Author: Curtis Wake

The RTS North East and Border Awards are fast approaching and soon we’ll be finding out who wins the prestigious prize of best drama/comedy. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate talent both on and off screen and a chance to showcase the calibre of TV shows produced in the region.

Last year The Red King, a Quay Street Production for UKTV won Best Drama. The production shot in Northumberland in 2023 with a special screening taking place at Alnwick Playhouse in April 2024.

Smoggie Queens, a Hat Trick Production for BBC Three won Best Comedy. The series set in Middlesbrough by Teessider Phil Dunning was shot in and around the town with a screening event for 1000 people – cast, crew, suppliers and locals – taking place at the Town Hall. We were delighted to welcome back Hat Trick Productions to the region in 2025 to shoot series two!

Both productions were attracted to the region with help of The North East Production Fund, managed on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership by North East Screen. The fund is helping to drive growth in the industry, providing better jobs and opportunities for North East people and businesses.

This year the showcase of locally produced productions continues with four local productions battling out for top spot. I Fought the Law by Hera Productions for ITV, The Feud by Lonesome Pine for 5, Transaction by Big Talk Studios for ITV and Vera by Silver Pictures for ITV. A really tough category and we can’t wait to find out who lifts the trophy!

In the North East region there has been an 131% increase in production spend and a 90% increase in filming days, thanks to productions like these. We may have said a fond farewell to Vera but the other three productions were attracted to the region by The North East Production Fund with 65% of North East Crew employed on the shoots.

Our region is proving we have the talent, highly skilled crews, exceptional locations and local businesses who are capable of winning more work. Bring on the RTS awards for a celebration of this important industry growth!

If you’re thinking of filming in the region we would love to hear from you. Speak to our Film Office about your next production and the many benefits our region has to offer.

As demand for filming in the North East continues to accelerate, We’re ramping up efforts to champion the region’s most cinematic locations to top UK industry professionals. Our ongoing series of Scout About familiarisation trips places iconic landscapes and heritage sites centre stage, demonstrating why the North East is fast becoming a leading TV and film production hub in the UK. 

These curated two‑day scouts are specifically designed for influential Location Managers – many with credits on global hits such as House of Dragon, Bridgerton and Outlander – giving them first‑hand access to the North East’s unmatched range of filming environments. 

Here are just some of our showstopper locations ready for their close-ups: 

Tees Barrage, Stockton-on-Tees
From Oscar winning epic 1917, where George MacKay’s river escape was filmed safely in controlled rapids, to ITV’s gripping drama, After The Flood, which shot its intense rescue sequences at the site, Tees Barrage has become the goto location for productions needing big, cinematic water moments.  

With its unique manmade bowl, fully controlled water flows, and specialist crew on hand, Tees Barrage offers something no other UK location can: safe, repeatable and spectacular water action. 

Teesside International Airport
Teesside International Airport has quickly established itself as a flexible, reliable filming location for both UK and international productions. It has successfully doubled as ‘New York International Airport’ in Amazon Original film, Upgraded, and has the capability to completely transform the terminal with altered signage, digital displays and check-in desks. Despite being a functioning airport, filming can be successfully accommodated without disrupting its primary use.  

Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum continues to shine as one of the North East’s most iconic filming locations. From Downton Abbey to All Creatures Great and Small, choosing to film here because of its immersive 1900s streets, 1940s settings and newly expanded 1950s town. Its ability to transform into different eras, often within the same day, makes it one of the most flexible locations not just in the North East, but in the UK.  

Durham Cathedral
Towering over the city skyline, Durham Cathedral offers instantly recognisable medieval majesty and is a cinematic icon of the North East. It’s Norman architecture, cloistered walkways and atmospheric interiors have captivated global audiences, earning it a starring role in some of the world’s biggest film and TV productions, including Harry Potter, Avengers: Endgame, Elizabeth, Inspector George Gently, and most recently, I Fought the Law. It is one of our most extraordinary screen assets and the team continue to welcome and accommodate productions from across the world. 

