‘IMPACT POTENTIALLY HUGE’
Professor Lawrence Bellamy is Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism at the university
“Crown Works is a major opportunity for creative industries in the region. The studios, which will be the largest of its’ type in Europe, is projected to employ across a range of trade and specialisms and bring some potential ‘Hollywood Glamour’ to the region.
“The North East has significant existing assets to support film and television production; diverse urban settings, areas of outstanding natural beauty and a range of cultural locations and activities which can complement the on-set activities planned.
“This will present, along with the hospitality sector and regional supply chain an outstanding offer for production companies and is therefore expected to attract global engagement, really putting Sunderland on the map in this strategically important industry.
“The impact on the regional economy is potentially huge. Whilst production companies will most likely bring their own core staff and selected specialists (along with their substantial production budgets) they will also require a raft of services, from catering and accommodation to set build and back-office functions such as finance and HR.
“This is therefore likely to touch many parts of the business community, including small firms and freelancers alike.
“Pumping this amount of economic activity into local economies is a catalyst for further investment and establishment of supporting businesses, attracting developments in property, hospitality, professional services, logistics and across a range of trades and their supply chains.
“This will require an increase in the skilled workforce to meet capacity demands and universities and colleges with the right provision will be key to supporting the development of the talent to fuel the production machine.”