£600,000 investment announced for Sunderland as a Creative Mayoral Development Zone
North East Screen welcomes the announcement of Sunderland as a Creative Mayoral Development Zone, backed by £600,000 of investment from the North East Combined Authority and Sunderland City Council.
The commitment will accelerate the next phase of Riverside Sunderland’s regeneration, including progress on Crown Works Studios. The development zone will unlock new space for creative businesses, support commercial and housing projects, and strengthen the city’s role as a growing creative capital for the North.
Crown Works Studios will provide world-class film and television production facilities, creating skilled jobs and ensuring that talent can build sustainable careers here in the North East.
The announcement builds on strong sector growth. Over the last three years, the region’s production spend has increased by 131%, contributing £65.00 million in GVA and supporting over 1,000 jobs. The development zone will help sustain this progress and support the ambitions set out in the region’s Local Growth Plan.
Alongside the wider regeneration of Riverside Sunderland, where North East Screen is based, the zone strengthens the foundations for a vibrant creative economy anchored in the city.
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen:
This is a huge moment for the North East. Sunderland’s Creative Zone and Crown Works Studios will transform our screen industry, bringing world-class facilities, numerous jobs and opportunities for talent to stay and thrive in the region. We’ve seen a 131% rise in production spend in the last three years. This is all about continuing that momentum and putting the North East on the global production map.
North East Screen is at FOCUS 2025 from 8–9 December at the Business Design Centre London, joining Screen Alliance North to connect with producers and industry professionals.
FOCUS is the UK’s premier trade event for film, TV, advertising, animation, and games, bringing together thousands of professionals from over 100 countries and providing the perfect environment to meet makers, build connections, and discover production opportunities.
Our Film Office team is on hand to guide production teams through the North East’s screen sector ecosystem, connecting them with locations, skilled crew, specialist facilities, funding, and practical support – helping projects take shape in a region renowned for its versatility, expertise and warmth.
Why Film in the North East?
The North East has a strong track record of delivering successful productions. 28 Years Later showcased the region’s versatility, filming across iconic locations and utilising local crew and suppliers and supporting artists – with connections sparked at FOCUS 2023. In the past five years, productions in the North East have supported over 1,000 jobs and contributed £65 million in GVA, demonstrating that the region is reliable, production-ready, and filming-friendly.
Locations
The North East offers a diverse range of filming locations, from historic castles and cathedrals to rugged coastline and industrial landscapes, adaptable for projects of all sizes.
Iconic North East locations offer diverse settings for film and TV productions.
Production companies and studios
A growing cluster of production companies and studios supports everything from high-end TV to feature films. Over 50 businesses provide expertise across pre-production, post-production, and technical innovation. Major studio developments, including the upcoming Crown Works Studios in Sunderland and planned enhancements to Northern Studios, further enhance the region’s capacity to host large-scale productions.
A strong production ecosystem, from studios to specialist companies, supports every stage of your project.
Talent, facilities, and training
A skilled and diverse workforce underpins the North East’s creative ecosystem. More than 10 universities and colleges offer screen-focused training, complemented by industry-led courses and apprenticeships. In the past three years, North East Screen has delivered over 6,422 paid training days, giving hands-on experience on set and directly connecting talent with productions. Partnerships with regional education institutions through programmes such as Connected Campus with the North East Universities Screen Network further strengthen pathways into the screen industries to cultivate a pipeline of trained crew and creative talent.
Access top talent, specialist facilities, and industry training across the North East.
Meet the Film Office team
Drop by Stand C01 to speak with our Film Office team – your one front door for expert advice, introductions, and practical support for productions of all sizes. Whether you’re scouting locations, crewing up for your next project, or exploring funding and facilities, we can help you navigate the North East’s world-class screen ecosystem. Don’t miss this chance to meet us and see why North East England is ready to bring your next project to screen.
Experiencing the North East From Ports to Cityscapes
This month, North East Screen’s Film Office team welcomed Location Managers from across the UK on a two-day Scout About: Towns & Transport familiarisation trip, giving industry professionals first-hand experience of the North East’s world-class filming locations and the variety of environments the region offers for productions of all genres.
