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Working as a Production Assistant and Runner with Candle & Bell across both pre-production and production, Jenna supported the delivery of the BBC short film while gaining invaluable experience behind the scenes. “I feel so lucky to have been involved in a project that gave me my first broadcast credit,” she says. “Being inside the structured chaos of a short film was a fever dream – I can’t wait to get involved in my next contract.”

Jenna is a First Class Broadcast Media Production graduate from Teesside University, and has a strong interest in audio storytelling. Alongside her production work, she has experience in radio, podcast production, and sound mixing, and continues to develop her skills across both screen and audio projects. She is also a member of the North East Screen Crew Academy and has benefitted from their support and guidance on working in film and TV.

Looking ahead, Jenna hopes to build a career in scripted television and radio production. With her first BBC credit now secured, Doppelgänger represents an exciting step forward in what is already shaping up to be a promising journey in the industry.

Inspired by Jenna’s journey? Find out more about getting into the industry, and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about future Bridge to Industry events.

Sound recordist Phillip Quinton is a seasoned professional with 15 years’ experience across film, TV, and radio. On Doppelgänger, Phillip captured and mixed the sound for the North East-made short from Candle & Bell, helping to bring the story to life.

Over the past five years, he has worked on series including River City (BBC Scotland), Doctors (BBC One), and An Clo Mor (BBC Alba). More recently, he has expanded into local radio production, producing Tom & Lauren are going OOT with Candle & Bell for BBC Radio 4. Throughout, he has consistently championed North East crews, strengthening our region’s reputation as a hub for high-quality productions.

Reflecting on Doppelgänger, Phillip says, “It was hugely rewarding to collaborate with a North East team on a BBC production and see local talent shine.” He describes the experience as a pleasure, highlighting the collaboration with his sound assistant Jack Abernathy and the guidance of producers Maria and Zahra. Having long admired Candle & Bell’s work, Phillip adds that it was especially fulfilling to work with the company on a BBC project.

Looking ahead, Phillip is keen to continue developing in radio, take on more North East-based productions, and expand into teaching and acting – sharing his experience while supporting the next generation of regional talent.

Inspired by Phillip’s story? Find out more about getting into the industry, and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about future Bridge to Industry events.

Grip Elliott Pate is a familiar face on sets across the North East, with experience spanning major TV dramas, feature films, and regional productions. As Key Grip on Doppelgänger, Elliott played a central role in supporting the camera department on the North East-made short from Candle & Bell.

He has worked on high-profile productions including Outlander, The Last Kingdom, and Nativity, alongside long-running North East favourites such as Vera (ITV) and, more recently, I Fought the Law (Hera Pictures for ITV). Alongside these national and international credits, he continues to support filming in the region through his work with Geordie Grips, helping strengthen the infrastructure that keeps productions moving in the region.

Reflecting on Doppelgänger, Elliott says the highlight was “seeing so many talented North East crew members come together to make such a powerful short.” Over the past three years, the North East screen sector has supported the creation of the equivalent of 1,046 full-time jobs, highlighting the scale of opportunity for local crews to contribute to projects like this.

As he continues to build his career, Elliott is working towards his Level 3 NVQ. He’s passionate about helping position the North East as a go-to destination for drama and film, encouraging more productions to base themselves here and collaborate with North East talent.

Director Zak Harney, from South Shields, is part of a new generation of North East filmmakers putting forward working‑class stories on screen and showing them in a new light.

Zak is the Director behind the BBC Three pilot, Doppelgänger, which brings his unique ethos to the screen: character‑led storytelling, visual playfulness and a commitment to showing the heart of the North East – that warmth, humour and emotional honesty that breathes through all of us.

Doppelgänger was developed through the BBC Writers’ Long Story Short, an initiative that pairs emerging screenwriting voices with local independent production companies to create original short films for BBC Three and iPlayer. Produced by Candle & Bell and filmed entirely in the North East, with the full support of North East Screen, the project marks Zak’s first production for the BBC and a significant milestone in his career.

Zak was drawn to Alison Carr’s script with its contemporary setting and how it embraced colour, wit and larger‑than‑life characters that feel recognisable and authentic to the North East, but can resonate to everyone.

By pushing the boundaries on Doppelgänger with ambitious locations (including the Tyne & Wear metro), bold performances and strong visuals, Zak has delivered a stand-out film showcasing ambitious North East talent both in front and behind the camera.

As his profile continues to grow, Zak is establishing himself as a director redefining how North East stories look and feel on screen.

Inspired by Zak’s journey? Get in touch if you’re an emerging North East director. Email development@northeastscreen.org

Camera trainee Nicole Sian from Newcastle is forging an exciting career in the North East’s screen industry, gaining experience across film, TV, commercials, and music videos.

She has worked on some highly acclaimed productions based in the North East, like Smoggie Queens and Family Fortune (formerly Family Secrets), alongside a variety of regional commercial and music video productions.

Passionate about her craft, Nicole enjoys the variety of her work and the chance to collaborate with creatives from across the UK. “No day is ever the same, but it’s especially rewarding to work with talented crews here in the North East, close to home,” she says.

Her work on the North East-based short film Dopplegänger, produced by Candle & Bell, was a particular highlight.

