Leeds now sits at the heart of the UK’s creative industries, a vital part of the economy that employs over two million people nationwide.
In West Yorkshire, the creative sector has contributed more than £2 billion to the regional economy.
Commenting on this vibrant industry, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “The creative industries in West Yorkshire [is] growing faster than any other region outside of London.”
“But I know we can go further, supporting the companies already in our region, while attracting others as we build our reputation as the ‘Creative Heart of the North’.”
Here are some cultural highlights for Leeds and why it’s such a brilliant and exciting city to launch a career in the creative industries.
If you’re interested in joining one of our courses, then contact our team now.
Grand Theft Auto
While the world waits with bated breath for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, a little known fact about the franchise is how it was created in Leeds.
In 1997, Gordon Hall, Jason McGann, Dave Box, Ian Bowden and Justin Johnson formed the company, Möbius Entertainment. This venture was acquired by Rockstar Games in 2004 and renamed Rockstar Leeds.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars were all subsequently developed at the studio.
Channel 4 HQ inspired the Kaiser Chiefs
Channel 4 located some of its team and office to Leeds to great fanfare back in 2022.
The newsroom in Leeds is permanent and has also seen a second digital unit opened as part of the operation to support the programme’s data-driven output. This new venture, in the heart of the city, has significantly increased its presence in the North of England.
While the move has been important for the city and wider region’s media sector, the building the broadcaster now operates out of was the nightclub that inspired the Kaiser Chiefs’ hit record, I Predict a Riot.
FIRST FILM – Roundhay Gardens scene – made in leeds
Roundhay Garden Scene is a short silent motion picture filmed by French inventor Louis Le Prince at Oakwood Grange in Roundhay.
Created in 1888, it is believed to be the oldest surviving film and features Adolphe Le Prince, Sarah Whitley, Joseph Whitley and Harriet Hartley.
Le Prince later used his camera to shoot trams and the horse-drawn and pedestrian traffic on Leeds Bridge. These pictures were soon projected on a screen in Leeds, making it the first motion picture exhibition.
A few years later, the filmmaker was due to head to the US to host a screening of his work when he sadly disappeared without any explanation. This mystery was never solved.
Leeds Music Festival
2024 saw the 25th anniversary of the Leeds Festival, an annual musical institution in the calendar for the whole of the UK music industry.
Originally added as a northern sister event to the Reading Festival, the festival has now established itself as a fixture in the music industry season with genres, styles and artists from across the board now showcased and celebrated.
Headliners from the 2024 event included Lana Del Ray, Liam Gallagher, 21 Savage, Fontaines D.C and many more.
The 2025 edition will be taking place 21-24 August at Bramham Park.
Home of Cluedo
One of the most iconic of all games, Cluedo, was first made and sold in the city of Leeds.
The murder mystery game was first conceived and designed by Anthony E. Pratt, a solicitor’s clerk from Birmingham in 1943.
After years of toiling away on its creation and design, Anthony met the Waddingtons office in Leeds and they agreed to produce the game, first manufacturing it in 1949.
Initially, the game was named Murder! and later became known as Cluedo in the UK and Clue in the United States.
It has now expanded to include a TV show, digital game and more.
Music Producer Andy Gill found his musical feet in Leeds
Acclaimed music producer Andy Gill was born in Manchester but cut his creative teeth in the city, initially as the guitarist and songwriter in critically acclaimed post-punk band, Gang of Four.
The group and their 1979 debut album, Entertainment!, was produced by Andy and the rest of the band and set the blueprint for future spiky indie guitar bands such as Idles and Bloc Party to follow.
He went on to establish a reputation as a much in-demand producer, working on albums from the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Jesus Lizard, the Stranglers, the Futureheads, Michael Hutchence, Killing Joke and more.
Hyde Park Picture House
Hyde Park Picture House is an independent cinema that has been showing films since its doors opened in 1914.
The cinema played an important role in the local community when it first opened.
With the UK in conflict, there were screenings of patriotic dramas and epic adventures to distract from the realities of war and maintain morale alongside the latest newsreels relaying vital information from the frontline.
Described in 1914 by the Yorkshire Evening Post as ‘the cosiest in Leeds’, the cinema has gone through various ups, downs and refurbishments. It continues to inspire audiences and deliver projects for its community with a great array of local and world cinema on offer.
Leeds and Yorkshire popular location for filming
Back in 2021, BBC Research found that Yorkshire appeared in more programs on the UK’s five main channels than any other region in the UK.
Leeds and the wider county has been the setting for many popular shows, including Our Yorkshire Farm, The Yorkshire Steam Railway, The Yorkshire Vet, and the remake of All Creatures Great and Small.
It’s this popularity among creatives that has led to the likes of Channel 4 and Sky opening bases in the city. Other notable hits that have used Leeds as a location for filming include Four Lions, The History Boys and Peaky Blinders.
STUDY AT SAE
Whether you want to work in Film Production, Audio Production or more, there are many different opportunities to elevate your career in the creative industries at SAE Leeds.
Our degrees will provide you with the skills, experience and knowledge to succeed at the highest level.
