Two daring, original productions from the North East have taken home top honours at the prestigious Broadcast Digital Awards 2025, cementing their place among Britain’s most innovative storytellers.
Smoggie Queens, a powerful, laugh-out-loud comedy series spotlighting the LGBTQIA+ community in Teesside, won Best Comedy. The Hat Trick Production supported by the North East Production Fund, was applauded for its combination of both character work and physical comedy, with creator and star, Phill Dunning, getting deserved praise from the judges.
Meanwhile, I Printed a Gun: Plastic and Deadly, an investigative documentary examining the rise of 3D-printed firearms, from Newcastle-based Northern Child, won Best Short Form Documentary. The extraordinary piece of investigative journalism has not only highlighted this issue, but drive real-world legislative change with a bill going to parliament.
Lisa Laws, Development Director, at North East Screen said:
“We are a region of storytellers and innovation, and both of these shows are brilliant examples of stories that resonate with global audiences.
We have nurtured relationships with both Hat Trick and Northern Child in different ways, and they are proof that you can grow and develop your business in the North East, create meaningful relationships with broadcasters and commissioners, and produce exceptional world class content.”
Both projects were made support from North East Screen via the North East Production Fund and the business development commission pitch opportunities, with strong backing from broadcasters championing fresh perspectives.
The North East has seen brilliant growth over the last three years with an 131% increase in production since 2022. The region has gone from having one regularly commissioned company to now having eight delivering across multiple genres including drama, scripted comedy, unscripted documentaries and factual entertainment.
The Broadcast Digital Awards celebrate excellence and creativity in digital broadcasting, honouring content that pushes boundaries and connects deeply with audiences.
