Film shot at future Crown Works studios to woo investors

Carley Armstrong, who grew up in Sunderland, was granted exclusive access to Crown Works to film at the site.

Crown Works will soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art studio complex, backed by £38 million in funding.

Ms Armstrong said: “The North East is brimming with potential, and I’m incredibly proud to play a part in telling that story to an audience who can help unlock it through further investment.

“As a champion for the region, and someone who was born and raised here, this project is deeply personal to me.

“The investment flowing into this site, just a short drive from where I grew up, is a powerful example of what can be achieved when there is a clear vision and collective ambition behind a sector, so to be given exclusive access to shoot there was really special.

“The North East is a place that knows how to deliver, and that’s the message I want to share; that investors can have real confidence in what we can achieve here.

“When I think about future generations who will benefit from developments like Crown Works – young people like I once was, who didn’t always see opportunities here – it means a great deal to be part of something that could help make those ambitions a reality, right here in the North East.”

The short film, entitled Built Here, showcases eight major investment opportunities across the region.

It has been commissioned by the North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness.

It features sectors such as offshore wind, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, tech, and the creative industries.

Ms Armstrong produced the film through her company True Moon Pictures, working with a North East-based crew.

The film will premiere at UKREiiF in Leeds, a major UK real estate investment forum.

It will also be released across social media and shown at the Sunderland Film Festival.

Ms McGuinness said: “This film shows our huge ambition for the North East and even better that it’s been created by Sunderland-born filmmaker Carley, assisted by a fantastic local team.

“I want to see blockbusters filmed on the banks of the Wear that’s why we’ve invested £38m in Crown Works studios.

“This will create more opportunities for our local working class creatives both in front of and behind the camera to show what we’ve always known – our region is packed with talent.”

UKREiiF, which runs from May 19-21, is the UK’s leading forum for real estate, investment, and infrastructure.

Ms Armstrong left the North East earlier in her career in order to find work in TV and film.

She has since returned to work in the region and is looking to support and build on the growth of TV and film production beyond established hubs such as London and Manchester.