Production companies from across the region to Tyneside Cinema in early February for a briefing event delivered in partnership with BBC Daytime.
The session gave North East producers the opportunity to hear directly from commissioners about the BBC’s current call for three VT inserts for The One Show, offering regional companies the chance to develop short‑form factual content for one of the UK’s most recognisable television programmes.
Those attending heard from Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, who is based in the region, and fellow Commissioning Editor Alex McLeod, and The One Show Executive Producer Claire Megahey. They provided insight and gave an inside view of the programme, what they are looking for creatively, and what makes a strong pitch for The One Show.
One‑to‑one meetings with the commissioning team, providing a valuable opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the brief.
“Bringing commissioners and opportunities like this to the region makes the commissioning process more accessible. It allows companies to build relationships and confidence, and creates clearer pathways for North East businesses to compete for national opportunities,” Lisa Laws, Development Director, North East Screen
Linear commissions from the North East have quadrupled since 2022, helping elevate regional companies and enabling them to secure better contracts. As North East Screen continues to drive growth across the sector, creating direct access to broadcasters is vital to ensuring regional talent and stories remain visible on national platforms.
12 North East companies shortlisted for landmark Digital Accelerator initiative
The BBC and North East Screen are today celebrating a major milestone for the North East’s screen industry with the shortlist of 12 companies for the groundbreaking Digital Accelerator initiative.
The shortlist marks an exciting moment in the Digital Accelerator, a pioneering initiative designed to unlock the digital potential of North East production companies to create bold, digital-first content for 16–24-year-old audiences on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Twitch.
Backed by £600,000 of investment from the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), the programme has attracted an exceptional response from across the region. The shortlisted companies showcase ambition, creativity and innovative potential of the North East’s fast-growing screen economy, which has delivered over £65million in GVA and 1,000 jobs in the past three years.
The Digital Accelerator was officially launched at the 2025 Edinburgh TV Festival and explained further at an industry event held in November at Stockton Arc. This event brought together production companies, digital creators, freelancers and industry leaders from across the North East and highlighted the scale of opportunity in digital production.
The 12 companies will now move into the next stage of the initiative, taking part in development activity and pitch direct to the BBC commissioning team. From this group, up to four companies will then be selected to produce their digital idea.
Those companies are: Adventure Alliance Films (County Durham), Candle & Bell (Gateshead), Film Nova (Gateshead), MOTIF (Gateshead), MediaBorne (Gateshead), North Wrestling (Newcastle), Northern Child (Newcastle), Nrthrn Baby (Newcastle), Second Draft (Sunderland), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool), Twenty Six 03 (Gateshead) and Wander Films (Middlesbrough).
Fiona Campbell, BBC Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted:
The Digital Accelerator is about backing brilliant ideas and ambitious companies to reach young audiences in fresh, authentic ways. The North East is full of creative energy, and this shortlist shows the strength and diversity of talent coming through the region. We’re excited to work closely with these companies as they develop bold, digital-first ideas and take the next step in their growth.
Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen:
We’ve got a great mix of companies on the Digital Accelerator shortlist: well established linear production companies, and those already building IP in the digital sphere. This announcement is a powerful acknowledgement of the talent and creativity driving these companies to grow in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
With linear commissions in the North East having already quadrupled since 2022, thanks to the close collaboration we have with broadcasters such as the BBC, we’re now unlocking opportunities for new potential suppliers.
We’re backing ambitious home grown businesses to think boldly, take calculated risks and build sustainable digital futures, ensuring the region can deliver the next big digital hit.
Spotlight: Alison Carr – Bringing a Distinctive Voice to the Screen
Gateshead‑born writer Alison Carr is entering a bold new chapter in her career with her screenwriting debut for BBC Three, a milestone that is attracting attention across the region’s creative industries. Her short film Doppelgänger, produced by North East company Candle & Bell and supported by North East Screen, highlights her unique storytelling.
Known for her acclaimed theatre work, which includes commissions for the National Theatre and Live Theatre, Carr brings her signature blend of dark comedy and emotional depth to the screen in Doppelgänger. The short film follows Josie, a woman who confronts her uncanny double. It is a surreal, psychologically charged story of identity, rivalry, and self‑reflection.
