Plans unveiled to develop film production base for city

Ambitious plans have been revealed to create Hull’s first purpose-built film production complex.

The development features proposals for a 19,700 sq ft soundstage at a currently vacant site on the Priory Park industrial estate.

Once operational the soundstage would be used to create indoor film sets. It aims to complement Hull’s growing appeal as an outdoor film location, particularly for period dramas using the Old Town’s historic streets and buildings.

With a planning application due to be submitted soon, the development will also include dressing rooms, office space and temporary accommodation for visiting film crews as part of the main building as well as a standalone joinery and fabrication workshop.

The project is being spearheaded by city-based independent film production company Northern Films.

Subject to securing planning approval, the proposed soundstage would sit next to the company’s existing studio in Saltmarsh Court on Priory Park.

Once built, visiting film companies will only be able to hire the facility on condition they agree to take on local people looking at starting a career in the industry.

Ultimately, the idea is to involve local university and sixth-form students as well as young people on low incomes.

Northern Films director, Andrew Fenton, 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. 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.”

In recent years, Fenton’s business has evolved from a commercial design studio mainly creating showrooms for clients in the automotive industry to a fully-fledged film studio.

The company’s first feature film, a comedy drama set in Hull called The Last Trip, is due to be released in cinemas early 2024.

Fenton added: “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.”