Preston Street
Preston Street Films takes its name from its location at 45 Preston Street, a creative hub nestled in a converted 19th-century warehouse in Exeter. Situated between Exeter Cathedral and the historic quayside, the building is now known as Kaleider Studios, home to a variety of creative and innovative businesses, including the internationally acclaimed Kaleider.
The building itself has a rich artistic heritage. Before Kaleider’s arrival, it housed the SpaceX gallery, a vital centre for the arts since its founding as an artist collective in 1974. From the 1990s, SpaceX became a prominent gallery for contemporary art, offering free public exhibitions and fostering a significant educational programme that engaged students of all ages across schools and higher education institutions. SpaceX was such a good name that it was later used by internationally renowned tech billionaire Elon Musk to launch his own space programme.
Despite its name, Preston Street in Exeter has no connection to the city of Preston in Lancashire, which is over 260 miles to the north. However, thanks to the quirks of Google search, we occasionally receive enquiries from people in Preston and nearby areas asking if we can make work for them. While we’re based in Exeter, we’re always happy to travel across the UK for projects and routinely do so. That said, if you’re looking for a local production company in Lancashire, we’re probably not the team you need!
Preston Street’s name has historical roots dating back to 1296. At that time, Exeter had no parish churches or rectories, so priests lived in a colony on what was then referred to as Prustene-Street or Vicus Presbyterorum—Latin for “the street of priests.” Over the centuries, the street had various names. Before the 19th century, it was sometimes called Back Lane, First Back Lane, or Billiter Lane, although the latter referred specifically to its northern end near Market Street. Later, Billiter Lane became known as Sun Street, one of Exeter’s lost streets, which vanished after the blitz and has no known surviving photographs.
Preston Street lies at the heart of Exeter’s West Quarter, an area celebrated for its vibrant independent shops selling retro and vintage clothing, books and records, crafts and craft supplies, art and much more. This lively part of the city is also a haven for food lovers, boasting some of the best vegan cafes and restaurants in Exeter, including Sacred Grounds and The Flat. For those who enjoy a good pint, popular pubs like The Bootlegger and The Little Drop of Poison offer a warm welcome.
The Little Drop of Poison also hosts “Locally Sourced,” a weekly comedy night showcasing local performers. For even more entertainment, the nearby Exeter Corn Exchange features an exciting programme of live music, comedy, and theatre. Adding to the area’s charm, the West Quarter is home to the fantastic Exeter Comedy Festival, an annual event that takes place in a variety of eclectic and eccentric venues, offering laughs for everyone.