How an Oscar-winning producer and a broadcasting legend are inspiring the next generation of talent

Published on 4, December, 2025

An Oscar-winning producer and a TV broadcaster turned playwright have shared their experiences to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and scriptwriters at the University of Sunderland.

David Parfitt produced ‘Shakespeare in Love’, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1999. Together with Jeff Brown DL, TV presenter and University Pro-Chancellor, the pair, who were both born in the city, shared the story of their success and gave advice to Film and Media students.

Students also had the chance to put questions to David and Jeff, delving deeper into the world of TV, film and theatre.

David said: "The University of Sunderland is such an important place. It’s an institution with a great reputation, and it’s providing the people we need in the north-east to continue to promote and expand our industries.

“There have never been more opportunities in the film and media world, and so we need courses like this at Sunderland to help fuel the industry and safeguard its future.”

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Jeff, who saw his play ‘The Bench’ undergo a month-long tour of the region this year, said: “Coming here is all about showing students what’s possible. When I was their age, I would never have dreamed I would spend most of my working life on TV.

“As I got into my career, I realised that there were things open to me that had never been on my radar at all. So, coming back to my home city, it’s been great to share with students that there is so much out there.”

The region has seen record levels of investment from the film industry. More productions are being filmed in the area, including Trash TV, directed by north-east filmmaker Craig Conway and filmed at the University in the summer. 

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University, said: “It’s so inspirational for students to hear from professionals who are generous with their time and candid with their advice.

“Jeff and David bring bags of experience across such a wide range of media industries - from regional newspapers to Hollywood blockbusters.

“The students were enthused by the talk, and it clearly triggered some exciting ideas and great questions.”

Born in Sunderland, David Parfitt is an Oscar and BAFTA-winning producer and co-founder of Trademark Films. Over the course of his career, David has produced a whole host of award-winning films, including most recently ‘The Father’ (2020) which received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, winning in two categories: Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. David was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Sunderland in 1999.

Jeff Brown DL is a TV presenter, reporter and playwright who recently left BBC Look North after two decades. His play, The Bench, toured around the north-east and Cumbria earlier this year, receiving critical acclaim. During the University’s Summer Graduation Ceremonies 2025, Jeff was installed as Pro-Chancellor.

If you are interested in studying Media Production at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.

If you are interested in Film Production, find out more here.