Newcastle costume designer for Disney and Marvel shows seals £100,000 investment
A Newcastle business which has provided props and costumes for blockbuster TV show The Mandalorian and Disney projects around the world has secured a £100,000 investment.
Ouseburn-based costume design and props company Orbital FX was officially established last year by husband-and-wife team Luke and Karen Daley, formalising a shared 10-year passion for creating high-quality replicas for costumed events around the globe.
Now Orbital FX has sealed the six-figure loan investment from Creative UK’s Culture and Creative Investment Programme (CCIP), which is delivered in partnership with the North East Combined Authority to provide investment and support for creative businesses and freelancers in the region.
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The couple said the investment comes at a crucial growth point, as they plan to expand their equipment and technical team, while also building the company’s brand awareness.
Since 2014, the pair have worked part-time on projects while forging relationships with film and TV companies, resulting in them creating costume accessories for major projects, including the Marvel Universe’s Avengers: Quantum Encounter, a short film release in 2022, and the hugely popular Disney+ TV show The Mandalorian Season 3, well as costume department projects for Disneyland parks around the world.
Before sealing the investment Orbital FX co-founders took part in the North East Create Growth Programme (CGP), which they completed in October 2024. Their participation in the investment readiness programme gave the team access to a business support, mentoring and a connection with a network of fellow creative businesses.
Luke Daley, co-founder and creative engineer at Orbital FX, said: “Securing a £100,000 investment is a pivotal moment for us, not just in terms of financial growth but in reinforcing the confidence Karen and I have in Orbital FX’s vision. This funding allows us to expand our capabilities, invest in state-of-the-art equipment, and bring even more innovative projects to life.
“It’s a step forward in building a future where Orbital FX continues to set the standard in creating immersive, high-quality experiences for film, TV, and live events. We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity from Creative UK to make our creative and engineering dreams a reality.”
Carol Bell, regional associate director for the North at Creative UK, said: “Orbital FX’s journey is a blueprint for scaling-up within the cultural and creative industries, demonstrating what can crystallise within the creative economy when both business support and investment opportunities are available, working in tandem.
“I am delighted that we have been able to support Orbital FX via our North East Investment fund. Luke, Karen and their growing team are a fantastic example of the creative companies we want to nurture in the region. They are a team that has grown out of their passion and skills as well as their belief in the opportunities that the creative industries can bring. I look forward to seeing them grow to become not only the go-to prop company for Film & TV in the North East, but also nationally and internationally.”