Category: Talent and Business Development

Three North East Indies win their first BBC daytime TV commission

Posted on 19 January 20245 March 2024 by North East Screen

Three North East Indies are entering 2024 with a bang having won their first BBC daytime commission that will see them create inserts for BBC’s popular daytime show, Morning Live.

Wander Films (Middlesbrough), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool), and Second Draft (Sunderland), were all successful with their pitch ideas and will now have their northern stories shown to a national audience. All three indies have been working closely with North East Screen over the last four years through a range of programmes and activities to support them becoming reputable broadcast-winning companies.

North East Screen’s Development Director, Lisa Laws, believes this is just the beginning of the broadcast journey for these indies. She said,

“It’s great to see the hard work of Wander, Sea & Sky and Second Draft paying dividends at last given the challenging commissioning climate we are in. So this is a real win not only for them, but for the North East.

“This shows that our North East-based indies have built strong relationships with commissioners to really understand what audiences want and expect from a show like Morning Live.

“This first step into broadcast is crucial for company growth, and I can’t wait to see what they deliver! Exciting times ahead!”

The commission opportunity has been led by BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning Editor, Helen Munson, who is based in the North East. She said,

“This is a really exciting opportunity to build on and develop key relationships with indies based in the North East. I know there is such a wealth of talent here and I’m really looking forward to working with them more.”

Chloe Clover, Co Founder and CEO of Wander Films said,

“We presented five topical stories with positive messages. It was crucial that the ideas were unique yet in line with the Morning Live house style. We’re buzzing that the commissioners loved our angles, and we are now in production for TV!”

Lou Brannon, Development Co-Ordinator at Sea & Sky Pictures said,

“We’re over the moon to have been chosen for this opportunity to contribute to Morning Live on BBC One. We’d like to thank North East Screen and the BBC for allowing us to build on our previous successes with The BBC’s Small Indie Fund 2023 and North East Voices initiatives.

“Our films will cover varied topics such as ways to combat loneliness and litter picking, and will give advice, inspiration and hopefully start conversations across the nation.”

Mark Stuart Bell, Producer/Director at Second Draft said,

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the BBC’s flagship morning programme. We have a real affection for the warmth and optimism that Morning Live creates, and we hope that our film brings attention to the concerning issue of malnutrition in the UK, but also leaves the audience feeling inspired by the story of one ordinary woman’s mission to solve this crisis.”

Morning Live is BBC One’s flagship daytime magazine show broadcast live from their Manchester-based studio, averaging over 1.2 million viewers. Since the new year, the show has been extended to 75 minutes from 45 minutes and strengthened its pool of on-screen presenters to include Cumbrian Helen Skelton.

Shudder Films set up North East base prior to premiering latest feature at Sundance Film Festival

Posted on 18 January 20245 March 2024 by North East Screen

Newcastle-based Shudder Films, are set to light up the international film market as they premiere their latest feature film at the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival, which begins 18th January.

Regional screen agency, North East Screen, have supported Shudder Films through their Reach programme to employ a development producer who will scout for talent and drive their activity in the North East, with the team also heading stateside to Sundance Film Festival, a key launch pad for some of the world’s best breakthrough feature films.

KNEECAP, which shot in Ireland last year, is the story of the hip and naughty Irish language rap group, Kneecap. The film features the rap trio in lead roles, with Simone Kirby (His Dark Materials, Hidden Assets, Peaky Blinders, Jimmy’s Hall) and Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class, Inglorious Basterds, Shame, Steve Jobs) co-staring.

Shudder Films is an acclaimed independent film company, led by BAFTA-nominated and BIFA winning producer Jack Tarling, that has had previous success with critically acclaimed films such as Gods Own Country.

Jack has a long-term affinity with the North East, having studied at Northumbria University and regularly speaks at regional NFTS and broadcast events. He said,

“We’re excited to be working with Dermot O’Dempsey as our first point of contact for North East talent and stories. I lived in Newcastle for 12 years and look forward to further strengthening our links and bringing new productions to the region and doing more work with local talent.”

Lisa Laws, North East Screen’s Development Director said,

“It’s great to be able to support an award-winning company like Shudder Films to strengthen their base in the North East. They have an outstanding track record at major international festivals.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how Jack and his team bring their ambitious energy to the North East, providing another home for our local talent to develop creative and ground-breaking content.”

