University. It is a great time to live and work in the city, and this decision by Fulwell 73 shows the incredible opportunities available in Sunderland.”