The film is part of the BBC’s Long Story Short series, an initiative that pairs emerging screenwriting voices with local independent production companies to create original short films for BBC Three and iPlayer. North East Screen worked hand-in-hand with the BBC to set up this partnership.
From award‑winning theatre productions to audio storytelling and now screenwriting, Alison continues to demonstrate her versatility and narrative power. Doppelgänger marks the beginning of a new phase in her career, one that promises more bold, distinctive stories shaped by her North East roots.
Find out more about how we support writers and work hand-in-hand with commissioners to provide new opportunities.
BBC and North East Screen launch groundbreaking Digital Accelerator programme
The BBC and North East Screen have officially launched the Digital Accelerator, a pioneering nine-month initiative designed to supercharge the digital ambitions of production companies based in North East England.
Backed by £600,000 of investment from the BBC and North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), funded by the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority; the programme will support up to four regional companies in piloting, and delivering digital-first video content aimed at 16–24 year olds on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and more.
The programme was officially unveiled at a launch event held at Stockton Arc on Monday 3rd November, with Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen and Fiona Campbell, BBC Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted. Athena Witter, CEO & Founder of Engine Pop, also joined to share insights about the digital landscape.
The event brought together production companies, digital creators, freelancers, and industry leaders from across the region. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from the BBC commissioning team, learn how to apply and network with fellow creatives and industry experts.
Fiona Campbell, BBC Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted:
The Digital Accelerator is a bold next step in our mission to grow digital production talent across the UK. By empowering North East companies to experiment, test, and scale digital-first ideas, we’re not only investing in the region’s creative future, we’re helping shape the BBC’s own evolution in how we reach and reflect 16–24-year-old audiences.
Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen:
The North East is a rapidly growing production hub, and we’re committed to sustaining that momentum by backing our companies to create bold, digital-first content that resonates with young audiences.
“As viewing habits continue to evolve, the Digital Accelerator represents a transformative leap forward for the region’s screen sector. This programme is not just about content; it’s about building a future-ready ecosystem that drives long-term growth.
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness:
The North East is full of creative talent, and the Digital Accelerator programme shows our commitment to helping content creators and production companies thrive in the digital space.
“As audiences shift to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, we’re working with North East Screen to help our regional companies develop the skills and content that connect with younger viewers.
“This initiative strengthens our region’s growing reputation in both traditional and digital storytelling on screen, creating real opportunities for our home-grown talent and future-proofing our creative economy.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen:
Teesside is now recognised nationally as one of the UK’s fastest-growing regions for digital and creative industries, and it’s vital we keep building on that momentum.
“By embracing cutting-edge technologies and backing innovation, we’re helping our exceptional businesses, creators, and freelancers thrive – locally, nationally, and globally.
“Initiatives like the Digital Accelerator show our commitment to making Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool leaders in the digital economy. We’re not just creating opportunities, we’re enabling people to build world-class careers right here at home.
The Digital Accelerator is part of the BBC’s wider commitment to growing production capacity and creative opportunity across the UK, with a focus on building a sustainable digital production ecosystem in the North East.
The programme will include mentorship from leading industry experts and a series of webinars focusing on audience insights and digital best practice.
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must be based in the North East or Tees Valley Combined Authorities, demonstrate a strong track record in content production, and show a clear commitment to employing at least 50% creative talent locally.
North East talent shines as BBC’s Long Story Short launches with exciting new short dramas
The new talent initiative from BBC Writers is pairing fresh voices with production companies based in the region to develop ambitious short films, continuing its commitment to champion regional voices. Among the seven compelling stories, Doppleganger from North East writer Alison Carr and North East production company, Candle & Bell, stands out.
Doppleganger explores identity and the unsettling experience of meeting one’s double. Written by Alison Carr, Doppleganger brings Carr’s originality to the screen in this brilliant short.
Gateshead-based Candle & Bell, a female-led indie known for nurturing northern talent and producing award-winning content, led a full North East crew and cast to shoot Doppleganger entirely in the North East earlier this year.
