Video marketing agency Superkrush has transformed a former working men’s club in Gateshead into the North East’s largest commercial green screen studio.
The regional firm used funding from the The Journal’s Let’s Grow programme to finance the works which have culminated in the Mulgrave Terrace-based Jam Jar Studios.
As well as a 1,200 sq ft commercial film and TV studio, the building will also host space for other creative and digital businesses.
Designed by Simon Grundy Ltd, the architects behind Newcastle’s successful Generator Studios, Jam Jar Studio will offer eight individual units and has been designed to promote collaboration.
The project is the brain child of entrepreneur Chris Taylor, founder and commercial director of Superkrush, who was looking for larger premises to accommodate his expanding workforce and was becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of commercial studio space available to film companies in the North East.
Mr Taylor said: “In the past only big businesses would invest in film but in recent years, thanks to the growth of sharing platforms, film has become an integral part of the marketing mix and more and more companies now require value for money, quality film and video content.
“Marketing campaigns no longer require one off, hugely expensive TV commercials but require a series of different films, appropriate for use across traditional and online platforms but to do so cost effectively requires green screen facilities.
“We are very excited about having a TV Studio with supporting facilities, such as a controlled lighting rig, full sound-proofing and editing suites as this allows us to control our film shoots which means we’re more innovative and cost effective. We know there is a real need for such facilities and expect it to be a well-used by production companies and marketing professionals alike.
“It will be great to base Superkrush within such a creative hub and we’ve already received a lot of interest from other creative businesses for the other units.”
John Tulip, managing director at Northern Film Media, added: “Jam Jar Studios will be a welcome addition to the region’s space. The North East lacks purpose built, commercial studio space and businesses are forced to go elsewhere to find what they need which undoubtedly detracts from the regional economy.
“We receive a lot of requests for studio space and whilst existing facilities can meet some of the demand, Jam Jar Studios will enhance what the region has to offer.”
The studio is due to open for commercial use from April 2015.
Superkrush is a video marketing agency that was established in 2001. It specialises in corporate videos, animation, product demos, TV commercials and video search engine optimisation.