About us
Northern Lights Studios is a full one-stop-shop motion picture production hub based in the North West of England.
We take care of any and all motion picture production needs from production structuring, state-of-the-art filming facilities, financing, casting and crew, principal photography, early development and pre-production, all the way to post-production and music production.
Our expansive production hub and network, coupled with the advantages of filming in the North West, allows us to solve the problem of high production costs while maintaining the very highest standards of production quality. We make high-end filmmaking more accessible to productions of all budgets and scales and to filmmakers of all backgrounds.
We tailor our service to the unique needs of each projects; whether you're a blockbuster scale film production, a major streaming platform series, an independent mid-range feature film, an up-and-coming filmmaker with an spectacular vision but a limited budget, or even someone with an early yet exciting concept for a film, we have the solution you're looking for.
Our Mission
We believe in the magic of cinema and the power of cinematic story-telling, we aim to make filmmaking more accessible and cost-effective to productions and filmmakers of all sizes, budgets and backgrounds.
01
Innovation. Quality
Our dynamic production model adapts to suit the needs of each project, prioritizing an innovative ensures that every cent is utilized to bring maximum quality.
04
The Northern Powerhouse
Through our network and ecosystem, we aim to transform the North of England into a globally recognized hub for filmmaking and innovation—attracting substantial investment, revitalizing creative industries, fostering skilled careers, and inspiring sustained growth across diverse supporting sectors.
02
Accessibility. Efficiency
Our highly cost-effective service makes filmmaking more accessible - productions will cost much less with us so they will require less funds to be raised before being "green-lit".
05
Original Storytelling
We champion original storytelling as the heart of cinematic progress and foster an environment where fresh voices and diverse ideas flourish, ensuring each project resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. By placing authenticity and creativity at the forefront, we not only shape the future of filmmaking but also enrich the cultural fabric for generations to come.
Social Impact. Community
03
Rooted in the North’s rich heritage and sense of community, Northern Lights Studios operates under a 75% non-profit model—directing the majority of its revenue toward partner charities, regional infrastructure, and local talent—ensuring that our filmmaking genuinely benefits society.
Nurture & Support Talent
06
We cultivate local talent through an extensive suite of initiatives—spanning internships and mentorships, masterclasses, robust talent management, specialized coaching, audition support, showreel production, and a film festival — thereby creating clear career pathways,, and ensuring a thriving and sustainable motion picture ecosystem in the North of England.
Key People
Our ecosystem's key team members and frequent collaborators include:
Michael Brando
CEO, Founder
Actor, Director, Writer
Matt Brown
Post Production
Colorist, Executive
George Atkins
Sound Post-Production
Sound Mixer, Executive
Tom Henderson
Vectar project Manager
Producer, Executive
Ceinwen Giles
Non-Profit Manager
Executive
Jim Cartwright
Creative Department
Writer, Director, Author
Paul McHugh
Virtual Production
Virtual Production Executive
Razwana Akram
Legal Department
Lawyer, Producer
Alex Dove
Big Shed Studio owner
Cinematographer, Executive
Javor Gardev
Creative Department
Director. Writer
Kim Allen Kluge
Music Department
Composer
Kathryn Kluge
Music Department
Composer
Ciaran Crowley
VFX Department
VFX Supervisor & Producer
Gonzalo López Gallego
Creative Department
Director. Writer, Editor
Ben Brownson
Financial Department
Accountant, Executive
Ryan Conlon
Financial Department
Financial Advisor, Executive
Simons Muirhead & Burton
Legal Representative
Legal