Author: North East Screen

TVCA Artists of the Year unveiled for 2024

Posted on 21 May 202421 May 2024 by North East Screen

The talented artists to receive unique support and funding from a major new initiative driving forward the arts in Tees Valley have been revealed.

Tees Valley Artists of the Year 2024 is a new scheme run by Tees Valley Combined Authority supporting five leading local artists, who will receive a career-changing £30,000 investment.

The project is a bold new approach to develop the next generation of musicians, film-makers and writers and could provide a groundbreaking model for other areas.

The successful artists were unveiled at The Globe Theatre, in Stockton, on Monday (20 May).

They are Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn; Darlington author Lisette Auton; Stockton-based visual artist Claire A Baker; theatre-maker Scott Turnbull and Stockton film-maker Andy Berriman.

Each will receive a £30,000 package of support over a year, which includes a real-living wage bursary and a professional development budget.

All five will also receive industry mentoring and tailored business support to take their creative career to the next level.

Tees Valley Artists of the Year supports an ambition to develop the region as an engine room for creative artists and the successful artists were selected after competitive process involving panellists from the region’s leading cultural organisations, Arts Council England, and TVCA.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got a great wealth of talent in our region, and we can all do more to shout it from the rooftops.

“We’re putting the building blocks in place by working alongside the BBC, North East Screen and The Northern Studios, in Hartlepool – plus our investment in our Development Corporations in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

“We want to help our brightest talents thrive and build their careers here – and this award is one part of that plan.”

The five artists showed outstanding strength and quality in their field with the selection panel judging they were each at right point in their careers where the programme could make a tangible and sustainable difference.

Charlie Kemp, Head of Creative Place at the Tees Valley Combined Authority, said: “We were utterly blown away the quality, mass and diversity of the applications we received – and it goes to show the incredible depth of creative talent we have in the Tees Valley.

“It’s great to be working alongside the North team at Arts Council England and leaders in the arts in bringing this project to life. The Combined Authority, Tees Valley Business Board and the wider Tees Valley culture sector have a shared ambition to establish our region as one of the country’s engine rooms for creative production, and we’re striving to make it a fantastic and well-supported place to work.

“We hope this funding can provide these great artists with the help and expertise they need to thrive, secure their futures, and take their careers to the next level.”

Funding provided through the Artist of the Year comes via the UK Government and its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Alison Gwynn, Creative Economy Lead for the Tees Valley Business Board and North East Screen Chief Executive, said: “A supported arts and culture scene is essential for nurturing local talent and creating vibrant careers. By investing in our creative industries, we ensure our region becomes a destination for talent, rivalling Manchester and London.”

The award is part of a wider £20.5m programme of investment by the Combined Authority to grow the region’s creative and cultural industries and visitor economies.

Jane Tarr, Director North, Arts Council England “We want the North to be a place where everyone can establish and sustain a creative career so it’s great to see the Tees Valley Combined Authority supporting artists at a key moment in their careers and helping with their business and professional development.

“We were pleased to be involved in the panels for the five Artists of the Year and looking forward to seeing how the opportunity takes their creative journeys forward.”

Find out more about Artists of the Year here

Andy Berriman @ TVCA Artists of the Year Event at The Link/ Globe Theatre. Picture by Dawn McNamara

FilmNation TV UK partners with BBC and North East Screen to drive production in the region

Posted on 10 May 202410 May 2024 by North East Screen

FilmNation TV UK, a division of award-winning entertainment studio FilmNation Entertainment, has today announced a partnership with BBC and North East Screen to attract and nurture on and off-screen talent from the region, accelerate development, diversify the pipeline of productions from the region, and produce returning, high-end productions that will be filmed locally.

The BBC and North East Screen are supporting FilmNation with the recruitment of a part-time Development Producer to be based in the region. To maximize the partnership opportunity and broaden the skill base for the region, the Development Producer will be responsible for strengthening relationships, seeking out bold and fresh voices from all backgrounds and driving development activity. FilmNation will commence the hiring of this role immediately.

FilmNation TV UK develops, produces and finances premium scripted television content for global audiences. The company, led by Creative Director Kirstie Macdonald, works with a wide variety of UK broadcasters, creative talent and studios. The UK production house’s parent company, FilmNation Entertainment, is the studio behind critically acclaimed entertainment across all mediums including: films (Academy Award winning ARRIVAL, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN), US television (Emmy winning I Know This Much Is True for HBO, Chris O’Dowd’s upcoming Small Town, Big Story for Sky), theater (Olivier and Tony Award winning Prima Facie and The Band’s Visit), and podcasts (Signal Award winning SNAFU hosted by Ed Helms).