The Raby Estate
The Raby Estate remains a magnet for film and TV productions with its breathtaking landscapes and authentic historic settings. From the medieval castle and sweeping parklands to the raw natural drama of High Force and Low Force on the Estate, Raby is one of the North East’s most versatile and production-ready locations. With global period hits such as Victoria and Elizabeth using the Castle’s stunning interiors and exteriors, to 1917, The Gorge and The Witcher using the waterfall’s iconic settings, you can see why this remains a go-to destination for filming. 

Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
The tidal island is one of the North East’s most iconic landscapes, with its rugged beauty and unique tidal causeway. It has emerged as a powerful presence on screen, playing major roles in both blockbuster cinema and longrunning British drama: from its haunting use as the ‘survivors’ home in the BAFTA nominated 28 Years Later to its central place as DCI Stanhope’s ‘home’ in ITV’s Vera, it is one of our region’s most distinctive assets. 

The next series of Scout Abouts are fast approaching, with a number of these iconic locations featuring. Locations Managers looking to attend should register their interest through this Expression of Interest form. 

For any productions considering the North East as their next filming destination, please get in touch with our Film Office who will support your enquiry.

Working as a Production Assistant and Runner with Candle & Bell across both pre-production and production, Jenna supported the delivery of the BBC short film while gaining invaluable experience behind the scenes. “I feel so lucky to have been involved in a project that gave me my first broadcast credit,” she says. “Being inside the structured chaos of a short film was a fever dream – I can’t wait to get involved in my next contract.”

Jenna is a First Class Broadcast Media Production graduate from Teesside University, and has a strong interest in audio storytelling. Alongside her production work, she has experience in radio, podcast production, and sound mixing, and continues to develop her skills across both screen and audio projects. She is also a member of the North East Screen Crew Academy and has benefitted from their support and guidance on working in film and TV.

Looking ahead, Jenna hopes to build a career in scripted television and radio production. With her first BBC credit now secured, Doppelgänger represents an exciting step forward in what is already shaping up to be a promising journey in the industry.

Inspired by Jenna’s journey? Find out more about getting into the industry, and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about future Bridge to Industry events.

Sound recordist Phillip Quinton is a seasoned professional with 15 years’ experience across film, TV, and radio. On Doppelgänger, Phillip captured and mixed the sound for the North East-made short from Candle & Bell, helping to bring the story to life.

Over the past five years, he has worked on series including River City (BBC Scotland), Doctors (BBC One), and An Clo Mor (BBC Alba). More recently, he has expanded into local radio production, producing Tom & Lauren are going OOT with Candle & Bell for BBC Radio 4. Throughout, he has consistently championed North East crews, strengthening our region’s reputation as a hub for high-quality productions.

Reflecting on Doppelgänger, Phillip says, “It was hugely rewarding to collaborate with a North East team on a BBC production and see local talent shine.” He describes the experience as a pleasure, highlighting the collaboration with his sound assistant Jack Abernathy and the guidance of producers Maria and Zahra. Having long admired Candle & Bell’s work, Phillip adds that it was especially fulfilling to work with the company on a BBC project.

Looking ahead, Phillip is keen to continue developing in radio, take on more North East-based productions, and expand into teaching and acting – sharing his experience while supporting the next generation of regional talent.

Inspired by Phillip’s story? Find out more about getting into the industry, and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about future Bridge to Industry events.

Grip Elliott Pate is a familiar face on sets across the North East, with experience spanning major TV dramas, feature films, and regional productions. As Key Grip on Doppelgänger, Elliott played a central role in supporting the camera department on the North East-made short from Candle & Bell.

He has worked on high-profile productions including Outlander, The Last Kingdom, and Nativity, alongside long-running North East favourites such as Vera (ITV) and, more recently, I Fought the Law (Hera Pictures for ITV). Alongside these national and international credits, he continues to support filming in the region through his work with Geordie Grips, helping strengthen the infrastructure that keeps productions moving in the region.

Reflecting on Doppelgänger, Elliott says the highlight was “seeing so many talented North East crew members come together to make such a powerful short.” Over the past three years, the North East screen sector has supported the creation of the equivalent of 1,046 full-time jobs, highlighting the scale of opportunity for local crews to contribute to projects like this.

As he continues to build his career, Elliott is working towards his Level 3 NVQ. He’s passionate about helping position the North East as a go-to destination for drama and film, encouraging more productions to base themselves here and collaborate with North East talent.