Teesside International Airport
The trip began in Darlington before moving to Tees Valley Airport, where the group explored runways, control towers and terminal spaces ready to double for international settings on screen. They then visited Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge, a dramatic industrial landmark, and Teesworks, one of the UK’s largest industrial sites, offering vast cinematic backdrops. Day one concluded aboard HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool, alongside a waterfront rich with maritime heritage.
Maker and Faber, Sunderland
Day two focused on the North East’s urban and creative environments. Location Managers explored the sharp, contemporary developments of Keel Square, Maker & Faber, City Hall and Keel Crossing in Sunderland, then moved to Sheepfolds, a regenerated industrial quarter, followed by Gateshead Quays, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and Ouseburn. In Newcastle, the itinerary included Grainger Market, Central Arcade, The Lit & Phil, Blackfriars, Chinatown, and The Common Room, finishing at the Helix and St James’ Park. The variety of historical streets, cultural landmarks and modern infrastructure highlighted the North East’s filming-friendly range, offering locations suitable for productions of every scale and style.
Dean Street, Newcastle
Over the past three years, the North East has seen £55 million in production spend, supported over 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs and nearly 120,000 production days, contributing to a 90% increase in production activity across the region. To build on this momentum, Fam Trips help keep the region top of mind for production crews, connecting decision-makers with local locations, infrastructure, and businesses – the one front door to our screen industry.
“From getting such a positive, film-friendly response from locations and meeting the Film Office team, I would be very comfortable starting a project in the North East.”
Teesworks
North East Screen is gearing up for the next Fam Trip, this time venturing into sci-fi and futuristic locations – filming-friendly environments that are ready to inspire imaginative new productions.
Want to get involved? Express your interest hereor contact the Film Office for more information: filmoffice@northeastscreen.org
Comedy meets climate in Newcastle with OKRE’s Laughing Matters
On 9 October 2025, OKRE hosted its innovative Laughing Matters workshops in Newcastle, bringing together local creative companies Candle and Bell and Schnoobert. Writers from both organisations collaborated to explore new directions for comedy that reflects climate and health issues in authentic and humorous ways.
The sessions featured Dr Mark Booth, a specialist in parasitology with a strong focus on climate change and tropical diseases. His insights helped frame discussions on integrating sustainability into storytelling and inspired innovative ideas designed to entertain while making a meaningful impact.
Laughing Matters is a new initiative led by BAFTA-winning comedy producer Matt Nida, aimed at helping writers, producers and creatives tackle urgent environmental and health topics without losing the humour. By providing tailored support, resources and practical ideas, the programme encourages comedy that can engage audiences while addressing serious issues.
Through workshops, publications and one-to-one support, OKRE is opening up new avenues for comedy to explore climate change and health, helping creatives turn complex subjects into stories that resonate and amuse.
By bringing together writers, companies and experts, events like Laughing Matters showcase the collaborative energy and innovation that make the North East an inspiring place to create, develop ideas and build sustainable careers in the screen industry.
For more information about Laughing Matters and upcoming sessions, visit OKRE’s website
North East professionals recognised for excellence at the first Location Manager Awards UK.
Emily Turnbull has been awarded the Andrew Bainbridge Rising Star Award at the first Location Manager Awards UK, held on Saturday 4th October at the historic St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
The Location Manager Awards UK celebrate the often-unsung heroes of the UK film and television industry: Location Managers, Scouts, Studio Managers and Unit Managers, whose work shapes the visual identity of every production. The awards recognise emerging talent as well as established professionals, highlighting the dedication, creativity and skill required to bring productions to life.
Emily has worked in the location department for over seven years, progressing from Location Trainee to Assistant Location Manager. Along the way, she has gained experience on a wide range of productions, from drama to feature films, including 28 Years Later, The Old Oak, Vera, I Fought The Law and Time. Her work spans location scouting, coordinating permits, managing on-set logistics, and liaising with local communities — all critical to ensuring smooth and successful productions. Her Rising Star award recognises not only her technical skill but the professionalism and creativity she brings to every production, ultimately helping to showcase the North East as a dynamic and film-friendly region.
