Category: Talent and Business Development

Russell T Davies to headline the 2026 Screenwriting Weekender

Posted on 6 November 202510 November 2025 by Curtis Wake

Russell T Davies to headline the 2026 Screenwriting Weekender in Newcastle upon Tyne

The second Screenwriting Weekender takes place at the Live Theatre in Newcastle from Friday 6 – Sunday 8 February 2026. Produced by New Writing North, the writing development agency for the North of England and sponsored by North East Screen, the screen development agency for North East England.

Acclaimed screenwriter Russell T Davies OBE (Queer as Folk, Doctor Who, It’s a Sin, Years and Years) will headline the Screenwriting Weekender, which returns for a second year after a successful sold-out event in early 2025.

Over 20 industry professionals from production companies including Warp Films (Adolescence), See-Saw Films (Slow Horses), and Hat Trick Productions (Smoggie Queens) and writers with credits on hits such as Succession, Killing Eve, The League of Gentlemen and Department Q, will take part in a programme.

Sessions include: writing characters audiences care about; demystifying how original dramas are developed; selling a one-page idea; writing hit crime thrillers; nailing show structure; adapting screenwriting to the vertical storytelling market; understanding the commissioning process; and honing your comedy writing.

Friday 6 February

Demystifying Original Drama Development, chaired by Méabh O’Donavan, Head of National Film and Television School North and featuring Siobhan Morgan, Head of Development at Warp Films (Adolescence), Natasha Heliotis, Head of Development at See-Saw Films (Slow Horses, Heartstopper) and Bria Thomas, Head of Development at Hera Pictures (I Fought the Law, Hamnet).
In conversation with Russell T Davies, who will be talking to journalist, editor and author Terri White. Davies is one of the biggest names in British TV. His work includes the ground-breaking Queer as Folk, Bob and Rose, Casanova and The Second Coming. In 2004, he revived Doctor Who and created Torchwood. This was followed by the trilogy Cucumber, Banana and Tofu, an adaptation of A Very English Scandal on BBC 1, Years and Years for BBC One/HBO, and It’s A Sin for Channel 4/HBO MAX and Nolly for ITV. He is currently in production for an original 5-part drama for Channel 4 called Tip Toe.

Saturday 7 February

The Industrial Ideas Complex with Bradford-based screenwriter Kat Rose-Martin. Rose-Martin is a writer/actor and inaugural winner of the Kay Mellor Fellowship. She was part of BBC Writers Room Northern Voices in 2020 and currently has original TV projects in development with Rollem Productions, Dancing Ledge Productions, Urban Myth Films, Warp Films and APC Studios.
Mastering Vertical Storytelling with Nosa Eke, Dan Lowenstein and Anna Costello, chaired by writer Emma Nuttal. Eke was chosen as a future leader by Google Creative Labs, Lowenstein has spent the last year working on 18 vertical drama projects and Costello is the Principal Writer at Scriptic, a BAFTA-nominated studio.
Writing a hit crime thriller with Chandni Lakhani writer and co-creator of Netflix hit Department Q.
How to break a show. Sarah Morgan will go through the nuts and bolts of TV drama structure. Morgan has created original TV pilot scripts for BBC studios, ITV, Sky, FX and Apple and was recently on the writing team for Netflix’s Geek Girl and Sky’s Romantic Getaway.
What’s Up With TV? Former BBC and UKTV commissioner, and founder of Asante Space, Sarah Asante lifts the lid on the commissioning process from pitching and packaging through to navigating relationships and understanding the secret language of commissioners.
Three Page Challenge: Comedy Edition. Lisa Laws, Development Director, North East Screen, Chris Jones from Hat Trick Productions and Navi Lamba from BBC Comedy will give feedback on comedy scripts from three North East screenwriters.

Sunday 8 February

Writers on Writers. BBC Writers Pilot Scheme alumni Faebian Averies will be in conversation with her mentor screenwriter and playwright Anna Jordan, whose TV credits include Succession (HBO), Killing Eve (Sid Gentle Films), One Day (Netflix) and Sweetpea (See-Saw/Sky).
How to Write Characters We Care About with screenwriter Jeremy Dyson. In 1995 Dyson formed the comedy group The League of Gentlemen with Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith and went on to enjoy a highly successful career in the UK, appearing on stage, radio, TV and film – winning among others the Perrier award, the Golden Rose of Montreux, and Royal Television Society and BAFTA awards for best TV comedy.
Show Me the Money! Lisa Holdsworth, screenwriter and Northern representative of The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain will chair a panel with screenwriters Karin Young (Emmerdale), Ishy Din (Phoenix Rise, Shakespeare and Hathaway) and Georgia Kanner, literary agent at Independent Talent Group on what it really takes to earn a living as screenwriter

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen:

We’re proud to be backing the Screenwriting Weekender again this year. It’s yet another exceptional line up which will see leading production companies, commissioners and world class writing talent join us in Newcastle.

