FulwellCain Studios reveals plans for 8450-job Wearside ‘global production’ complex

Plans have been unveiled to create an 8450-job film-making complex.

FulwellCain Studios wants to build Crown Works Studios in Sunderland.

Bosses say it would operate as “a global production destination”, pumping as much as £336 million into the economy every year.

The blueprint is led by global entertainment company Fulwell 73 – spearheaded by Sunderland-born Leo Pearlman alongside Gabe and Ben Turner, Ben Winston and TV star James Corden – and Cain International.

If approved by planners, work on the Pallion-based development – earmarked to include up to 20 sound stages for feature film and television productions – could start later this year and be completed by 2027.

Leo, Fulwell 73 managing partner, who previously unveiled the Fulwell North office at the University of Sunderland, said: “We are a company built on family, and the North East is embedded in our DNA.

• ‘Hopefully, we’ll play a part and these little incremental steps will lead to a new boom in production for the region’ – Read more from Leo Pearlman, in a previous interview with North East Times Magazine, about Fulwell 73’s ambitions and hopes for the area

“For over 100 years my family had a business in Sunderland and called this great city home, so to be able to bring Fulwell back to where the inspiration for our global entertainment company began is a truly humbling experience.

“Through delivering the studios, we will create a long-term production industry infrastructure, attract even more significant high-end production to the UK and ensure future generations of North East talent can develop and prosper at home within the region.”

The project is supported by Sunderland City Council.

Councillor Graeme Miller, the authority’s leader, said: “These are absolutely unparalleled proposals that – if approved – will reinvent the Sunderland economy, establishing the city as home to a modern and growing industry that will create jobs and opportunities for thousands of people across the North East.

“This is a vote of confidence for the city and its people – recognising Sunderland’s history of innovation and of making things.”

Reacting to the announcement, Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen – the agency that champions the region’s production credentials – called it a “world-class game changer” and a “phenomenal opportunity”.

She added: “We fully support their ambition, and we will work closely with them to build the skills and infrastructure required, supporting both crew and local businesses to become an important part of the supply chain.”