We have a motto in our department — that is work very, very hard and love each other.
Also recognised at the awards was Mark Valentine, whose department was nominated for the Terry Blyther Location Department Award for productions including Funny Women and World on Fire, recognising their collaborative work in managing locations and supporting smooth production across multiple projects.
We’ve got such talented crews here, such hard working crews as well.
The ceremony took place at St George’s Hall, Liverpool, a neoclassical landmark featured in productions including Peaky Blinders, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Batman and The House of Guinness.
For productions looking to film in the North East, the North East Screen Film Office is ready to help. Our team provide that one front door to industry – whether you need advice on locations, access to crew, facilities, or guidance on local authorities, our team can support your production from start to finish – helping you take advantage of everything our region has to offer.
North East professionals recognised for excellence at the first Location Manager Awards UK.
Emily Turnbull has been awarded the Andrew Bainbridge Rising Star Award at the first Location Manager Awards UK, held on Saturday 4th October at the historic St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
The Location Manager Awards UK celebrate the often-unsung heroes of the UK film and television industry: Location Managers, Scouts, Studio Managers and Unit Managers, whose work shapes the visual identity of every production. The awards recognise emerging talent as well as established professionals, highlighting the dedication, creativity and skill required to bring productions to life.
Emily has worked in the location department for over seven years, progressing from Location Trainee to Assistant Location Manager. Along the way, she has gained experience on a wide range of productions, from drama to feature films, including 28 Years Later, The Old Oak, Vera, I Fought The Law and Time. Her work spans location scouting, coordinating permits, managing on-set logistics, and liaising with local communities — all critical to ensuring smooth and successful productions. Her Rising Star award recognises not only her technical skill but the professionalism and creativity she brings to every production, ultimately helping to showcase the North East as a dynamic and film-friendly region.
We have a motto in our department — that is work very, very hard and love each other.
Also recognised at the awards was Mark Valentine, whose department was nominated for the Terry Blyther Location Department Award for productions including Funny Women and World on Fire, recognising their collaborative work in managing locations and supporting smooth production across multiple projects.
We’ve got such talented crews here, such hard working crews as well.
The ceremony took place at St George’s Hall, Liverpool, a neoclassical landmark featured in productions including Peaky Blinders, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Batman and The House of Guinness.
For productions looking to film in the North East, the North East Screen Film Office is ready to help. Our team provide that one front door to industry – whether you need advice on locations, access to crew, facilities, or guidance on local authorities, our team can support your production from start to finish – helping you take advantage of everything our region has to offer.
North East professionals recognised for excellence at the first Location Manager Awards UK.
Emily Turnbull has been awarded the Andrew Bainbridge Rising Star Award at the first Location Manager Awards UK, held on Saturday 4th October at the historic St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
The Location Manager Awards UK celebrate the often-unsung heroes of the UK film and television industry: Location Managers, Scouts, Studio Managers and Unit Managers, whose work shapes the visual identity of every production. The awards recognise emerging talent as well as established professionals, highlighting the dedication, creativity and skill required to bring productions to life.
Emily has worked in the location department for over seven years, progressing from Location Trainee to Assistant Location Manager. Along the way, she has gained experience on a wide range of productions, from drama to feature films, including 28 Years Later, The Old Oak, Vera, I Fought The Law and Time. Her work spans location scouting, coordinating permits, managing on-set logistics, and liaising with local communities — all critical to ensuring smooth and successful productions. Her Rising Star award recognises not only her technical skill but the professionalism and creativity she brings to every production, ultimately helping to showcase the North East as a dynamic and film-friendly region.
We have a motto in our department — that is work very, very hard and love each other.
Also recognised at the awards was Mark Valentine, whose department was nominated for the Terry Blyther Location Department Award for productions including Funny Women and World on Fire, recognising their collaborative work in managing locations and supporting smooth production across multiple projects.
We’ve got such talented crews here, such hard working crews as well.
