Gateshead-based creative production studio Media Borne, has announced a six-figure Innovate UK investment to develop a cutting-edge Virtual Production Hub – the first of its kind in the region – redefining how stories are made, filmed, and shared.
The award, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Create Growth Programme, marks one of the biggest regional investments to date in virtual production and creative IP development. Media Borne’s new hub, based at its Borne Studios site in Gateshead, will combine real-time green screen environments, Unreal Engine technology, and multi-camera workflows – unlocking high-end virtual production capabilities for brands, filmmakers, and creators across the North East.
“This is a major moment for the region’s creative economy,” said Chris Thompson, Founder and Managing Director of Media Borne.
“We’re building something that brings Hollywood-level innovation right to the heart of the North East – giving local brands and production teams access to tools that were once exclusive to major studios.”
At the core of Media Borne’s development is a shift in how entertainment, marketing, and technology intersect. The studio’s Virtual Production Hub will enable clients to build immersive worlds in real-time – opening up new frontiers for advertising, branded entertainment, and creative storytelling.
“We’re witnessing a global evolution where entertainment is fast becoming the future of advertising,” Thompson added.
“Our goal is to give businesses the ability to tell stories that engage audiences not just as customers, but as fans – cultivating IP that has lasting cultural and commercial value.”
The Innovate UK funding follows a period of rapid growth for Media Borne, whose portfolio spans branded content, documentary, and film production for clients across the UK. The new Virtual Production Hub aims to act as both a creative space and a collaborative R&D environment – attracting investment, fostering skills, and driving innovation within the North East’s creative landscape.