The event provides opportunities for our talent to build the networks and gain the knowledge they need to begin turning their brilliant ideas into career plans. Events like this are vital for us to continue growing a sustainable screen industry here in the North East.

Roxy McKenna, Development Producer (Screen) at New Writing North:

This event creates a vital opportunity for writing talent to connect with industry, develop their craft and be inspired by some of the most experienced screenwriters in the UK today. With the onset of AI and increasingly fragmented audiences it feels more important than ever to bring writers together to not only build a strong understanding of this shifting landscape but to forge new creative relationships and illuminate practical ways writers can build a career in the industry. The North is rich with talent and stories, and the Weekender’s aim is to ensure writers are in the best possible position to exploit that.

Leading entertainment company, FilmNation TV, is supporting 10 bursary places to support northern writers who would otherwise be unable to access the event to take part. See more information on how to apply via the booking page.

Tickets: £100 + booking fee and includes access to all sessions across the weekend, lunch on Saturday and refreshments throughout. Book at https://newwritingnorth.com/event/screenwriting-weekender/

New Writing North’s has increased its work to support screenwriters based in the North of England over the last decade. In early 2025 we announced a renewed partnership with Channel 4’s 4Skills which includes bursaries, bespoke programmes of talent development, screen industry insight and expertise, networking, mentoring and peer-support.

Accelerating the future of digital content

Posted on 3 November 20254 November 2025 by Jo Macleod

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.

Interested companies have until Friday 21st November 2025 to complete an expression of interest.

BBC and North East Screen launch new Digital Accelerator to boost regional content creation

Posted on 30 October 202530 October 2025 by Curtis Wake

BBC and North East Screen host launch event for first-of-its-kind Digital Accelerator

The BBC and North East Screen are officially launching the BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator – a bold new initiative designed to fast-track the growth of digital-first content companies across the North East and Tees Valley.

The launch event will take place on Monday 3 November at ARC, Stockton-on-Tees, offering production companies, digital creators, and freelancers the chance to hear directly from the BBC team, learn about the scheme, and connect with fellow creatives shaping the region’s digital future.

Announced at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2025, the Digital Accelerator is the BBC’s first-ever digital-focused accelerator, representing the largest investment of its kind in the North East’s digital screen sector. Backed by £600,000 in funding, the programme combines direct investment with tailored mentoring and skills development to unlock long-term creative and commercial potential.

Over a 9–12 month period, up to four independent production companies will be selected to take part. Each will receive funding to develop and produce innovative content formats – from vertical video and livestreams to creator collaborations and platform-native storytelling for TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and beyond.

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen:

This is a game-changing moment for the North East’s digital content creators. The Digital Accelerator is all about unleashing bold ideas and backing our best regional talent to shine on global platforms. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the BBC, providing this new opportunity to supercharge the next wave of digital content creators from the North East.

The scheme was described by Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, as “an exciting collaboration inviting production companies in the region with a commitment to creativity – and a drive to nurture a new generation of digital talent – to step forward. Our ambition is to help create a thriving, sustainable digital production ecosystem in the North East, one that can generate IP for public service and commercial platforms alike.”

For full event details including registering your interest, timings, and networking opportunities, visit the event listing: BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator – Launch Event.

The BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator builds on our shared ambition to make the North East one of the UK’s most dynamic screen economies. By connecting local talent with national partners and opportunities, we’re ensuring the region continues to grow as a creative hub for bold, digital-first storytelling.

Comedy meets climate in Newcastle with OKRE’s Laughing Matters

Posted on 10 October 202510 October 2025 by Curtis Wake

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

Emily Turnbull wins Rising Star award at Location Manager Awards UK

Posted on 6 October 202516 October 2025 by Curtis Wake

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 teams up with The Northern School of Art to nurture future screen industry talent

Posted on 2 October 20253 October 2025 by Curtis Wake

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.

We have a motto in our department — that is work very, very hard and love each other.

We’ve got such talented crews here, such hard working crews as well.

North East Screen Celebrates 3 Years of Big Impacts and Bigger Ambitions

Posted on 25 September 202529 September 2025 by Jo Macleod

North East Screen is proud to unveil its 3 Years of Big Impacts Report (2022–2025), showcasing a remarkable period of growth in a difficult global climate.

