A North East film production company that started life as a one-man operation has expanded into Sunderland to capitalise on the area’s growing media scene.
Howell Media was originally launched in 1989 by Chris Howell as a graphic design studio, but in 2010 he branched out into film production.
Today, the firm is run by Mr Howell and his daughter Issy Howell and involves an entire network of freelancers, providing promotional videos, TV adverts, documentaries, broadcast-quality live streaming, and live event coverage across the region.
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Now Howell Media, which focuses on video production, live event streaming and training services, has moved from Barnard Castle to set up a new base in Sunderland, to become part of the region’s fast-growing media landscape.
Mr Howell said the move to Sunderland was driven by a desire to be part of something bigger.
He said: “We’ve always been a creative family. What started with me has now evolved into a team that includes my daughter Issy, who leads our video editing and training offer and a network of freelancers and creatives. It’s a unique set-up, but it works really well, we’re proud of what we’ve built.
"We knew we needed to be in a city, but it wasn’t until we started attending events and talking to people that it became clear Sunderland was the place to be.
"There’s so much energy here, the investment, the creativity, the people, it’s all happening in Sunderland. You look out of our office window and see Crown Works Studios being built, that’s the future of the film and TV industry right on our doorstep.
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“The BIC has been a perfect fit for us. We were looking for a base that was accessible, great value and had a real sense of community and the BIC ticks every box.
"From day one, we’ve been welcomed by so many supportive people. It’s not just a place to work, it’s somewhere you can grow, collaborate and really feel part of something.”
The company already has strong ties with local colleges, offering work placements and opening doors into the industry for young people.
Mr Howell added: “Social legacy is really important to us. We want to show young people, especially those from challenging backgrounds, that there is a place for them in the creative industries.”
Doreen Howard, centre manager at the BIC said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Howell Media to our community here at the BIC. Their passion for storytelling, commitment to skills development, and the family dynamic at the heart of the company is second to none, they are a real credit to the region.”