North East Screen supported Shudder Films to both strengthen their marketing and distribution strategy, and create a new development post through the Reach programme. Reach is aimed at commercially and critically acclaimed companies (both production and supply chain) wishing to develop and diversify their products and services in order to win investment and create jobs within the region. So far, almost £120,000 has been invested in regional companies, with the latest round of funding currently accepting applications. To find out how you and your business can be supported in the North East screen industry, contact the Business Development team: talent@northeastscreen.org.

Four North East indies selected for the BBC’s Small Indie Fund 2024

Posted on 17 January 20245 March 2024 by North East Screen

The BBC has announced that four North East based indies will be supported through their £1.5m Small Indie Fund, providing a huge boost for the screen sector in the region.

Candle & Bell (Gateshead), MCC Media (Sunderland), Schnoobert Productions (Newcastle) and Wander Films (Middlesbrough) will all receive strategic investment and regular mentoring from a BBC commissioning editor.

The £1.5m Fund was launched in 2020 to support the development of small independent production companies with turnovers below £10m across Drama, Entertainment, Comedy, Factual, Daytime, Children’s, and this year, BBC Film.

North East Screen’s Development Director, Lisa Laws, said:

“Once again, our North East based indies are making an impression with the BBC, and it’s great to see these four companies winning BBC Small Indie Fund Awards. This award will provide them with the time to build and strengthen relationships with commissioners and get a real understanding of BBC Daytime, Peak-time or Comedy audiences to hone their pitches and improve chances of winning commission opportunities.

“We are seeing the impact on the companies who were recipients last year: some have either moved into paid development or have won commissions thanks to the support they received.”

Jason Cook, Founder of Schnoobert Productions, based in Newcastle, said:

“We are over the moon to once again be selected for the BBC Small Indie Fund. Last year’s fund was so vital in our growth as a company and we are looking forward to working closely with BBC Comedy to keep this (slightly unsteady) rocket on trajectory together.”

Maria Caruana Galizia, Producer and Managing Director of Candle & Bell said:

“We’re very grateful to the BBC for their investment in Candle & Bell. It’s great to be working with Emma Lawson [BBC Comedy Commissioning Editor] and the BBC Comedy team for a second year in a row. Being recipients of the Small Indie Fund last year opened many doors for us, so we’re looking forward to building on the successes of 2023 which included two script commissions and an audio commission. We’re hoping for a bigger and better 2024!”

Lou Tonner, Co-Founder of Wander Films said:

“We are stoked to be selected for the BBC Small Indie Fund. This is an incredible opportunity for Wander to continue to grow. We’ve had a few cool wins over the past couple of months and it’s class to have the BBC on our side! We owe a huge thanks to the guys at North East Screen for providing us access to such a strong support network.”

Paul McCoy, CEO of MCC Media said:

“MCC Media are delighted to have been selected for the BBC Small Indie Fund. This helps to further cement our relationship with the BBC as we start working more on the factual side as well as kids and family. We hope that this opportunity will help our growth plans for 2024, and for what is gearing up to be a busy year for the North East production scene and beyond.”

North East Screen provides support to regional based independent production companies, as well as those looking to set up a North East base, through a variety of programmes to help them develop their products and services. For more information about these programmes, contact the Talent and Business Development: talent@northeastscreen.org

UK Premiere of Jackdaw to take place in the North East

Posted on 9 January 20245 March 2024 by North East Screen

The star-studded UK premiere of British action thriller JACKDAW, the feature film debut of North East-born writer-director Jamie Childs (The Sandman, Willow, His Dark Materials), will take place at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Teesside in Stockton-on-Tees on 24 January 2024.

Childs will be joined on the red carpet by the film’s stars including Oliver Jackson-Cohen (The Invisible Man, Emily, The Haunting of Hill House) Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who, The Sandman, Victoria), Thomas Turgoose (Creation Stories, The Gallows Pole, This is England) and North East actor Joe Blakemore (The Third Day).

In addition to the premiere, there will also be a special paid public preview screening of the film in tandem with the premiere screening so members of the public in the region can come along and be part of the evening. Tickets for this unique premiere preview can be booked HERE, audiences are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

JACKDAW was shot on location in the North East of England in Hartlepool and the Tees Valley, around sites including Seal Sands, Nunthorpe, Redcar and the North Sea, filming against the backdrop of the region’s breathtaking coastlines and dramatic industrial landscapes. It also utilised The Northern Film and TV Studios, the North East’s only large-scale film and TV production facility. The film has seen significant investment from The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the North East Production Fund, delivered by regional screen agency North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), as part of their ambitious plans to make the region one of the UK’s leading film and TV production hubs.

