Who We Are
EC Creative Services has been designing and building bespoke sets – for TV, film, theatre and live events – since 1990.
We’re not the only set building company in the UK but we are the industry leaders in offering a one-stop shop. We’ve got a highly-trained, multi-skilled and motivated workforce who can provide expertise in metalwork, joinery, cabinet making, electrics, scenery painting, upholstery, LED lighting and mechanical engineering. This means we can get things done quickly, professionally and on budget.
Based in Oldham, Greater Manchester the company was originally founded by Eric Crowther (no prizes for guessing the inspiration behind the company name). These days Ben Crowther (Eric’s son) oversees the day-to-day running of the company although Eric does still take a keen interest in the business (usually from his boat in Conwy).
As a long-running family business we also pride ourselves on our friendliness, personal service and flexibility. Over the years we’ve seen and experienced most things and are extremely good at finding original solutions to even the most complicated design, build or installation challenge.
We are approved contractors to major television and production companies including the BBC, ITV, Endemol and Channel 4.
We’ve got an excellent track record in delivering innovative, quality, creative answers to problems large and small. You don’t just have to take our word for it though, here’s what some of our clients have got to say below.
What We Do
We’re masters at metalwork (cutting, folding, rolling, punching, bending, manipulating, forming, welding and structural steel), wonders at woodwork (CNC routing, steam bending, polishing, timber framing, sheet cladding and cabinet making), pretty damn good at plastics and rubber (injection moulding, blow moulding, UV welding and laser cutting) and fabulous at finishes (scenic painting, scenic art, powder coating, plating, screen printing, laser etching, stove enamelling, paint spraying and upholstery).
We’ve also got a new, specialist modular LED Screen and LED Lighting department to enable us to offer more versatile and less power-hungry alternatives to traditional TV and stage lights. We can now hire, sell and install, modular LED Screens and LED lighting for any size show or event. We differ from the rest of the LED crowd by sourcing all our LED products directly from our manufacturing partners, which means we can offer our clients the latest and most efficient products at highly competitive prices.
The above details are just a snapshot of what we can offer so don’t hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions.
I’ve worked with EC Creative for over twenty years on numerous high-profile TV shows including The Weakest Link, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Tipping Point and of course Strictly Come Dancing.
The main thing that sets EC apart is the enormous breadth of knowledge and experience that the team has built up over so many years in the business. This includes the most effective construction methods, awareness of the properties of hundreds of different materials and insights into the latest technologies. These things, combined with a staff of highly skilled people, means their sets have an excellent standard of build and finish – plus they’re experts at making the budget stretch as far as possible too.
The Furchester Hotel was a 360 degree set, meaning you could put a camera almost anywhere to get a shot. It was very cinematic with beautiful depth and angles. Anyone who visited was instantly taken with the grandeur and detail of it.
The changes were relatively small but the finished design and impact was dramatic, plus the whole job went smoothly from start to finish. Ben was always available whenever I needed a change or we found a unique issue that needed solving.
I always try and use EC in my work where appropriate and indeed they have provided excellent support and equipment in many of my jobs. I always enjoy working with the team, they instantly respond to any changes I make or that the job dictates and they come up with creative solutions so that I can get the job done – exactly what I’m looking for from a scenery company and LED supplier.