Author: North East Screen

North East Screen (formerly Northern Film and Media) has appointed Oscar and BAFTA winning film producer David Parfitt as their new Chair to help steer the organisation at an exciting and pivotal time for the film and TV industry in the North East.

Following record investment in the screen industry in the North East region with a £25m commitment from the BBC, a new partnership with 12 local authorities and 3 combined authorities bringing £11.4m investment to the table and significant new studio developments in the region, David’s appointment confirms that the North East is open for business.

David grew up in Sunderland and his connection to the region brings with it a passion and desire to support the organisation to benefit the people of the North East. He brings an outstanding track record and remarkable achievements in over 35 years working as an independent film, TV and theatre producer. His many films include: Shakespeare in Love, My Week with Marilyn and The Father.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said;

“David joins us at a crucial time in the development of the North East’s screen industry. We are delivering an ambitious programme of activity for the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) which aims to significantly increase TV and film production in the region.

To do this we want to attract Production Companies to the North East where talent is in abundance. We want to create jobs and opportunities in the industry for local people and businesses connected with the supply chain, and supercharge the access to skills in the region so that the productions that are coming to the North East are fully supported by a skilled and developed workforce.

David’s experience and credentials speak for themselves but his passion and commitment to the region makes him a perfect fit to ensure our organization grows and serves the industry to maximum effect. Job creation and inward investment are our priorities and we are extremely delighted that David is on board to help us to achieve our ambitions.”

David Parfitt, new Chair of North East Screen said;

“Our generation had to leave Sunderland to pursue careers in the creative industries. I want to be part of an organization who can do something to change that. The media landscape is changing and I feel this is the first time there’s been an opportunity to have sustainable careers in film and TV in this region – which is fantastic.

The media industries are huge engines of our national economy and our region wants to be a bigger part of that. Training is at the heart of it all and the support of our local colleges and universities is key. We’re here to provide the next step, attracting people early as they choose their careers and letting them know that this a really viable industry.

The North East already has amazing talent, brilliant locations for filming and a sector that is growing rapidly and the announcement of new studios for Sunderland will further increase capacity, providing work for our newly trained crews and helping encourage North East talent currently based elsewhere to come home.”

David takes over the reins from Tom Gutteridge, the Emmy award-winning TV producer, writer and broadcast executive (Mentorn/FremantleMedia).

David continued;

“I’d like to thank Tom for his commitment to the organization over the past 14 years.  He inherited an underfunded screen agency in real difficulties and with the support of the amazing team led by Alison, built it into the thriving organisation it is today.  We are all hugely grateful.”

Tom Gutteridge said:   I am absolutely delighted that David has agreed to take over at such an exciting time for North East Screen. He brings exactly the stature and stability the organization needs as it enters the next phase of growth and delivery. Since I first joined the board of NFM 14 years ago, we’ve been on a rollercoaster ride: from the almost-terminal loss of funding following the closure of One North East, through the years of bare survival, to the restructuring and resurrection that has led to the healthy, successful organization we see today.

I’m incredibly proud to have been asked to lead such a loyal, passionate and dynamic team for the last decade. Since our appointment of the dynamic Alison Gwynn in 2017, it has never looked back, and today the future of the entire North East screen sector, from broadcast to movies, digital to corporate, has never been rosier. I wish David, and all the board, every success.”

The organisation is also delighted to welcome Graeme Thompson MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Relations at the University of Sunderland to the Board. Before joining the University a decade ago, Graeme was managing director of ITV Tyne Tees following a career as a programme maker, commissioner and BBC radio producer.

Also joining at this time is Fahima Chowdhury, Line Producer for High End Television Production. Fahima brings a wealth of TV experience in both Factual and Drama and launched and ran the region’s previous Production Fund which helped bring productions to the North East such as Vera, George Gently, Joe Madison’s War and United.

Sunderland-born founder of global production company unveils plans for film studios, creating one of Europe’s largest facilities, bringing 8,450 jobs.

FulwellCain Studios, a joint venture between global entertainment company Fulwell 73 and Cain International, has today announced plans for Crown Works Studios in Sunderland, which will be one of the largest filmmaking complexes in Europe, creating some 8,450 jobs across the North East over the next decade. 

The plans are being described by city leaders as ‘the single most significant development announcement to come out of the North East in decades’ and will build on Fulwell 73’s existing presence in the city.  The JV will spearhead the development of a 1.68m sq ft film industry hub at Pallion, with up to 20 premium sound stages suitable for major feature film and HETV productions. The scheme – which requires support from Government to go ahead – will be delivered in three phases, with work set to start in 2023 and the final phase set to complete by 2027. 

Subject to planning processes, Crown Works Studios will stand on land on the banks of the river Wear, which played a critical role throughout the industrial revolution, when the city was a shipbuilding powerhouse.