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director for North East Screen, said: “We’re delighted to support the UK premiere of Jackdaw at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Teesside. It’s right on the doorstep of all the amazing Tees Valley locations that were used in the film, so is very fitting.

“Supporting ambitious, world-class local talent like Jamie Childs is integral to the work we are doing to make the North East one of the leading UK film hubs where regional folk can live, create and work.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’ll be fantastic to welcome the cast and crew of Jackdaw to Teesside for the star-studded premiere this month and I’m certain this event will be a great celebration of our growing local film industry.

“We know our area has superb locations for TV and film productions and the success of Jackdaw shows how our investment in the North East Screen Industries Partnership is paying dividends in creating jobs and developing skills.”

Writer/Director Jamie Childs said: “I can’t wait to bring Jackdaw up to the North East for its UK premiere, and celebrate it with the rambunctious Northern souls who made it all possible.”

My North East with Denise Welch

Posted on 5 January 20245 March 2024 by North East Screen

Born in Cullercoats, actor and presenter Denise Welch has a long history with the North East. She has starred in some of the region’s most iconic shows such as Byker Grove, Spender and Soldier Soldier, and is a regular panellist on the ITV chat show Loose Women.

Last year, she took some time out of her busy schedule to take the road less travelled with Robson Green for his hit BBC Two show Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. We spoke to Denise to find out more about her career, the region, and the future of the North East screen industry.

How did you get your start in the industry?

When I was about 15 at school in Consett, I discovered the drama group and school plays. It was like in cartoons when a light bulb goes off above someone’s head.

Then once I’d finished school, I went to drama school on my Dad’s encouragement. I didn’t think it could be a career, but I went anyway. For about the first 10 years after drama school, I did mostly theatre. Some of my first shows were with the Live Theatre company in the North East. They are absolutely brilliant, and they of course spawned my ex-husband’s [Tim Healy] career as well. It was also through them that I first met Robson. When I was in my mid-twenties, I saw Robson in a play by CP Taylor and I said to Max the director “Oh my God, he’s amazing!”

After that time, I worked all over the place, but the Live theatre was very important to my formative years career-wise.

What inspired you to consider a career in the screen industry?

Well, I struggled in school, but it wasn’t because I wasn’t capable, it was just because I was quite lazy academically and nothing ever inspired me. I loved school, I loved all the boys and chatting with my mates on the radiators and all of that, but I didn’t have a clue what I was going to do. Then my drama teacher, for some reason, saw something in me and asked me to be in the school play. It was like a revelation that I was actually good at something! You know, when the headmaster calls you into his room to congratulate you on a performance rather than telling you off for being naughty! So that’s when I first became inspired, but I was still considering going to a teacher training college at that point. I would have been a terrible teacher! But as I say, it was my Dad and my drama teacher who encouraged me to go to drama school. And when I eventually got there, I was in the complete minority as a lot of parents had said don’t go to drama school, be a teacher. I was lucky to be encouraged.

What’s your favourite memory from working on set in the North East?

That’s quite a big question as I’ve done a lot in the North East. I think one of my most prevalent memories is trying to teach Ant and Dec maths on the set of Byker Grove. And I can’t do maths. So subsequently, in the late nineties when they came on as surprise guests for my episode of This Is Your Life, they said that the reason they had to keep going as entertainers was because they were going to fail their exams as I’d taught them! They did have chaperones on the show, but because there were so many kids on that show, sometimes if some of the other actors had downtime, we would help the kids with their homework. So, Donna Air, Jill Halfpenny and Ant and Dec can all blame me for failing maths!

This time filming Weekend Escapes with Robson was lovely as I hadn’t been to that part of the North East for many years, and I also hadn’t seen Robson for a long time as well. Simply because lives just happen and take you apart from each other for no other reason than geography. As I say at the end of the programme, I never thought I’d be lying on a grassy nell having a sound bath with Robson Green!

It was lovely to reconnect. We forgot we were going to be on the telly. It was such a lovely day and a great reminder that a day out in the country with a friend can be medicine if you’re feeling a bit low.

What’s your favourite part of the region and why?

