News. What's going on in Furness
Profile: Northern Riviera Productions
As part of a summer job placement at Furness Enterprise, Chelsea Peters has written a series of profiles of local business people. First up, Gary Robinson at Northern Riviera Productions.
The Canteen, owned by Gary Robinson, Is a popular media and arts centre in Barrow. Events range from live music, to film showings in the cinema room. It’s a diverse an ever expanding business.
Gary Robinson is a talented film maker, who has a history in journalism. Deciding he wanted to create his own business he moved back to Barrow, after living in London for many years. Furness Enterprise offered the help Gary needed, pointing him in the right direction. It was this help that encouraged Gary to consider buying the Canteen on Barrow Island. Furness Enterprise offered assistance with applying for job creation grants. These were successful, and they now employ 25 staff, on a full and part time basis.
He now owns the whole building, and 3 different businesses run from it. Northern Rivera Productions is Gary’s film company which is doing incredibly well. In 2003 they produced a film called ‘Shallow’, which has proved to be very popular. They are currently in the process of making a documentary following music star Arthur Brown, and are in talks with the BBC about them broadcasting it. In addition to this, they have a contract with BAE Systems to make their corporate videos and they make music videos for bands.
The music function room upstairs in the Canteen building, has an ever growing reputation. Stars such as One Night Only, The Futureheads, The Wu Tang Clan, Cajun Dance Party to name a few, have all travelled to Barrow to perform. Proving that a small town can attract quality artists, just as well as any city- and the canteen seems to be the perfect venue. The Canteen is keen to encourage up and coming bands from the area, and as well as them playing their own gigs at the Canteen, Gary always asks if they can support the more established bands.
Gary has recently been involved in planning the ‘Barrow Live!’ event, which will take place on the 24th of August 2008, at the back of the Town Hall. It will be a showcase of local talent, and also stalls and family attractions.
After being established for 3 years, The Canteen shows no sign of slowing down. There are plans to open a coffee bar area and to expand the youth club which meets there on a regular basis.
Posted by Phil Powell on 16th September 2008