Kirstie Macdonald, Creative Director of FilmNation TV UK says: “Having had to leave the region myself to find work in TV, I’m keenly aware how underrepresented the North East is on screen. We are thrilled to collaborate with local talent who share our vision of amplifying original voices and stories whilst helping to build a sustainable industry in the region.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen says: “This partnership with Film Nation and the BBC is part of North East Screen’s drive to ensure our ambitious talent and outstanding homegrown stories are at the heart of the North East’s future growth, showcasing fresh perspectives of what the region can offer to global audiences. The North East’s market share of production has been a small percentage for too long. Thanks to the recent interventions by the North East Screen Industries Partnership, including the North East Production Fund, we are now finally seeing some big changes with incoming productions set to increase filming days three-fold in 2024. We hope to see more of our talent bringing us commission opportunities.”

North East Production Fund to support ITV and Hera Pictures ‘I Fought The Law’

Posted on 8 May 20248 May 2024 by North East Screen

ITV and Hera Pictures have announced I Fought the Law starring Sheridan Smith, which will begin filming in Teesside in summer of 2024, with support from the North East Production Fund, delivered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership.

The heart-breaking, real-life story of a mother’s love, courage and determination to change the Double Jeopardy Law, and see her daughter’s murderer brought to justice, is to be dramatised by ITV starring Sheridan Smith as the woman who took on the Criminal Justice System.

Written by screenwriter Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) the series recounts how tenacious mother of three, Ann Ming, battled for 15 years so that her daughter’s murderer could finally face justice, having been controversially acquitted following two mistrials.

Ann Ming, who will act as consultant throughout the production process, said of the television adaptation:

“I am very pleased that Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law. I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie. I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me. Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.”

Sheridan Smith, who will play Ann Ming, said:

“I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed. She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.”

The four-part series has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama, Polly Hill and Senior Drama Commissioner Helen Ziegler, who will oversee production of the drama on behalf of the channel. I Fought The Law will air on ITV1 and ITVX. Helen Ziegler said:

“Ann Ming’s extraordinary and unwavering determination to get justice for her daughter took on the establishment and changed the law. We are thrilled to be working with Sheridan, Jamie and Hera Pictures to bring this tale of the power of one voice to our screens.”

Hera Pictures (Mary & George, What It Feels Like For A Girl, Hamnet, Temple, Honour) will produce the series with Executive Producers Liza Marshall and Charlotte Webber at the helm. Liza Marshall said:

“Ann’s refusal to give up and her tireless devotion to seeing justice is an inspiring story that deserves to be more widely known. We are honoured to work with Sheridan, Ann, Jamie and ITV to highlight this incredible true story.”

Screenwriter Jamie Crichton, who will bring Ann’s story to life said:

“As soon as I heard Ann’s story, of her iron resolve and unbelievable courage to see justice done in the face of adversity, I knew this was one that had to be told. Ann is a shining beacon of what can be achieved if you stop at nothing to make your voice heard. In an age when it’s all too easy to feel helpless, we need more Ann Mings in the world.”

Jamie’s scripts are based on Ann’s book For The Love of Julie which tells how Ann and her family dealt with Julie’s disappearance in Billingham, Cleveland in November 1989 after working her late shift at a local pizza parlour.

Mother to three-year-old, Kevin, and married to husband, Andrew, Julie was only 22 when she died. Raised in a loving home, she was incredibly close to her parents, Ann and Charlie. Tragically, Ann found Julie’s body concealed in the bathroom of her modest terraced house in January 1990, 80 days after it was hidden behind the bath panel by her killer. This was in spite of extensive searches of the property by police forensics teams in the days after her disappearance, who failed to detect her body.

Dissatisfied with Cleveland Constabulary and their investigation, Ann challenged senior officers and applied pressure on the police to discover what had happened to her daughter and to prosecute the man who was guilty of her murder. The drama follows Ann and her family, as they campaign tirelessly in Julie’s name. In her steadfast and indomitable style and despite her grief, Ann took on the Criminal Justice System, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Law Commission, eminent Defence Barristers in television debates, the Government, the Lord Chancellor, the Attorney General, and two Home Secretaries as she ‘fought the law.’

Filming is due to commence in August 2024 in Teesside and surrounding areas, with support coming from the North East Production Fund, delivered by North East Screen. The screen agency’s award-winning Film Office will also provide assistance to the production team with locations, provide opportunities for talented regional-based crew and via the region’s filming friendly network.

