Indie Firm Future Artists Entertainment & Versa Studios Partner On UK Production Site

UK-based production company Future Artists Entertainment (FAE) has teamed with Versa Studios to launch what they have described as an “international film production hub” at Versa Studios in Leeds, Northern England.

The site will offer full production services and facilities, including four sound stages ranging from 10,000 sq. ft to 27,000 sq. ft. Versa and FAE will add post-production and VFX services alongside “outreach and educational programs.”

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Founded in 2019 by Matt Williams and Martin Owen, FAE has said it generated over $150 million of production spend since its inception, producing fourteen films, seven of which have been produced in Manchester and Leeds, with two of those made in conjunction with Versa Manchester studios.

The company just wrapped on the Lionsgate survival thriller, Above The Below, starring Idris Elba. It’s best known for movies such as the Netflix hit Bank of Dave, Sky Original’s Pokerface starring Russel Crowe, Last Train to Christmas starring Michael Sheen and the Welsh true story Save The Cinema starring Samantha Morton, Tom Felton, and Jonathan Pryce.

“We are delighted with this new venture and the ability to now offer the industry a fully servicing company that has in-house facilities as well as expertise. There are significant advantages in collaborating as global leading partners with Versa Studios, and in making our Northern hub the city of Leeds,” said Matt Williams, CEO of Future Artists Entertainment.

“The Leeds VERSA facility is tremendous and has a really diverse inventory allowing for up to three productions to be ongoing at the same time. We have worked closely with the Versa team and their sister property company, Allied London, on several of our productions and they are fantastic to work with. We are really excited about what we can do together in Leeds.”

Charlie Ingall Founder and Executive Director of Versa Studios added: “This partnership is the latest high-profile news for VERSA where we have adapted to the ever-changing media production industry. FAE is a fast-growing and successful production company, that consistently delivers production projects and this partnership is a testament to Versa Studios’ continued growth to date. Together, we will continue to create a unique production hub in Leeds with global appeal. Attracting both domestic and international productions means we can also focus on nurturing next-gen talent to ensure more access to the industry and maintain a strong, talented crew base with employment opportunities in the wider creative industries sector in Leeds and beyond. An exciting time for both VERSA and FAE.”

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