UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is championing a new era of cinematic excitement for North East England, encouraging the region to embrace the buzz surrounding Barbie.
Hunt revealed ongoing discussions with a group of investors, including James Corden’s Fulwell 73 firm, who have ambitious plans to establish a cutting-edge film studio in the area.
According to Deadline, confirming the positive talks, Hunt expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We have been having very good discussions with the people who are hoping to invest here.” He hinted at the potential for a Sunderland Barbie, drawing attention to the fact that the latest California blockbuster Barbie was filmed in Hertfordshire this year. The reference alludes to the production of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire.
Fulwell Cain, a collaboration between Fulwell 73 and Cain International under Corden’s influence, has submitted plans to local authorities for the development of the studio complex on the former Crown Works Studios site in Sunderland.
The project is poised to create and support 8,450 jobs, with the studio aiming to become one of Europe’s largest facilities, contributing an estimated £334 million annually to the local economy.
Fulwell managing partner Leo Pearlman expressed his excitement about the transformative plan, emphasizing its potential to rejuvenate the city and region’s economy. He stated, “This is a transformational plan that will reinvigorate not only the city and region’s economy but will represent a shot in the arm for the UK’s creative industries.