The ceremony took place at St George’s Hall, Liverpool, a neoclassical landmark featured in productions including Peaky Blinders, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Batman and The House of Guinness.
For productions looking to film in the North East, the North East Screen Film Office is ready to help. Our team provide that one front door to industry – whether you need advice on locations, access to crew, facilities, or guidance on local authorities, our team can support your production from start to finish – helping you take advantage of everything our region has to offer.
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.
North East Production Funded production I Fought the Law has received rave reviews with audiences and critics following its debut on ITV.
The series averaged 1.90 million overnight across its four parts, was streamed over 10 million times in its first week and ranks as ITVX’s 4th most watched dramas.
The drama which was filmed entirely in the region was supported by the North East Production Fund managed by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP).
Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen who manages the £5.3 Production fund (on behalf of NESIP) said; “North East Screen are proud to have supported I Fought the Law. This is the kind of drama that resonates on a number of levels and as a North East story we were so pleased that we were able to attract the production company to the region to film in the region and 76% of crew working on the series were from the region.”
I Fought the Law stars Sheridan Smith and is based on Ann Ming’s book For the Love of Julie. 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 dramatized by ITV.
Written by screenwriter Jame Crichton 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, acted as a consultant throughout the production process and attended the regional screening hosted by North East Screen which marked the release of the 4 part drama, celebrating the achievements of the production, cast and crew.
Charlotte Webber, Executive Producer of I Fought the Law said of shooting in the North East; “When you get support from a region it’s about the resources, the expertise, the knowledge. It’s a very attractive proposition as a producer to come to a region like the North East to collaborate and work.”
North East Screen are on the look out for the next High End Television drama, click here to find out full details of the North East Production Fund and please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.
How the North East helped bring 28 Years Later to life
28 Years Later, the highly anticipated follow-up to the iconic franchise, delivers a thrilling story, and behind the scenes showcases the North East as a production-ready region with stunning locations, skilled crew, and strong local support. The North East Screen Film Office played an important role, providing hands-on guidance from early development through to wrap.
From the earliest planning stages, North East Screen worked closely with DNA Films to support location scouting and development. After first connecting at the industry event FOCUS in 2023, the team fast-tracked the production by providing location ideas, key contacts, and practical support. Within just eight weeks, meetings and recces were underway. A two-day Familiarisation Trip gave the location managers a full picture of what the region could offer and introduced them to the people who would help bring the summer shoot to life. Bespoke location and facilities brochures highlighted hidden gems, while strong relationships across the Filming Friendly Network helped unlock access to unique sites and local partners.
Production highlights
43 of 51 locations (84%) sourced locally, including private estates with breathtaking landscapes and on-site accommodation for cast and crew
76 local crew members, including trainees supported through North East Screen’s Access initiative, which identified skills gaps and onboarded local talent
173 supporting artists, mostly from the North East
Nearby set build space secured with Sunderland City Council, allowing the recreation of the iconic Holy Island causeway. An unused warehouse was transformed into a fully functioning water studio, and DNA Films extended the lease to build additional sets
Facilities and services utilised: accommodation, storage, set build, casting, and even archery training
To celebrate the film’s release, a Gala Screening at Tyneside Cinema brought together director Danny Boyle, lead cast Alfie Williams, and chief ‘Alpha’ Chi Lewis-Parry. The event attracted 30 press accreditations and coverage from 15 media titles, generating high local engagement and positioning the North East as a destination for productions that have global appeal.
Bringing the screen to the region
In collaboration with Visit Britain and Destination North East, the “Visit If You Dare” campaign invited fans to explore the iconic locations of 28 Years Later. The film’s biohazard symbol and campaign hashtag were projected onto key landmarks across the region. By linking big-screen storytelling with destination marketing, the initiative encouraged audiences to discover the North East’s beautiful landscapes, which feature as eerie locations in the film.
With 28 Years Later available worldwide, audiences can experience a gripping story set against the North East, while seeing firsthand the work of local crews, the facilities and locations that supported the production, and the collaborative infrastructure that makes the region a premier destination for film and television.
