Entrepreneur defies funding knock-back to launch new creative hub
A new creative hub for businesses, founders and creators has launched in the Midlands.
Luke Evans (pictured), who founded creative production company YouNeek Productions Ltd, is opening a state-of-the-art production studio in Leamington Spa after dreaming of the idea for five years and battling against the odds to build it.
YouNeek Productions, which offers end-to-end production, photography and animation, was founded in 2013 by Luke, who wanted to create a platform to produce original content.
Since then, the business has worked with everyone from small businesses to major global brands and now brings together a team boasting 30 years’ of TV and film industry experience and 10 years of marketing know-how.
Luke, 36, who studied media production and honed his craft scriptwriting for both Eastenders and Hollyoaks, always dreamed of founding a creative hub that YouNeek could operate from.
However, when he applied for a grant to fund the project in May, he was knocked back - putting the dream in jeopardy.
Luke said: “Instead of giving up, we thought, we’re going to build it anyway,” said Luke. “And that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Securing funding and loans elsewhere and risking their own savings, he and wife Kasia designed and launched YouNeek Studios, which opens its doors last week with bookings confirmed for the coming months.
The purpose-built studio features a bespoke L-shaped infinity cove for brand, lifestyle & product shoots; a dedicated interview and multiple filming sets and post-production space for collaborators.
As well as allowing the company to continue providing high-level digital services to clients, it will enable the addition of smaller-scale production packages to local start-ups, founders and digital marketeers.
YouNeek Productions has worked with global brands including Just Eat, Milwaukee and Saint Gobain as well as local companies such as Purity Brewing,
Luke added: “I think we’re creating something that some people might not even realise they need just yet.
“In the world of marketing and media, there are a lot of people who know they need video but don’t know where to start with it.
“Now, instead of filming it in their bedroom or while walking the dog, they have a professional space to do it in.
“We have the facilities to offer incredibly high-spec services to major clients, but YouNeek Studios also allows us to help smaller clients and offer affordable packages, including a plug-and-play situation where everything is set up ready for them and they can just get on with it.
“We’re not only providing opportunities for local and regional businesses, we’re also helping add to the digital footprint of Leamington Spa and Warwickshire as a key location for creativity and technology.”