Director Zak Harney, from South Shields, is part of a new generation of North East filmmakers putting forward working‑class stories on screen and showing them in a new light.

Zak is the Director behind the BBC Three pilot, Doppelgänger, which brings his unique ethos to the screen: character‑led storytelling, visual playfulness and a commitment to showing the heart of the North East – that warmth, humour and emotional honesty that breathes through all of us.

Doppelgänger was developed through the BBC Writers’ Long Story Short, an initiative that pairs emerging screenwriting voices with local independent production companies to create original short films for BBC Three and iPlayer. Produced by Candle & Bell and filmed entirely in the North East, with the full support of North East Screen, the project marks Zak’s first production for the BBC and a significant milestone in his career.

Zak was drawn to Alison Carr’s script with its contemporary setting and how it embraced colour, wit and larger‑than‑life characters that feel recognisable and authentic to the North East, but can resonate to everyone.

By pushing the boundaries on Doppelgänger with ambitious locations (including the Tyne & Wear metro), bold performances and strong visuals, Zak has delivered a stand-out film showcasing ambitious North East talent both in front and behind the camera.

As his profile continues to grow, Zak is establishing himself as a director redefining how North East stories look and feel on screen.

Inspired by Zak’s journey? Get in touch if you’re an emerging North East director. Email development@northeastscreen.org

Camera trainee Nicole Sian from Newcastle is forging an exciting career in the North East’s screen industry, gaining experience across film, TV, commercials, and music videos.

She has worked on some highly acclaimed productions based in the North East, like Smoggie Queens and Family Fortune (formerly Family Secrets), alongside a variety of regional commercial and music video productions.

Passionate about her craft, Nicole enjoys the variety of her work and the chance to collaborate with creatives from across the UK. “No day is ever the same, but it’s especially rewarding to work with talented crews here in the North East, close to home,” she says.

Her work on the North East-based short film Dopplegänger, produced by Candle & Bell, was a particular highlight.

Working with Zak Harney was inspiring – seeing his vision come to life was incredible. Filming mostly in Newcastle meant I could stay close to home while learning from a crew full of local talent. I hope more projects continue to be made in the region.

Nicole credits North East Screen with helping her broaden her experience through funding to access additional opportunities to hone her skills.

The Going Places Fund made it possible for me to work in London, Manchester, and Scotland, covering travel and accommodation. It’s an invaluable support for creatives from the region and has opened doors I couldn’t have accessed otherwise.

Through the Crew Academy and North East Screen’s support, Nicole is gaining the skills, experience, and confidence to build a career behind the camera – an excellent showcase of our region’s thriving homegrown talent.

Inspired by Nicole’s journey? Find out more about getting into the industry, and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about future Bridge to Industry events.

A new BBC Three dark comedy filmed entirely in Tyne & Wear is shining a spotlight on North East creative talent, with Gateshead‑based production company Candle & Bell leading the charge, supported by North East Screen.

Doppelgänger premieres on BBC Three on Sunday 1 February as part of the BBC Writers’ Long Story Short strand, with funding from North East Screen. Written by North East writer, Alison Carr, and produced with an entirely regional crew and cast, the project has created real jobs and showcased the calibre of expertise at our disposal in the region.

North East Screen’s support enabled Candle & Bell to deliver a technically ambitious, broadcast‑ready film rooted in the region. Shot across recognisable locations including the Tyne & Wear Metro system, Heaton and Pelaw, Doppelgänger tells a story grounded in the North East yet resonating far beyond it.

The number of regional companies winning commissions has quadrupled in the last three years, and this film marks Candle & Bell’s third BBC commission. Founder and director Maria Caruana Galizia says the project demonstrates what’s possible when regional talent receives sustained backing:

This film proves what’s possible when a regional production receives proper support.
We’re not making regional content — we’re making ambitious, technically sophisticated work that happens to be made in the North East.

Backing North East businesses and talent to be innovative and win bigger, better contracts, is part of the work North East Screen are doing to cement the region as a great place to do business. Development Director, Lisa Laws, is thrilled to see the steps Candle & Bell have taken recently. She said,

It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with the BBC to give a North East writer their first broadcast credit, and to match them with a dynamic regional company expanding their ambitious slate.

With Zak Harney’s assured direction and some exceptional performances throughout, this project is a brilliant showcase of North East creativity.

