Conservative North East Mayor candidate Guy Renner-Thompson has backed plans for a North East film studio in Sunderland that would bring 8,500 jobs to the region and make us a leading centre for film and TV production.
The multimillion-pound Crown Works Studios plans envisage the creation of up to 20 sound stages for use in blockbuster film and TV productions, bringing stars and other creative talent to the area as well as creating thousands of jobs across a range of professions.
Film company Fulwell 73 - the company behind Netflix football documentary Sunderland ‘Til I Die, the re-boot of Byker Grove and a recent Grammy Award-winning Elton John special - has raised £450m from backers wanting to make the North East one of Europe’s top locations for the film and TV sector.
The company has asked the Government to provide financial backing to help bring their plans to reality, with next month’s Budget the key date if the scheme is to remain on track.
Guy Renner-Thompson said “I fully support the vision to create Crown Works film studios in Sunderland, and the Chancellor said in November that he wanted to see a 'Sunderland Barbie' and was in talks with investors.
I can't comment on the budget which is due to be released in only two weeks time.
However, in May voters go to the polls to elect a Mayor of the North East who comes with a £48million-per-year investment fund to be invested in the region to drive growth and economic regeneration.
I would leverage that money to support Crown Works film studios in Sunderland and bring the jobs of the future to the North East."