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 days on 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.

Watch the Impact Video

Success for I Fought the Law

Posted on 19 September 202510 November 2025 by Curtis Wake

Success for I Fought the Law

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 4^th 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.

You can see all 4 parts of I Fought the Law now on ITVX I Fought the Law – Watch Episode – ITVX

28 Years Later – a love letter to the North East

Posted on 19 September 202510 November 2025 by Curtis Wake

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.

Planning approval secured for major expansion of Hartlepool’s film and TV production industry

Posted on 17 September 202517 September 2025 by Curtis Wake

Planning approval secured for major expansion of Hartlepool’s film and TV production industry

A £33.5 million major expansion of film and television production facilities in Hartlepool is officially underway, following planning approval being granted for a transformative new development.

The Northern Studios will undergo an expansion, including the construction of larger studios and the installation of industry-leading equipment and facilities. In addition, a Screen Industries Production Village will be developed in the surrounding area, repurposing nine disused buildings into cutting-edge pre and post-production spaces, workshops, and collaborative hubs for creative professionals.

Among the buildings to be revitalised is the Grade-II listed Shades Hotel, which will be brought back into use alongside several other heritage properties.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “This is a game-changing moment for Hartlepool—not just for our creative industries, but for our town as a whole. The £33.5 million investment into expanding our film and television production facilities will create over 130 new jobs, attract further private sector investment, and deliver a lasting boost to our local economy.

“We’re transforming nine disused buildings into dynamic spaces for production, innovation, and collaboration, breathing new life into areas that have long needed revitalisation. This development will help nurture local talent, support small businesses, and position Hartlepool as a serious player in the UK’s creative sector.

I’m incredibly proud of the partnership working that has brought us to this point. Together, we’re creating jobs, driving investment, and laying the foundations for a more prosperous and vibrant future for Hartlepool.”

The project is being led by Hartlepool Borough Council, in partnership with The Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Screen, the region’s screen industries development agency. Funding for the project has been secured from the UK Government and Tees Valley Investment Zone.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor said: “This is fantastic news for Hartlepool and the whole of Teesside. The expansion of The Northern Studios and the creation of a brand-new TV and film production village will put our region firmly on the map as a home for world-class screen industries.

“Not only will this huge investment bring derelict buildings back to life, it will also create high-quality jobs and opportunities for local people in an exciting and growing sector.

“We have already seen through shows like I Fought The Law how we are telling powerful and engaging stories about Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington – and these new facilities will build on that to deliver something truly transformational for the town and wider region.”

The Northern Studios, which opened in 2022, have already hosted high-profile productions including ITV’s ratings hit, I Fought the Law, ITV comedy Transaction and the feature film Jackdaw. The expansion will build on this success, attracting both national and international productions to the town.

Martin Raby, Principal of The Northern School of Art, said: “This is excellent news. The Studios upgrade coupled with the creation of the Production Village, supported by the first-rate work of North East Screen, will mean that many more productions will be attracted to our region.

“It is gratifying to see this development of a project initiated by the School in 2016 and consistently backed by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and now the Hartlepool Development Corporation. Without their support we wouldn’t see this great opportunity for change in our town and for the region.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, said: “Securing planning approval for the Hartlepool Production Village and the expansion of Northern Studios marks a pivotal moment for the North East’s screen sector.

“This development will allow us to continue to develop a thriving ecosystem for local talent and businesses who are working across linear TV and digital formats, and see more TV and film production across Hartlepool and the wider Tees Valley.

“We have stunning and diverse locations, experienced talented crew based in the region, and a network of local authorities who will ensure productions happen seamlessly.”

The development is being delivered in collaboration with industry specialists Leonard Design, Stace and TIME + SPACE.

Piers Read, CEO of TIME + SPACE, said: “TIME + SPACE is delighted to have advised on this hugely significant regeneration in Hartlepool. As specialists in developing creatively led real estate, we are excited to be going forward by revitalising these much loved but overlooked urban spaces by turning them into vibrant communities driven by film, entertainment, media and hospitality.”

John Holden, Director Major Projects at Leonard Design, said: “Leonard Design is proud to be designing and delivering the transformational Hartlepool Screen Industries Production Village and Northern Studios expansion, working alongside TIME + SPACE and in collaboration with Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority. This visionary project establishes Hartlepool as the North East’s premier creative district, creating significant employment while transforming disused town centre buildings into vibrant creative workspaces and securing the town’s place at the heart of the UK’s rapidly expanding screen industries sector.”

With planning approvals now in place and funding secured, construction is expected to begin within the coming months.