Studio with unique service for film and photography

Mar 31 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A YOUNG entrepreneur is juggling two new businesses of his own after failing to find a job as a web designer in his native North East.

Chris Davidson from Hebburn took a few part time jobs after leaving university but was unemployed when he decided to go it alone earlier this year.

His first business is web design firm We Must Design, which he is running as a sole trader, from the town’s old Co-op buildings. But he realised he could make more use of the space available and decided to open a second business called The Photography Studio to provide facilities for professional and amateur photographers and film-makers.

Mr Davidson, 27, said: “Really, for what I do, there’s not many jobs here. All the jobs are London-based, it’s a catch-22 really. Down there, you can go as a trainee but the rent is so expensive but here you need experience.

“I specialise in web systems for photographers so I decided to start up the studio. I’ve had people in making adverts, local photographers and anybody who doesn’t have their own equipment.”

He believes the centre, which has more than 93sq metres of floor space, is the only one of its kind in the region. It is kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment, including lighting, backdrops and a viewing system that includes a 40in LCD screen.

He said: “I found there was a lack of suitable studio facilities for people who wanted to use their digital cameras to the full.

“I wanted to offer a service that enables people to have access to professional studio lighting and backdrops without the need to buy them. They can hire everything they need and use them as their own.”

He received a £5,000 grant from Tedco in South Tyneside and £2,000 from Business Matters to equip the studio, which is also running a series of intensive one-day photography courses to help amateurs improve their skills.

“They were very helpful,” said Mr Davidson. “They helped me get my business plan together and helped with things like marketing.”

The studio was launched last week with an exhibition of local artists and photographers’ work and a charity auction in aid of the Meningitis Trust.