Commented Gayle Woodruffe, North East Screen’s Operations Director, said:

“Supporting I Fought the Law via the North East Production Fund reaffirms our commitment to ensuring more North East stories of global appeal appear on screen.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the team at Hera Pictures and are looking forward to seeing Jamie’s scripts bring Ann’s incredible story of courage in the face of adversity to life.”

The North East Production Fund is a multi-million pound aiming to catalyse the sustainable growth of the North East’s film and TV production sector by investing in a portfolio of distinctive, high-quality projects that will collectively contribute to the region, increasing the on-screen visibility and actively contribute to employment of locally-based crew, increasing the spend in the region and improving equality, diversity and sustainability. The North East Production Fund is delivered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership. Expressions of interest are actively sort from both local and national companies and those interested should visit www.northeastscreen.org/project/production-fund

The Red King to premiere on 24th April at 9pm on Alibi

Posted on 23 April 202423 April 2024 by North East Screen

The Red King, a new six-part crime drama produced by Quay Street Productions and supported by the North East Production Fund will air on Alibi on Wednesday the 24^th of April at 9pm.

The series was created and written by Toby Whithouse (Being Human), and stars Anjli Mohindra, Adjoa Andoh, Marc Warren and Jill Halfpenny.

Smart, capable and by the book Grace Narayan (Mohindra) was flying high as an inner-city police sergeant before being forced into a ‘punishment posting’ on the small, antiquated island of St. Jory. Confronted by the forgotten and unsolved case of missing teenage boy Cai, Grace quickly discovers that she must overcome scarce evidence, extraordinary local characters, and the island’s strange cult history to uncover the truth.

The Red King is a character-driven mystery-thriller, that combines the powerful story of a knotty police investigation with chilling, atmospheric folk-horror through the island’s eerie past devotion to a pagan God called the Red King and the cult of the True Way.

The Red King is the last of the North East Production Fund pilots that formed the initial stages of the fund that is managed and delivered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership. The Production Fund is open to expressions of interest and those interested parties should complete the form on our Production Fund page.

Open to both local and national companies, the fund aims to catalyse the sustainable growth of the North East’s film and TV production sector by investing in a portfolio of distinctive, high-quality project that will collectively contribute to the region, increasing the on-screen visibility and actively contribute to employment of locally based crew, spend in the region and improved equality, diversity and sustainability.

Northern Child’s latest commission starring Jordan North to air Wednesday 20th March

Posted on 20 March 202420 March 2024 by North East Screen

Jordan North: The Truth About Vaping, a production from Newcastle based production company Northern Child, will air on BBC Three at 9pm on Wednesday the 20th of March.

As the UK Government moves to ban disposable vapes, Jordan North sets out to uncover the truth about vaping, and decide if it’s time he packed it in.

Along his journey, Jordan meets young vapers similarly confused about the impact of vaping on their health. He visits his old university in Sunderland to find out how vapes work, joins Newcastle Trading Standards as they conduct raids on shops selling illegal vapes, and heads to Manchester to meet the scientist behind one of the first long term studies into the impact of vapes on our cardiovascular system.

The documentary will be repeated on Monday 25th March, 8:30pm on BBC One.

Jordan North will also be on The One Show on Wednesday to promote the documentary.

This is another fantastic commissioning win from Northern Child who, since opening their base in the region two years ago, have gone from strength to strength. Northern Child is the sister company to Middle Child who have been creating content for all the major British broadcasters as well as global platform for fifteen years.

Middlechild also have recently delivered The Tube:Keep London Moving! to Channel 5 which airs Sunday 24^th March at 8pm. Though this was made under the Brighton based Middlechild, the four-part series was fully produced by our very own Katie Elliot – a North East Producer at Northern Child.

Watch the trailer below

BFI and film industry welcome landmark move to support UK film

Posted on 8 March 20248 March 2024 by North East Screen

The BFI and more than 100 filmmakers and industry leaders have today overwhelmingly welcomed the introduction of a 53% expenditure credit (equating to a tax relief of approximately 40%) for UK film productions with a budget up to £15m.

The intervention was announced today in the Government’s Spring Budget to support this vital, but severely challenged, part of the UK’s film industry. This follows work from the BFI and industry and Pact’s proposal to model how tax relief could be made more effective and has been welcomed by filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Idris Elba, Tilda Swinton, Edgar Wright, Mike Leigh, Andrew Haigh, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Barbara Broccoli, David Heyman, Kenneth Branagh, Daniel Kaluuya, Danny Boyle, Riz Ahmed, Gurinder Chadha, Sam Mendes, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Karlsen, Andrea Arnold, Asif Kapadia, Emerald Fennell, Gareth Edwards, Joanna Hogg, Nida Manzoor, Paul King and Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu.