The studios will be transformational for the city’s economy, cultivating an eco-system on a scale not seen since Nissan’s investment in Sunderland in the 1980s, while meeting the growing demand for studio space in the UK.  Upon completion, the scheme could generate £336m for the local economy every year, creating jobs and contract opportunities spanning a vast range of disciplines including the trades and manual skills.  

Fulwell 73’s partners; Gabe Turner, Ben Turner, Leo Pearlman, Ben Winston and James Corden issued this joint statement: “We are unified in our belief that there is a unique opportunity to bring further high end production to the UK through this ambitious Sunderland based studio project; putting the region on the map as a global production destination.”

Leo Pearlman, managing partner at Fulwell 73, continued: “Fulwell is a company built on family and the North East is embedded in our DNA.  For over 100 years my family had a business here in Sunderland and called this great City home, so to be able to bring Fulwell back to where the inspiration for our global entertainment company began is a truly humbling experience.

Through delivering the studios, we will create a long term production industry infrastructure, attract even more significant high end production to the UK and ensure that future generations of North Eastern talent can develop and prosper at home within the region.”

Crown Works Studios will include provision for production workshops and office space, a vendor village for supply chain businesses, administrative and social facilities, a multi-storey car park and an extensive backlot. 

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said: “Fulwell’s studio announcement is a world class game changer and builds on the North East’s vision for growing the screen industry. We fully support their ambition, and we will work closely with them to build the skills and infrastructure required, supporting both crew and local businesses to become an important part of the supply chain needed to serve the productions made there. 

Their studio will be a global player and will need our regional crew workforce, and the highly experienced world class talent from the region, who had to leave for career progression, to come home. We will also need to develop a new generation of industry-ready entrants, and career changers who can step across in technical and craft areas from other industries. This is a phenomenal opportunity for the people of the North East”

The project is supported by Sunderland City Council, which has brought together a number of key partners to work with the investors to shape plans including around the development of the skills-base needed to support the scheme.

The scheme is in addition to already announced plans for Shipyard Studios which will support a wider cluster of film and media activity. 

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “These are absolutely unparalleled proposals that – if approved – will reinvent the Sunderland economy, establishing the city as home to a modern and growing industry that will create jobs and opportunities for thousands of people across the North East.

“This is a vote of confidence for the city and its people – recognising Sunderland’s history of innovation and of making things.  We have been working on these plans with Fulwell 73 and Cain for many months, so it’s absolutely brilliant to finally be in position to unveil them, and to demonstrate the scale of ambition we have for this city.  It’s absolutely transformational and something we’re determined to see through.”

Strong partnerships are being established to ensure that Sunderland reaps maximum advantage from the opportunity – from the job creation it will bring to the economic prosperity it could generate through increased footfall and spend in the heart of the city.  These relationships will be key in delivering the skills needed to power the studio and grow a sustainable film and media ecosystem. 

The BBC has today that announced six North East companies will be supported through their £1m Small Indie Fund, a huge boost for TV production in the region.

Candle & Bell (Gateshead), MCC Media Limited (Sunderland), Middlechild Productions (Newcastle), Schnoobert Productions (Newcastle), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool) and Twenty Six 03 Entertainment (Gateshead) will all receive financial support and a BBC commissioning editor as a mentor to support their businesses growth.

The £1m Fund was launched in 2020 to support the development of small independent production companies with turnovers below £10m across Drama, Entertainment, Comedy, Factual, and Daytime.

This year sees the highest number of companies based in the English Regions, with significant increase in support for companies based in the North East and Midlands. 48 companies were selected overall with 79% based in the Nations and the English Regions.

Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and Business and Development at North East Screen said;

“We are delighted for the companies receiving this fund, an amazing outcome for them and for TV production in the North East. We have worked closely with each of the companies so understand how this support will help to drive forward their businesses. The companies selected are a great mix of businesses relocating to the region and home grown talent.”

The fund was set up to help boost the strength of UK production focusing on companies with diverse leadership and producers based outside of London, particularly around global competition.

Lisa continued: “This is a fantastic year for production companies in the North East and the start of great things to come. The region is full of talented creative businesses with an abundance of ideas, skills, and incredible determination. The tide is beginning to turn with support for the screen industry in the North East and funds such as this from the BBC will help to supercharge creative business development, making us a region to look out for nationally and globally. “

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

North East Companies receiving the Small Indie Fund 2023 (plus quotes)

Candle and Bell is a female led production company based in Gateshead who are crossing over from short films to TV and are keen to find new narratives and diverse stories. www.candleandbell.com

“Candle & Bell is extremely proud to be among this year’s recipients for the BBC Small Indie Fund. This funding gives us a unique opportunity to work on a new slate of comedy TV shows that champion northern talent and bring new tv productions to the North East. We are beyond grateful to the BBC and we’re looking forward to working closely with Emma Lawson and the wider team of BBC commissioners to realise our ambition to make great comedy TV.” – Maria Caruana Glizia, Managing Director.

