Shine TV finishes filming at The Sharp Project

Independent production company Shine TV has just completed filming for a new BBC children's series after using 20,000 sq ft of space at Manchester City Council's The Sharp Project in east Manchester.

Founded by Elisabeth Murdoch, Shine TV used one of the sound stages to build a set designed by Stephen Graham from Sharp Project tenant Barcode Media.

Shine TV completed nine 30 minute programmes for My Genius Idea to be broadcast on CBBC later this year.

Sue Woodward, director for the Sharp Project, said: "This is just one of a number of big names in TV production that are interested in our facilities at the Sharp Project. We have 70,000 sq ft of sound stage space and can accommodate a full range of large and small scale productions. We now have a host of companies located here that can support production companies by offering services such as kit hire, post production, editing facilities and set design. One of our tenants, Barcode Media, designed this particular set. We really are creating our very own eco-system where both small and large businesses can feed off each other and thrive."

Moray London, My Genius Idea series producer, added: "Due to the nature of our schedule there were gaps in between the filming, the Sharp project allowed us the flexibility of leaving the set standing throughout the run which not only helped with construction time and convenience, but the budget too."

"The site offered everything we were looking for; a large industrial space, production offices, secure parking and very competitive rates."

The 200,000 sq ft Sharp Project is located at the former Sharp warehouse on Thorp Road, off Oldham Road and next to Central Park's Gateway transport interchange, which includes a Metrolink station, due to open in spring 2011.

The warehouse is being refurbished at a cost of £16.5m, funded by Manchester City Council, the North West Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund. Phase one of the project was completed in April.

Shine TV was set up 2001 and specialises in entertainment, factual and drama programmes including MasterChef, Don't Stop Believing, Merlin and The Biggest Loser.