Published on 02 June 2023
An award-winning production company set up by three University of Sunderland graduates is helping put the north-east well and truly on the filmmaking map thanks to a £30,000 boost.
Red Stamp Productions, a Royal Television Society-winning film, television, and training company based in South Shields, was founded by Michael Lambert, Michael Rowlands and Connor Langley, who met while studying their Master’s degrees at the University.
Connor said: “We all met at University of Sunderland and collaborated together on our major project for MA in Media Production. Our student project went on to win a national RTS for best comedy, so we realised we worked well together and wanted to continue to work together in the professional world.
“The University was the vital first steppingstone to where we are now, not only in terms of the education and facilities but the connections we forged there.”
The £30,000 grant, given as part of Innovate UK, is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – aims to provide a package of targeted support to high-growth creative businesses to scale, build investor networks and reach their potential.
Receiving the grant from Innovate UK means Red Stamp Productions will be able to acquire cutting-edge, Hollywood-grade equipment, empowering the company to grow and explore new innovative projects.
Michael Lambert said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this grant from Innovate UK.
"This funding will revolutionise our business and enable us to elevate our services to unprecedented heights. We are resolute in our commitment to make a lasting impact in the north-east and nurture the untapped talent in our region."
Red Stamp Productions boasts a distinguished reputation for delivering exceptional media content and training programs to clients across the north-east.
With this new investment in state-of-the-art equipment, the company will be even better positioned to provide unparalleled services to its clients and encourage budding filmmakers to consider Sunderland as a genuine film production hub – and that creatives no longer have to travel out of the north-east to pursue a film career.
Michael Rowlands said: "Red Stamp Productions and the region will not only have access to this exciting new equipment, but the kit will create access to an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into. The industry is missing great local talent that is unable to be seen due to their lack of capital or connections.
"Filmmaking is a notably costly art form, which creates barriers for potential filmmakers from working-class backgrounds. This grant will aid working-class people in the region to use the art of film to make their voices heard."
Following the proposal of Crown Works Studios – a major international TV and film studio complex in Sunderland – Red Stamp Productions’ grant is yet more good news for student filmmakers who want to succeed in their future careers without having to leave the region.
Gary Stubbs, Programme Leader for MA Media Production (Film and Television) at the University of Sunderland, said: "Red Stamp Production is deeply rooted in the north-east and is passionate about nurturing the untapped talent in the region.
"The grant will further strengthen their commitment to supporting local artists, technicians, and creative professionals, fostering an environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and skill development."
Senior Lecturer in Broadcast and Digital Media, Ian McPake, taught all three graduates during his camera and lighting classes.
He said: "They were talented students who were passionate about filmmaking and developing their careers in the film/TV industry.
"After graduating from our BA programmes they came together on the MA Media Production (Film and Television) course where they worked tirelessly and created a number of exceptional short films. Their award for Postgraduate Comedy and Entertainment at the National RTS Awards was hugely deserved and recognition of their talent and professionalism.
"The £30,000 grant will help propel Red Stamp Productions to the next level and achieve further success in the industry."