Development Director, Lisa Laws:
Doppleganger is exactly the kind of bold, character-driven storytelling we love to see coming through broadcast led writers initiatives. Its the kind of creative risk-taking we’re championing here in the North East – full credit to Alison Carr and Candle & Bell for creating this superb short made entirely with talent from the North East.
“Production in our region is up 131% in the last year. As our screen sector continues to grow, stories like this show audiences what our next generation of home grown writing and production talent can deliver. We’re proud to support the storytellers who are taking their first steps into broadcast and putting the North East on the map.
Long Story Short is the result of a brand-new talent initiative from BBC Writers, created to shine a light on the next generation of UK screen writing talent. Spanning all four nations of the UK, Long Story Short pairs fresh writing and directing voices with local production companies to develop authored, ambitious short films destined for BBC iPlayer and BBC Three. The result is a slate of seven remarkable short films, each one a testament to the energy, imagination and craft of the teams behind them. Long Story Short champions homegrown storytelling, amplifying voices from every corner of the country, and providing a platform for fresh perspectives that reflect the richness and diversity of the UK today.
The seven writers are alumni of BBC Writers talent-development work. Each film is produced by an independent production company which has been supported by the BBC’s Small Indie Fund.
This project was made possible thanks to the support of colleagues across BBC Drama Commissioning, BBC Three, BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Wales, alongside screen agency partners Creative Wales, North East Screen, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.
North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) investments across the North East is creating opportunities for the resilient world class talent based in the region to innovate and pivot to new ways of working across an ever changing creative industry.
The report highlights a 131% surge in regional production spend, driven by strategic investment, the impactful work of the North East Screen Film Office, and the growth of a vibrant creative ecosystem fostered through collaboration with regional and national partners, including the BBC. With over £65 million in GVA, the North East has firmly established itself as the fastest-growing region in the UK for screen industries.
Other key achievements over the three years include:
The equivalent of 1,046 FTE jobs created across the screen sector, according to the EIA Saffrey report
An impressive £6.70 return on every £1 invested in projects via the North East Production Fund (NEPF)
£2.37 million invested in 10 productions through the NEPF
65% of crew members employed on NEPF productions are from the North East
A 90% increase in filming days with productions staying and filming for longer in the region thanks to alternative studio spaces
6,422 paid training dayson production delivered to support lifelong workforce development
8 regularly commissioned companies – up from just one prior to 2022
50 investments in slate and business development for regional companies and talent
North East Screen Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn said,
“Not only is the North East the fastest growing region in the UK for screen industries, it’s also a region bursting with untapped potential, despite the challenges the global screen industry has faced.
“This report is a testament to the power of our unique public sector and industry collaboration. Everything achieved here is thanks to the incredible talent, crew, businesses and world class stories that are rooted in our region.
“Productions come to the North East for our world class locations, which are vibrant, diverse and really accessible, and stay because they find all they need via our welcoming front door to the industry in the region.
“This is just the beginning. As we enter the next phase of our delivery, we will ensure that our activity reflects the diversity of the region, backs innovation, and has sustainable and inclusive practices embedded across all of it.”
North East Screen is the delivery programme of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), driving growth across the screen industries and wider creative industries in the North East and Tees Valley with funding support from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Combined Authority. NESIP is committed to unlocking the full creative potential of the region, with the aim to more than double its share of the UK film and TV production market, generating an economic impact of £88 million over the initial five year period.
In collaboration with the BBC and alongside regional education institutions, NESIP is building a sustainable, inclusive screen ecosystem that nurtures local talent, supports production, and attracts national and international projects.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said,
“We are a region full of creative talent and that is why we’re investing £6,252,944 to support the groundbreaking work North East Screen is doing to bring major film and TV productions to our region.
“Our iconic landmarks and locations have been beamed across the world and featured in leading film and TV productions, including the Harry Potter films and more recently 28 Years Later.
“Bringing more productions to the region means hundreds of new creative jobs and opportunities, right from starring roles to those supporting behind the scenes.