This uplift marks a transformative moment for the sector as producers and filmmakers have increasingly struggled to finance films at this level and get them into production in the UK.

Also announced today is a package of measures further supporting the sector including a 40% relief on gross business rates bills for eligible film studios in England, until 2034; funding for an extension at the UK’s world-leading National Film and Television School; and a 5% increase in tax relief for UK visual effects costs in film and high-end TV, under the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) with an exemption on the AVEC’s 80% cap on qualifying expenditure.

David Parfitt, producer The Father, My Week With Marilyn, Shakespeare In Love; Chair of North East Screen, said “Independent film is in desperate need of support despite its global reputation and I am delighted that the Government has stepped up at this critical time – a successful industry will pay back in spades.”

Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive, said: ‘This is a dramatic moment for UK film, and the most significant policy intervention since the 1990s. The positive impact will be felt across our industry, and through all the new films that audiences will get to enjoy. The films we make are vital to our culture expression and creativity – they reflect a diverse and global Britain, and build careers – and we’re grateful to Government, the DCMS, the industry and our friends at Pact for working together to realise this historic initiative.’

Sir Ridley Scott, director, said: “Expanding tax relief to support UK independent film has never been more needed if this vital part of the industry is to survive and thrive. Over the course of my career I’ve seen how creativity is born and lives within independent filmmaking, and has been intrinsic to the industry’s growth and success; as well as being the source of important stories that matter to society. It also happens to be something we do spectacularly well – expanding tax relief will help ensure we continue the pipeline of great British stories and talent, both in front of and behind the camera.”

David Puttnam, producer, Chariots Of Fire, Local Hero, Midnight Express, The Mission, said: “Fifty years ago, as a young producer trying to forge a career, I was hugely enabled by Government support then available in the form of the Eady Fund. Today’s young producers, already doing better work than I ever aspired to, need a similar boost if they’re to deliver the success the industry needs, and the nation craves for. The need is critical, the moment is now.”

Major studio development in Sunderland backed with new tools given to the region in the budget

Posted on 6 March 20246 March 2024 by North East Screen

Today’s announcement of the trailblazing devolution deal agreed between the Government and North East in the Spring budget will equip the region with the tools it needs to make the Crown Works Studios development in Sunderland a reality, further proving that there has never been a better time to join the booming screen industry in the North East.

With production in the region already up 28% last year, going against the national picture, the North East Screen Film Office has trebled the production scheduled for 2024, largely thanks to the work of North East Screen Industries Partnership, delivered by North East Screen. The development of the Studios provides the North East with the large-scale infrastructure that is the next step to welcoming productions all year-round, creating a sustainable industry for future years and generations.

In reaction to today’s announcement, Chair of North East Screen, Academy Award winner David Parfitt said “The backing for Sunderland’s Crown Works Studios is significant in ensuring that local industry talent and businesses have a place they can create global film and high-end TV content without having to relocate to other areas of the UK.

My generation had to leave the North East to pursue careers in the creative screen industries. Record investment in local talent from the North East Screen Industries Partnership and major UK broadcasters has started to produce substantial change, but this major investment in a large-scale studio development will take us to the next stage, supporting the incredible talent already working in the North East and bringing others home.”

With the other developments currently happening across the region, today’s announcement supercharges the range of opportunities the region’s screen agency are already providing for homegrown and relocating talent and companies. North East Screen are currently working with a range of industry experts to ensure the region’s production, facilities and service companies are ready to maximise and retain inward investment.

North East Screen’s skills team continue to work with incoming productions to create real bridges to industry and support life-long career development for established crew based in the region. Working with a range of skills providers, including the wider NESIP group, the North East Skills group (represented by education partners) and Screen Alliance North, a BFI skills cluster in partnership with Liverpool Film Office, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire to address wider skills shortages and improve access to quality training for diverse talent and communities; the team will continue to work closely with FulwellCain International and Sunderland City Council as the Crown Works Studio plans come to fruition.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said “With the UK screen industry worth an estimated £12.5 billion in 2023, and regional production already up 28%, to have backing for the Crown Works Studios will supercharge the North East in becoming an international production hotspot, where world class content for global audiences is made all year round. 

“We have world-class locations, we have talented crew, we have indies winning commissions, and we have the support of all our local and combined authority partners to ensure our region is truly filming friendly.

“Studio development will provide the infrastructure we really need to continue the trajectory, attracting major big-budget features, key suppliers and in the process, creating a broader range of opportunities for the people and businesses of the North East.”