I would have to say Cullercoats and Tynemouth because that’s where I was born. My family had a house on Beverly Terrace looking over Cullercoats Bay and that’s where my earliest memories are.

Whenever I feel low or if I’ve not been very well, I’ll just go and spend time in that area. It’s incredibly soothing for me.

When Dad was poorly, a couple of years before we lost him, Lincoln would drive me to the coast when we were up visiting him, and I would just spend time having fish and chips in the cafes and walking along the coast. There’s just something about that part of the region that evokes incredibly happy childhood memories for me.

In Weekend Escapes, Robson takes the road less travelled and shines a light on some of the region’s hidden gems. What’s your North East hidden gem?

Where my sister lives in Headly on the Hill, there’s a pub called The Feathers Inn. I’m not a pub person, especially not in the last 11 years as I’ve been sober, but it’s the best pub. You know the phrase it takes a village? The way that village rally around each other, to me it’s how a community in the North East should be. It’s the way that they looked after my sister when my Dad died, the way that the pub has the best food and the best people. If they know you’re struggling, someone will put a casserole on your doorstep. It’s a wonderful North East community. It’s an absolutely gorgeous area. It’s basically the pub and that’s it, but the walks around there are great and it’s a lovely place to visit.

What do you think makes the North East unique?

The people. Without a shadow of a doubt. Our region is beautiful but there are a lot of beautiful areas in the United Kingdom. Whenever anyone I know goes to the North East for work or pleasure or just passing through, everyone says that it’s the people. It’s only when you live away that you realise there’s nobody like the people from the North East, there just aren’t. They’re a breed apart. That’s what makes it the most special place on Earth.

What are your aspirations for the future of the North East screen industry? What kind of content would you like to see being made here?

Stories from new voices. Years and years ago there was a project at Tyne Tees, I think it was called New Voices, and it was basically like what Live Theatre do to develop new writers, and I think we need something like that again in our region. This is a really hard industry and it’s particularly hard for young actors, playwrights, and musicians to get their start. There are some brilliant people out there but now sadly I feel it’s all about Instagram followings and the number of views on TikTok. I do understand and if I was a commercial boss, I would think the same, but I fear we’re losing talent because of it. I think there’s a real importance in developing new voices and new talent and giving them somewhere to grow.

On the other side of this, we also need to look at some of our more mature talent and give a voice to those stories, especially for women. You’re not invisible when you’re over fifty and older women still have sex lives. They don’t have to play grandmas and great grandmas.

Series 2 of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes series 2 to air on New Year’s Day

Posted on 11 December 202318 December 2023 by North East Screen

TV star Robson Green meets a new set of famous guests in this refreshing second series as they discover the roads less travelled and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes showcases the North’s breath-taking landscapes, cultural heritage, and wealth of activities that are perfect for the mind and body.

Set against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, this new BBC series is the perfect tonic to chase away the winter blues and will see Robson, along with family and some famous friends, appreciating a slower pace of life.

On each journey, Robson tries an outdoor activity with a different famous face as they share their favourite memories from places close to their hearts across the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire and the Scottish Borders.

From former footballer Shola Ameobi, celebrity wine enthusiast Olly Smith, and TV personality Denise Welch, to actors Kevin Whately, Mark Benton and Tessa Peake Jones, they all join Robson for a weekend getaway they’ll never forget.

Across the series Robson hits the road in a traditional horse-drawn wagon, is in fits of giggles during laughing yoga, cruises down a canal on a narrowboat, puts his best foot forward while learning ballet in a field, and takes a scenic drive in a motorbike sidecar.

Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes has been produced by Signpost and Robson’s own production company River Meets Productions.

Commissioned by Helen Munson, the BBC’s Commissioning Editor for Daytime and Early Peak based in the North East, this 15-part series starts on Monday 1st January on BBC Two at 7pm, but subsequent episodes will be in the usual 6.30pm slot and will be stripped Mon-Fri.

BBC commission new documentary from Newcastle-based indie Northern Child starring Jordan North

Posted on 5 December 20235 March 2024 by North East Screen

North East indie, Northern Child has won a BBC Three commission for a documentary to be filmed in Newcastle, featuring BBC Radio 1 presenter Jordan North.

What’s Really in Your Vape? (w/t) will see Jordan North front his first documentary as he explores the truth behind the UK’s vaping phenomenon.