Written by Gateshead‑born playwright Alison Carr and directed by award‑winning Geordie filmmaker Zak Harney, Doppelgänger follows Josie, a woman locked in a lifelong rivalry with another person who shares her name, birthday and almost every major life event. As her mother lies dying, the feud spirals into darker, more surreal territory.

With regional investment and national broadcast exposure, Doppelgänger stands as a strong example of how North East creativity can deliver work with UK‑wide and international appeal.

Doppelgänger airs on BBC Three on Sunday 1 February 2026 and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

The North East’s screen sector is celebrating a fantastic year as nominations have been announced for the RTS North East & the Borders Awards 2026 – with regionally produced, nationally recognised productions leading the way.  

Three productions supported by the North East Production Fund (NEPF) – I Fought The Law (Hera Pictures for ITV), Transaction (Big Talk for ITV), and The Feud (Lonesome Pine for 5) – have secured nominations across key categories, underpinning that the NEPF is the catalyst for driving growth in the region’s screen industry.

This year’s Drama/Comedy category highlights the region’s growing appeal to national broadcasters and producers. I Fought The Law features standout performances from Sheridan Smith and Daniel York Loh, while the ever-popular Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn, demonstrates the long-term strength of productions rooted in the North East. 

The Factual Entertainment shortlist showcases the work of Gateshead-based indies Twenty Six 03 earning recognition for Sara Davies’ Christmas Craft Off, and Signpost Entertainment nominated for Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. 

This year’s Crew Award, sponsored by North East Screen, shines a spotlight on the craft, dedication and world-class capability that underpins every successful production. 

Across all the categories the message is clear: the North East is a creative home for some of the UK’s most exciting storytellers, talent and production teams. 

Women in Film and TV (UK) (WFTV) today announced the 2026 Four Nations Mentoring Scheme cohort. Designed for mid-career women working in film, television, and creative media, the scheme offers unparalleled opportunities to accelerate careers in an industry where women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Screen Alliance North, with the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, are proud to back the scheme for the second year running supporting 10 women from the North of England to take part.

Writer Samantha Neale, and Line Producer Sarah Howie from the North East. VT Editor/Director Dawn Feather and Head of Development Kate O’Hara, from Yorkshire, Actor/Writer Kimberly Hart-Simpson and Business Affairs specialist Olayinka Akano from Manchester, co-founder Helen Blakeman and Production Development Producer Hannah Robinson from Liverpool, Line Producer Emma Boyd from Warrington and Writer Zelipa Zulu from Lancashire.

The scheme continues WFTV’s efforts to empower women in the screen industries by bringing together over 50 mentees from across England, North Ireland, Scotland and Wales, chosen from hundreds of applicants. Over a six-month program, mentees will benefit from one-to-one mentoring with senior industry professionals, alongside peer-to-peer training and bespoke career and personal development workshops.

Penny Hall, Partnership Lead at Screen Alliance North:

We are delighted to give northern women the opportunity to enhance their careers in the Film and Television industry through this national scheme which has such a prestigious list of mentors. Last year’s cohort gained so much from the mentoring programme which developed their networks and routes for collaboration as well as honing their industry skills. We can’t wait to see the progress of this group this year.

Helen Bullough, North of England producer for WFTV’s Four Nations Mentoring Scheme:

We’re made up that we’ve been able to increase the number of places on offer in the North of England this year to ten, reflecting both the increased demand from the region and the remarkable pool of talent here.  Across the UK we make sure there’s a rich cross section of crafts and skills reflected in the cohorts and we can’t wait to get to work and help supercharge the careers of these ten talented women from the North!

Katie Bailiff, CEO of WFTV:

The Four Nations Mentor Scheme encapsulates everything WFTV aims to achieve by unlocking opportunities and inspiring change across our industry. We’re proud to continue nurturing growth and representation in the creative sector. This year’s mentors are some of the most inspiring people in TV and Film, we are fortunate to have them involved in the scheme sharing their experience and wisdom with women looking to excel in their careers.

Mentors for the North of England cohort this year include Caroline Richards, Head of Production at Big Talk Studios, Emma Lawson, Commissioning Editor at BBC Comedy and Emily Feller, Chief Creative Officer, Warp Films.