To find out more about how North East Screen can support you or your business, please contact us at hello@northeastscreen.org

We are hiring! – Evaluation, Monitoring and Funding Application Coordinator

Posted on 4 March 20245 March 2024 by North East Screen

We have an exciting new opportunity for you to join the team at North East Screen as Evaluation, Monitoring and Funding Application Coordinator. This role is key to showing what an amazing impact our organisation has on the region. You will also be the first point of contact for Production Fund enquiries and applications, identifying appropriate next steps.

We’re looking for a team player who is a whiz with spreadsheets and handling data. If that sounds like you then follow this link to read the full job specification and how to apply.

This is a full time, permanent position based in our Sunderland office with some time working in our offices in Hartlepool. The deadline to apply is the 24th of March.

Screen Alliance North launches Connected Communities events as part of the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival

Posted on 1 March 202423 May 2024 by North East Screen

This March, Screen Alliance North will be hosting its first series of Connected Communities events, with the support of BFI National Lottery funding, and partners the BBC. These events aim to increase accessibility to the screen industry and help improve working practices, encouraging a more diverse and inclusive workforce. They form part of the BBC’s wider Bring The Drama festival which is running across the UK throughout March.

These learning and networking events will be hosted at key Northern Studios and facilities, including Space Studios in Manchester, The Northern Studios in Hartlepool, and FACT in Liverpool.

Open to all northern crew and those interested in working in the industry, the free events, which will take place in person, and can be accessed online, will focus on themes such as environmental and social sustainability, wellbeing and good working practices and inclusion and diversity, all aimed at encouraging access to the screen industry across the North of England.

Penny Hall, Skills Cluster Partnership Lead at Screen Alliance North said;
“Connected Communities is a new strand of flagship, annual Screen Alliance North events which aim to connect our underrepresented communities in the North through learning and networking, and to help grow and sustain a well balanced, forward thinking workforce. The free events are for anyone currently working in the screen industry as crew, in production companies as well as those interested in a career in the industry.

We hope the events will encourage local camaraderie and provide opportunities for learning, upskilling and making new contacts. For those new to the industry it will give that all important foot in the door providing a new network for helping to access future work. We are thrilled to be working with the BBC on these events, and a number of other fantastic partner organisations will be participating in our panel discussions.”

Each event will consist of a panel discussion with the BBC and other industry experts, a workshop designed to inform, educate and inspire and a networking event encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing and contact making.

Dawn Beresford, Director of Talent and Skills, BBC Commissioning, said:

“I am delighted that Screen Alliance North have created these three events in Liverpool, Hartlepool and Manchester as part of our Bring the Drama Festival. The BBC are committed to investing in and supporting local creative economies across the UK and the Connected Communities events are one of the important partnerships to help build skills and develop talent across the creative landscape.”

Screen Alliance North Connected Communities events:

Film and TV sustainability day in Liverpool
Wednesday 6^th March
FACT, Liverpool
film.office@liverpool.gov.uk

Overcoming barriers in film and TV
Thursday 14^th March
The Northern Studios, Hartlepool
Overcoming barriers in film and TV Tickets, Thu 14 Mar 2024 at 13:00 | Eventbrite

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Film and TV
Thursday 21^st March
Space Studios, Manchester
www.screenmanchester.com

Tender for interim evaluation of NESIP Programme

Posted on 16 February 202416 February 2024 by North East Screen

North East Screen is inviting organisations and consultants to submit a proposal for an Interim evaluation of “North East Screen Industries Programme – Year 1 and Year 2”.

The North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) is a vehicle established in 2022 to facilitate the strategic development of the TV and screen industry in the North East region. The development programme is delivered by North East Screen.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen infrastructure

• Grow the sector through job creation, business growth and resilience

• Develop, attract, and retain talent

• Positively raise the profile of the region

• Build wider awareness of the screen sector opportunities in the North East

• Encourage pride in communities and a sense of belonging

• Support the region’s agenda to attract inward investment

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.

Click here to view the full Tender Specification.

Selection Process

Process	Date
Deadline for Receipt of Proposals	25/02/2024
Review proposals and seek any required clarifications	27/02/2024
Shortlist organisation to carry out evaluation study and report.	29/02/2024
Evaluation study and report (First Draft)	14/04/2024
Evaluation study and report (Final)	12/05/2024

The Red King, a new six-part crime drama produced by Quay Street Productions and supported by the North East Production Fund will air on Alibi on Wednesday the 24th of April at 9pm.