The number of young people vaping has skyrocketed in recent years. Annual sales in the UK are now worth more than £1.3 billion.

But do we really know what’s inside these vapes? What are they made of, how are they made, and where? What chemicals go into the liquid? How much nicotine’s really in them? Which ones are sold legally, which ones aren’t?

As someone who uses vapes himself, Jordan North seeks answers to all of these questions. As well as meeting scientists performing cutting edge testing on vapes, and researchers looking at the possible long term effects of vaping, Jordan investigates the problem with illegal vapes in the UK. How big is the market? Where are they coming from? Who’s selling them? And just how dangerous might they be?

Jordan North says: “I’m really excited to be back on BBC Three, I’ve always wanted to make a documentary and I’m really interested in this subject, as a vaper myself I’m desperate to know what’s inside my vape!”

Andrew Eastel, Executive Producer says: “Vaping has become incredibly popular in the UK. Not just with those trying to quit smoking, and especially amongst younger people. So, it’s more important than ever for us to have a better understanding of what’s actually inside a vape; how they are made and where they come from, the types or brands of vapes that may pose a risk, and whether there could be longer term implications for the health of people who vape? Jordan is the ideal person to help us answer these questions. He’s naturally inquisitive and open-minded – without being preachy – and as someone who vapes himself, he has a vested interest in getting to the truth.”

Nasfim Haque, Head of Content of BBC Three says: “Jordan is the perfect guide for this fascinating and insightful new documentary as he takes a deep dive into the rapidly expanding phenomenon of vaping and showcases his findings to viewers on BBC Three and iPlayer.”

What’s Really in Your Vape? will be broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in early 2024.

What’s Really in Your Vape? (1 x 30) is a Northern Child Production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer produced from Newcastle. The Executive Producer is Andrew Eastel, the Producer is Katie Elliott and the programme will be Directed by Simon Rawles. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Mark Harrison for Current Affairs.

Production studio pictures a brighter future in Sunderland

Posted on 29 November 20235 March 2024 by North East Screen

A media production company which has worked on blockbuster films and world-tour concerts has swapped London for Sunderland.

Sensel Studio, whose showreel includes Murder on the Orient Express, the Fast and the Furious and numerous Amazon and Netflix productions, has moved to the historic Mackie’s Corner in the heart of Sunderland city centre.

The move has seen the company, which specialises in virtual productions, designing workflows, engineering pipelines and live events, move its entire operation to the North East to capitalise on ‘the region’s growing screen industry’.

“We made the decision to move to Sunderland as we could see the huge potential in its growing screen and tech industries,” said Chris Simcock, founder and managing director.

“When you look at the development of Crown Works Studios, the recent announcements by BBC and Channel 4 to produce more shows here and the University’s continued investment into its media production courses, there is just so much potential.”

Sensel officially moved into Mackies Corner in September following the completion of work on The Co.llective, a suite of ‘individually crafted workspaces designed specifically to meet the needs of creative businesses.’

Located in Sunderland city centre, the office is just a short drive from the proposed £450 million Crown Works Studios development, which took a major step forward this week [20 Nov] with the official submission of a planning application.

“We knew it was perfect for us as soon as we saw the place,” he said. “It had a real sense of history and was just a breath of fresh air.

“As a creative business, we love the idea of a collective and all of the neighbouring studios we’ve met are of similar mindset.

“It feels like a collective of creative free spirits but all who are keen to grow their interests commercially and give back to the community.”

Chris’ decision to leave London for the North East of England also coincided with a post-lockdown realisation that, due to the company’s global reach, there was no real need for the company to be anchored in the bustling capital.

“Covid made me realise that we could do business anywhere and being based in London wasn’t necessarily an advantage,” he said.

“By coming to the North East, we can tap into top talent from the university, which is something we’re keen to do as we recruit over the next 12 months.

“We’re right near the sea, just a short drive from countryside and are only an hour’s drive from the airport which can get us wherever we need to be at short notice. Once we factored everything in, it was just an absolute no brainer.”

Alex Kirtley, managing director of Mackies Corner developer, Kirtley Co, said: “The idea behind The Co.llective was to bring to market the workspace required to help grow the city’s creative sector and the arrival of Sensel Studio show how it’s already doing just that.

“To have a business which could have up sticks to anywhere in the world choosing to relocate to Sunderland shows just how appealing an offer the city’s offer is at the moment and we’re delighted to be playing a part in that.”

