Hull has become a hot spot for TV and film productions with areas proving popular for the likes of Netflix and Apple TV. And now now plans have been submitted for the city’s first purpose-built film production complex.
Films and TV projects such as Netflix’s Bodies, and Enola Holmes have used Hull as a filming location – even the hit series The Crown ventured to the city centre. It seems that the city has a character that draws big studios over.
With the likes of the Old Town being popular choices for filming due to its historic buildings and streets the new proposal is hoping to create a 19,700ft soundstage, which would be used to create indoor sets. It would be located at the Priory Park industrial estate and help Hull live up to its title of ‘Hullywood’.
There would also be dressing rooms, office space and temporary accommodation for film crews as part of the main building as well as a standalone joinery and fabrication workshop, according to HullLive.
Northern Films, an independent production company, is the one spearheading the project, which is hoping to secure planning approval for the project. The proposed soundstage would sit next to the company’s premises in Saltmarsh Court.
Northern Films director Andrew Fenton has said: “Television and film production is a major growth industry in the UK and, for a variety of reasons but mainly cost, companies are increasingly looking for production bases outside of London. We believe we can offer top-quality facilities right here in Hull.
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“We have the perfect location to meet the very specific requirements of the industry and a strong long-standing network of existing businesses in Hull with the sort of skills that are essential in set design and construction. The soundstage will add to what we already have here and the two buildings will be physically linked by a footbridge between the upper floors.”
He continued: “We already have post-production and grading facilities, sound mastering, visual effects and CGI here, along with sets, rehearsal space and a hospitality area, so adding a soundstage is the next logical step for us. A big emphasis for us is providing opportunities for young people locally to get into the industry and learn new in-demand skills without having to leave home and go to London.
“Everything we have done so far, including making The Last Trip, has followed that ethos. It was fully produced using local skills and people with no experience in film production.
“One of the building’s main functions will be addressing what we believe is a learning shortfall within schools and universities who seem to follow a theory-based approach with students being given very little or no real hands-on experience. We feel the skills being taught are not the current expectations of the industry so this building and the concept behind it will provide those skills locally.
“In addition, we will employ local freelancers to oversee the upkeep and management of the building while the ultimate aim is to establish a long-term programme of productions rather than living hand-to-mouth off one-off projects. In that way, it will create regular work for local freelancers.”
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Feature Image Credit: Northern Films