Working with Zak Harney was inspiring – seeing his vision come to life was incredible. Filming mostly in Newcastle meant I could stay close to home while learning from a crew full of local talent. I hope more projects continue to be made in the region.

Nicole credits North East Screen with helping her broaden her experience through funding to access additional opportunities to hone her skills.

The Going Places Fund made it possible for me to work in London, Manchester, and Scotland, covering travel and accommodation. It’s an invaluable support for creatives from the region and has opened doors I couldn’t have accessed otherwise.

Through the Crew Academy and North East Screen’s support, Nicole is gaining the skills, experience, and confidence to build a career behind the camera – an excellent showcase of our region’s thriving homegrown talent.

Inspired by Nicole’s journey? Find out more about getting into the industry, and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about future Bridge to Industry events.

Gateshead‑born writer Alison Carr is entering a bold new chapter in her career with her screenwriting debut for BBC Three, a milestone that is attracting attention across the region’s creative industries. Her short film Doppelgänger, produced by North East company Candle & Bell and supported by North East Screen, highlights her unique storytelling.

Known for her acclaimed theatre work, which includes commissions for the National Theatre and Live Theatre, Carr brings her signature blend of dark comedy and emotional depth to the screen in Doppelgänger. The short film follows Josie, a woman who confronts her uncanny double. It is a surreal, psychologically charged story of identity, rivalry, and self‑reflection.

The film is part of the BBC’s Long Story Short series, an initiative that pairs emerging screenwriting voices with local independent production companies to create original short films for BBC Three and iPlayer. North East Screen worked hand-in-hand with the BBC to set up this partnership.

From award‑winning theatre productions to audio storytelling and now screenwriting, Alison continues to demonstrate her versatility and narrative power. Doppelgänger marks the beginning of a new phase in her career, one that promises more bold, distinctive stories shaped by her North East roots.

Find out more about how we support writers and work hand-in-hand with commissioners to provide new opportunities.

A new BBC Three dark comedy filmed entirely in Tyne & Wear is shining a spotlight on North East creative talent, with Gateshead‑based production company Candle & Bell leading the charge, supported by North East Screen.

Doppelgänger premieres on BBC Three on Sunday 1 February as part of the BBC Writers’ Long Story Short strand, with funding from North East Screen. Written by North East writer, Alison Carr, and produced with an entirely regional crew and cast, the project has created real jobs and showcased the calibre of expertise at our disposal in the region.

North East Screen’s support enabled Candle & Bell to deliver a technically ambitious, broadcast‑ready film rooted in the region. Shot across recognisable locations including the Tyne & Wear Metro system, Heaton and Pelaw, Doppelgänger tells a story grounded in the North East yet resonating far beyond it.

The number of regional companies winning commissions has quadrupled in the last three years, and this film marks Candle & Bell’s third BBC commission. Founder and director Maria Caruana Galizia says the project demonstrates what’s possible when regional talent receives sustained backing:

This film proves what’s possible when a regional production receives proper support.
We’re not making regional content — we’re making ambitious, technically sophisticated work that happens to be made in the North East.

Backing North East businesses and talent to be innovative and win bigger, better contracts, is part of the work North East Screen are doing to cement the region as a great place to do business. Development Director, Lisa Laws, is thrilled to see the steps Candle & Bell have taken recently. She said,

It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with the BBC to give a North East writer their first broadcast credit, and to match them with a dynamic regional company expanding their ambitious slate.

With Zak Harney’s assured direction and some exceptional performances throughout, this project is a brilliant showcase of North East creativity.

Written by Gateshead‑born playwright Alison Carr and directed by award‑winning Geordie filmmaker Zak Harney, Doppelgänger follows Josie, a woman locked in a lifelong rivalry with another person who shares her name, birthday and almost every major life event. As her mother lies dying, the feud spirals into darker, more surreal territory.

With regional investment and national broadcast exposure, Doppelgänger stands as a strong example of how North East creativity can deliver work with UK‑wide and international appeal.

Doppelgänger airs on BBC Three on Sunday 1 February 2026 and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

The North East’s screen sector is celebrating a fantastic year as nominations have been announced for the RTS North East & the Borders Awards 2026 – with regionally produced, nationally recognised productions leading the way.  

Three productions supported by the North East Production Fund (NEPF) – I Fought The Law (Hera Pictures for ITV), Transaction (Big Talk for ITV), and The Feud (Lonesome Pine for 5) – have secured nominations across key categories, underpinning that the NEPF is the catalyst for driving growth in the region’s screen industry.

This year’s Drama/Comedy category highlights the region’s growing appeal to national broadcasters and producers. I Fought The Law features standout performances from Sheridan Smith and Daniel York Loh, while the ever-popular Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn, demonstrates the long-term strength of productions rooted in the North East. 

The Factual Entertainment shortlist showcases the work of Gateshead-based indies Twenty Six 03 earning recognition for Sara Davies’ Christmas Craft Off, and Signpost Entertainment nominated for Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. 

This year’s Crew Award, sponsored by North East Screen, shines a spotlight on the craft, dedication and world-class capability that underpins every successful production. 

Across all the categories the message is clear: the North East is a creative home for some of the UK’s most exciting storytellers, talent and production teams.