“We’re setting the stage to become a real powerhouse of UK film and TV production, and as our plans for leading studios right here in our region progress, it’s an incredibly exciting time for the creative industries and talent located here in the Noth East.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said,
“It’s outstanding that our region’s vibrant TV and film production industry is going from strength to strength as the fastest-growing in the UK – supporting hugely successful shows such as the powerful Teesside story told in ‘I Fought The Law‘.
“Our support – in collaboration with the work of North East Screen – is helping this area establish itself as creative powerhouse and become a place where local people can build exciting, skilled careers.
“Through the Tees Valley Investment Zone, we’re putting a real focus on supporting our fast-growing creative and digital sectors – driving forward with the £33.5m expansion of The Northern Studios and an exciting new production village in Hartlepool.
“These developments are creating well-paid jobs, attracting investment, and making our region the go-to place for world-class productions. We’re proud to be playing our part in this success story.”
As the region continues to grow, North East Screen remains committed to backing homegrown talent and championing the crews and businesses that bring global content to the region. With the North East, Crown Works Studios and the Tees Valley Investment Zone – focused on growing creative and digital industries – highlighted in the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the region is in a good place to continue its growth, enhancing why the North East is considered one of the best places to live, work and play in the UK.
5 to follow Ben Fogle on high stakes mission as he takes over iconic clothing brand
5 have announced an ambitious new two-part documentary series – co-produced by Daisybeck Studios and Middlesbrough-based Wander Films – which follows adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle as he embarks on his most formidable challenge yet: taking over an iconic British business.
Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) (2x 60’), will chart Ben’s gamble into the unknown as he risks his life savings, reputation, and family’s financial future to invest in and nurture Buffalo, a legendary British brand. The Sheffield-based cult outdoor brand is known for its old-school, indestructible kit and is beloved by mountain rescue teams and military folk.
All eyes are on Ben as we follow him from factory floor to shop launch party as he tries to bring a cult brand into the modern era.
The commission follows 5’s commissioning team visiting the North East earlier this year to meet emerging production companies in the region as part of an event organised by North East Screen.
Ben Fogle commented: “I’ve taken on some big adventures in my life, but this might be the boldest yet. Buying a Sheffield factory and investing in Buffalo is a huge leap – financially and emotionally. I’ve put everything into it because I believe in the brand, the people, and the power of British manufacturing. It’s a challenge, no doubt, but I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”
Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5 added:“I believe this new series will offer a fresh perspective on Ben – one our audience hasn’t seen before. It’s a bold and risky personal challenge that promises both heart and grit. I’m genuinely excited to be working with the small North Eastern company Wander, based in Middlesbrough, alongside Daisybeck. I believe they’ll craft a compelling and emotional series as Ben trades the wild for the workshop in his mission to revive a British iconic brand.”
Mark McMullen, Executive Producer for Daisybeck Studios said “We’re thrilled to be part of Ben’s boldest adventure yet. This series will showcase the vision, resilience, and sheer determination needed to revive a much-loved Yorkshire brand. We’ll be following Ben from the factory floor through to his ambitious relaunch and can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with the audience.”
Chloë Clover Executive Producer, Wander Films noted: “This is exactly the kind of story we love; bold, full of personality, real people taking risks. Buffalo is a Sheffield icon with a cult following and Ben’s mission to bring it into the modern era is packed with heart and high stakes. We’re buzzing to co-produce and can’t wait for audiences to see how it plays out.”
Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) is a 2 x 60’ series commissioned by Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5. The series will be co-produced by Daisybeck Studios and Wander Films and directed by Adam Caldow. Mark McMullen serves as Executive Producer for Daisybeck Studios and Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner are Executive Producers for Wander Films.
The BBC Digital Accelerator, delivered in partnership with North East Screen, is designed to elevate the next wave of world-class digital content creators right here in the North East of England.
Who’s it for?
We’re looking for bold, ambitious production companies ready to develop standout content for online platforms that can generate future revenue. If you’re passionate about reaching audiences with innovative, platform-native video – think vertical formats, livestreams, creator-led collaborations, and social-first storytelling – we want to hear from you.
