VERSA and FAE will join forces to launch an international Film production hub at VERSA Studios in Leeds city centre offering production services and facilities including 4 sound stages ranging from 10,000 sq. ft to 27,000 sq. ft. Versa and FAE will add post-production and VFX services as well as outreach and educational programs.

FAE, founded in 2019 by Matt Williams and Martin Owen, has 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 city centre studios. FAE is 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.

VERSA’s Leeds studio, opened in mid 2022 has already hosted Netflix crime thriller Bodies, Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion, ITV’s Platform 7, BBC thriller Boat Story and ITV’s Yorkshire Ripper drama The Long-Shadow as well as Feature Film Typist Artist Pirate King.

FAE will shoot Amazon Studios’ and Gulfstream Pictures’ Upgraded; a film set in New York but shot in Leeds with VERSA Studios in 2024.

VERSA and FAE will jointly promote the Studios and seek to welcome a range of other production companies and projects through its doors as well as working closely with FAE’s own productions.

Matt Williams CEO of Future Artists Entertainment said, “We are delighted with this new venture. There are significant advantages in collaborating as global leading partners with VERSA Studios, and in making our Northern hub the city of Leeds. 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 said; “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 who consistently deliver production projects and this partnership is testament to the 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 into 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.”