Sea and Sky Productions are an emerging indie based in Hartlepool who are currently co-developing TV comedy with Hat Trick Productions. www.seaandskyprictures.co.uk

“We are thrilled to be part of The BBC Small Indie Fund. The support will be central to our future growth as a company and for the North East region as a whole.” – Adam Boabda, Managing Director.

MCC Media are a highly experienced Sunderland based team delivering unscripted children’s programmes for global audiences. www.mccmedia.co.uk

“Its great to be working with the BBC again, MCC Media are over the moon to have been selected. Hopefully over the next twelve months we can get some fresh ideas off the ground as we seek to expand within the region.” – Paul McCoy, Managing Director.

Schnoobert Productions are an emerging scripted comedy indie headed up by experienced TV executive Jason Cook, based in Newcastle and already running writers rooms in the region, upskilling our next generation of writers. www.schnoobert.co.uk

“We are over the moon to get this help from the BBC. It really shows their commitment to the region and we have some immense things planned with them that are going to blow people away!” – Jason Cook, Managing Director.

Twenty Six 03 unscripted indie based in Gateshead who are already delivering North East stories to broadcast and through their current BBC productions (Angels of the North and 24/7 Pet Hospital) are upskilling our local talent. www.twentysix03.com

“We hope this funding helps us to continue our goal to maintain a sustainable, world class, production company in Gateshead.” – Antonia Hurford-Jones, Managing Director.

Middle Child / Northern Child are an unscripted indie based in Newcastle already delivering to broadcast. Their BBC One Daytime programme Northern Justice transmitted in September 2023 and they currently have a documentary in production in the North East www.middlechild.tv

“We’re delighted and very grateful to the BBC for choosing Middlechild’s North East base as a recipient of the Small Indie Fund this year. It will allow us to super-charge our development of ideas for them, with any resulting commissions being produced in the region. We hope it helps us further cement our presence in the area and ultimately provide employment for some of the fantastic off-screen talent we know are here.” – Andrew Eastel, Creative Director.

For full details on the BBC fund announcement https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/small-indie-fund-recipients

North East Screen is the screen agency for the North East.

We develop and champion North East England as one of the UK’s leading film and TV production hubs where exceptional screen industry talent can live, create and work.

www.northeastscreen.org

North East Screen is inviting proposals for a Summative Assessment and an evaluation study and report to establish the performance of the ERDF “Tees Valley Creative Industries SMEs Business Support & Development Project”

We are now inviting organisations and consultants to submit a proposal for this work.

Your proposal should include:

● A brief description of your organisation/area of work

● A description of how you will approach the requirements for this work; specifically your response should address the areas listed in section 2

● A short description of the expertise that would be applied to this work (including CVs in appendix)

● Examples of any previous work which is relevant (maximum 2 examples)

● A quote for this work including VAT and expenses. This piece of work is being partially funded by European Regional Development Fund 2014-20

Click here to view the full Tender Specification,

Selection Process

Responses must be returned to Rob Phillips at Rob@northeastscreen.org or Teresa Saint at Teresa@northestscreen.org no later than 12 noon on Monday 6^th March 2023.

Any queries on the tender should be directed to Rob Phillips/Teresa Saint on the same email as above or 0191 823 8233

Expect drama, tears and plenty of emotionally-fuelled moments as we gear up to see whether Scarlett Moffatt can finally pass her driving test – on the 14th attempt.  

Viewers will join Scarlett behind the wheel on her own lessons, with cameras capturing every driving disaster or minor scrape in this new 10-part BBC One series.

Scarlett first started learning to drive aged 17 but despite countless personal achievements and successes since, getting a driving licence has always evaded her.

Now, she has opened the doors to a unique driving school in Teesside to not only bag her own licence, but to help other learner drivers of all ages struggling to pass their tests.

In some cases these luckless drivers have been learning for decades, with others even failing their test as many times as Scarlett.

Each week, one learner will attend Scarlett’s driving school with a long-suffering family member or friend who has patiently taken on the role of coaching them outside of professional lessons, with little luck ….until now.

She won’t be alone, however, and two professional instructors are on hand at the school to feed crucial tips and advice to the loved ones turned amateur teachers via an earpiece during a five-day crash course.

There’s dual carriageway stalls, burned-out handbrakes, near misses, and navigation nightmares, as the learners bid to finally rip up those L plates and hit the road.

The series is not just about driving – it’s about relationships, helping the couples and taking the heat and stress out of driving.

Along the way, our learners also share touching moments with their loved ones as they drive towards a common goal.

Scarlett’s Driving School has been produced for BBC One by Frieda.TV. Commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC England, this 10-part series starts on Monday 13th February at 8.30pm.