But it’s not just about companies. We’re also actively seeking digital creators who champion the North East, both on-screen and behind the scenes. If you’re producing content that resonates across TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, or other platforms – or if you’re eager to partner with companies shaping the future of digital storytelling – this is your chance to connect.
Why get involved?
This is more than just an accelerator. It’s an opportunity to:
• Apply as a company and access support to scale your content.
• Connect as a creator and find future collaborators in the region.
• Network with both companies and talent who share your ambition to supercharge the North East’s digital scene.
Let’s talk
Whether you’re a company hoping to apply, a creator looking to collaborate, or simply curious about how the BBC Digital Accelerator could help you grow, complete our expression of interest today.
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.
PLANS for a world-class film studio complex are being presented to the investment market, with the aim to put in place a final funder and developer later this year.
Sunderland City Council as land-owner and project lead is moving to test the appetite of the wider investment market for the Crown Works Film Studios opportunity, and is appointing a specialist agent who will be engaging investors, including the likes of Fulwell Entertainment who were part of the joint venture which first tabled proposals for a North East studio and continue to champion the project.
The council have confirmed that – as is necessary in public sector projects – they will be testing the investment market, to ensure that they secure the best partner to push ahead with the studio plans. The process, which will take place over the coming months, gives interested parties a window of opportunity to commit to develop the first phase of the studios. A final decision will then be made by Sunderland City Council on who will progress with the studios.
As the development of Crown Works Studios, which has been backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, will involve considerable public sector support in both grant and the disposal 30 hectares of land on the banks of the Wear – market testing is required to ensure the proposed developer(s) plans represent the best opportunity for the project to demonstrate the return required on the public investment.
Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “These studios represent a game-changing opportunity for the city and we cannot wait to see them progress.
“There’s an absolute commitment to deliver the best possible delivery partner to move this forward and we expect that we will have funding confirmed and ready to progress the first phase of the studios by the time remediation works complete later this year.”
A programme of remediation work is now on-site, instructed by Sunderland City Council using funding from UK Government unlocked through the North East Combined Authority, to prepare the former Crown Works site for development.
Planning permission has been secured for Crown Works Studios and a total funding package worth £120m to support its development is available, thanks partly to the efforts of the local authority in lobbying Government to support the development of a film studios on the site.
The Government’s support for Crown Works – which was channelled via the North East Combined Authority – represents a significant incentive that underpins the commercial viability of the scheme for investors looking to get involved in the first phase of its development.
Fulwell Entertainment remains a committed champion of the scheme. Other key supporters include North East Screen, the region’s screen agency, which is headquartered in Sunderland.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We have big ambitions to grow the North East’s creative sector and Crown Works Studios in Sunderland is a key element of our vision, alongside opening the first major label recording studio in the region and opening a national centre for new writing.
“We’re supporting Sunderland City Council in the job of preparing the site, which can eventually be the largest film and TV production complex in the UK outside of London and the South East.
“In the process we’ll create thousands of new jobs for local people and end the days where people have to leave the North East to pursue a career in creative industries. This is why the project has to date secured a public sector funding package worth £120m including £25m which we have put in to begin preparation of the site at Pallion on Sunderland Riverside. We remain confident that this will be a flagship site in a thriving industry for years to come.”
The studios will provide infrastructure that North East Screen Chief Executive Alison Gwynn said will underpin the region’s success in the sector.
She said: “The region is 100% committed to studio development as part of their support for the wider creative industry.
“Film and TV production in the North East is up 131% over the last three years and we recently saw one of the most eagerly anticipated blockbusters, 28 Years Later, showcase not only some outstanding locations, but also some epic scenes created here in our alternative studio space. Not only did they shoot more than 80% of the film in the region, but they also were based here for over nine months.”
“We are now excited to be looking for the right investor for the next stage of our regions growth. The North East have never been in a better position to make the most of these exciting opportunities.”
Creative Industries are at the heart of Government’s priorities in its Industrial Strategy. It is one of eight key growth sectors identified in the Strategy, with a published Sector Plan demonstrating a commitment to investment, IP protection and enhanced R&D for the sector.