Sensel Studio was supported during its move to the city by the Business Investment Team at Sunderland City Council who worked with Chris and the team to identify the perfect premises.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, dynamic city cabinet member at Sunderland City Council, said: “Our growing screen and tech industries have really put Sunderland on the map over recent years and this is a prime example of that.

“From the city’s 5G roll-out to the arrival of North East Screen, Crown Works Studios proposals and the regeneration of Riverside Sunderland, Sunderland is a city transforming and we are delighted that Sensel Studio are joining us on our journey.”

North East Screen is attending Focus

Posted on 28 November 20235 March 2024 by North East Screen

North East Screen’s Film Office will be attending FOCUS 2023 5-6^th December and exhibiting as part of Screen Alliance North.

Screen Alliance North is a BFI Skills Cluster created by Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Sreen Yorkshire with support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding.

The four screen agencies have come together as a lead skills body for the North of England to tackle skills shortages and improve access to quality training provision for diverse talent and communities in the screen industries.

You can find us at Stand P1 which is located on the first level. The stand is visible as soon as you enter the hall.

We will be hosting a Happy Hour (with drinks) at our stand on Wednesday 6^th December between 2.30pm and 3.30pm We are attending FOCUS to talk locations, crew, facilities, skills and to raise awareness of sustainability in production and the wellbeing of local crew alongside our partners at Screen Alliance North. Come and say hello!

Taking place at The Design Centre London, FOCUS is the only UK trade event where attendees can meet with content makers and facilitators from over 100 countries. The event is free to enter but all creative screen industry professionals must register for a screen badge. Register on the FOCUS website.

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Tull Stories nominated for ‘Best Documentary Campaign’ at Big Screen Awards

Posted on 23 November 20235 March 2024 by North East Screen

Tull Stories, a film distribution and exhibition agency based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is part of a collective nominated for a prestigious ‘Best Documentary Campaign’ award at the Screen International Big Screen Awards.

Tull Stories is nominated as part of a collective including Met Film Distribution, along with film publicist Zoe Flower and production company Labor Of Love Films for the release of A Bunch Of Amateurs.

Jonny Tull, who set up Tull Stories in 2017 after almost 30 years of frontline experience in the North East film sector said,

“Being part of a collective nominated for an award is a very surprising and lovely thing. Tull Stories worked with Met Film Distribution to book the documentary film A Bunch Of Amateurs (2022) into over 120 UK cinemas. To be asked to work with Met Film Distribution was a real watershed moment last year and allowed me to combine my admiration for regional film clubs, my experience of archive film, my love of the North and these ‘outsiders’ of filmmaking in one project. It connected with me deeply”.

This nomination comes within a year of incredible firsts for Jonny. Working with Met Film Distribution and Doc Society, undertaking a major BFI data analysis role as an associate with Indigo Ltd, having a Tull Stories release nominated for a BAFTA, and attending Sheffield DocFest, Toronto International Film Festival and Film London’s Distributor Slate Days as a newly formed distribution company are just some of the outstanding achievements from this year.

“To cap this year off with an awards event, and a prestigious one too, gives me real pause for thought about how lucky I am, how exciting this work is and how energised I am about it all. Imagine if we win!”

Lisa Laws, Talent and Business Development Director at North East Screen said,

“We are thrilled to see Jonny nominated for a prestigious national award for such great work on such a brilliant film.

“Our REACH funding supported Tull Stories to attend Toronto Film Festival and Slate Days, which has already yielded great results: meeting international sales agents, pitching for, and winning contracts and bookings, as well as profile raising. At Slate Days Jonny and Jens Meurer (director of Seaside Special) were even cheered on and off stage!”

2024 is set to be a transformational year for Tull Stories with Jonny commenting on what is to come,

“2024 will see Tull Stories grow and employ new staff in the North East. It’s fundamental that we operate and thrive in our region. The screen sector is on a path of growth, and distribution and audience engagement is a key part of that. We’re even expanding into new areas of film and TV, as well as distribution we now work with production companies, and are helping the company, Park the Bus, to develop their slate for film or TV and to build key partnerships.”

Forthcoming Tull Stories releases include Jeanie Finlay’s new documentary ‘Your Fat Friend’ and Hilmar Oddsson’s Icelandic comedy-drama ‘Driving Mum’.