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The BBC has today announced new commitments to the creative growth of the North East in an extension of its successful collaboration with the region as part of its Across the UK strategy.

The agreement with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, commissioned through the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), will continue to strengthen and broaden production activity and skills produced from the region, including with new daytime drama The Northumbria Mysteries, which will be filmed and set in Northumberland.

As part of its Green Paper response earlier this month, the BBC has confirmed the North East creative cluster as an ongoing priority region during the next Charter period, subject to future funding.

The BBC has ambitious new targets to have more senior leaders, commissioners and network spend outside of London to continue to grow creative clusters across the UK, including the North East, which is the UK’s fastest growing production sector.

The extended memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the region sets out further commitments up to the end of December 2027, to align with the BBC’s current Charter period.

It includes increasing Network TV commissioning spend in the North East to include an additional £15m of investment, taking the total investment to a minimum of £40m.

It also commits to bringing further major BBC events to the region, such as Radio 1’s Big Weekend taking place in Sunderland in May 2026, where over 100,000 music fans are expected to attend across the weekend.

Since the MOU was signed in 2021, the BBC has already met its target of a minimum of £25m over five years, and delivered commissions including the award-winning comedy Smoggie Queens, which returns for a second series this spring.

Other commissions include Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes, Joanna Page’s Wild Life, The Big Idea Works and The Dumping Ground, which recently aired its 14th series.

BBC Head of North of England Heidi Dawson said:

“We’re incredibly proud to extend our commitment to the North East, one of the BBC’s priority creative clusters, with the North East Screen Industries Partnership.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen exceptional talent, creativity and ambition flourish across the North East, and this additional commitment will ensure even more homegrown storytelling from across the region.

“From new scripted series to returning favourites, the North East is a vital part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy, and we’re excited to build on this momentum through to 2027.”

The BBC will continue to work closely with regional partners to grow the creative industries talent pipeline across the region, building on the Combined Authorities recent investment in production facilities in Sunderland and Hartlepool.

It will also continue to support the Digital Accelerator scheme, developing new digital-first content and creative talent across the North East, in partnership with the NESIP.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“I’ve always been clear I want our creative talents to have the success they deserve in the region, without needing to head off to the capital. That’s why I’m putting creative jobs at the heart of my plans for growth.

“We’re already seeing production ramp up in the North East, and last week we announced record funding to boost creative skills and build the region’s first film studio to sustain that growth.

“I want to see more North East stories being told by North East creatives and this new partnership is a step closer to making that happen. The BBC clearly recognises what we have to offer with new shows being filmed in Sunderland and Northumberland and I can’t wait to see what more is still to come.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

“This partnership with the BBC has played a hugely important role in supporting our ambition to establish our region as a growing centre for the creative and digital industries.

“This extension will develop even more opportunities to showcase our incredible locations and outstanding local talent, while building on our reputation as a leading destination for TV and film-making.

“On top of our investment in first-class facilities at Hartlepool’s Northern Studios, it will also further support the development of local skills, inspire greater ambition, and help local people see that they can build a successful career in TV and film right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Like the BBC, the North East and Tees Valley Mayors continue to champion creative talent, with the creative sector identified as a priority growth opportunity within both respective Local Growth Plans and further recognised in the Government’s national Creative Industries Sector Plan.

This collective ambition and investment for the region’s screen industries is brought together through NESIP.

Alison Gwynn, North East Screen Chief Executive said:

“This renewed commitment recognises our region’s strength and positions us as a key player in the UK’s future screen landscape.

“This extension shows the BBC believes in the North East, as a welcoming home to major productions thanks to our stunning world-class locations, crew and facilities.

“The region has always been full of creativity, resilience and brilliant storytelling. Having the BBC behind us means more jobs, more training pathways, and more chances for people from every corner of our region to be part of a thriving screen industry.

North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority have to date, through NESIP, supported the screen sector with £12.9m funding and are planning another £5.8m until the end of the Charter period as part of this agreement.

This will promote the region, attracting production businesses, as well as investing in professional talent, skills, creative businesses and infrastructure development.

It will also continue to invest in a talent and skills pipeline with a region-wide strategy and programme of activity that links North East Screen with Higher Education, Further Education and other partners with production locating in the region.

View the full Memorandum of Understanding here

From brand-new crime drama The Northumbria Mysteries, to The One Show VT opportunities, as well as confirming the four independent production companies selected for the BBC’s North East Digital Accelerator, the BBC strengthens its commitment to production and skills development in the region.

The BBC has announced a new slate of commissions and development opportunities in the North East, reinforcing its commitment to the region as one of its key Creative Clusters. The projects span scripted drama, factual programming, and digital innovation, including the forthcoming series The Northumbria Mysteries, new films for The One Show and the four independent production companies selected for the BBC’s Digital Accelerator, which is designed to support local production companies, nurture emerging talent and drive sustainable, digital-first growth across the regional creative economy. These commissions are funded by the BBC’s expanded MOU with the North East region, as announced today.

Helen Munson, BBC Commissioner for Daytime and Early Peak, based in the North East:

What an exciting time for the North East! I am delighted to be working with such brilliant companies across the whole region – from fantastic new drama The Northumbria Mysteries with Lonesome Pine to the development opportunities across digital and The One Show, the BBC is committed to working with the world class talent this region has to offer. And there’s more to come, so watch this space!

The Northumbria Mysteries is a brand-new drama, marking a significant return of BBC drama production to the North East. Set against the sweeping Northumberland coastline and its surrounding market towns, the series centres on an unlikely crime-solving duo. The Northumbria Mysteries will be produced by Lonesome Pine Productions, who are based in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Robson Green will star as Joe Ruby: a jack-of-all-trades whose life has been shaped by mistakes, regrets and missed opportunities, alongside Oxford-educated DI Rose O’Connell (casting to be announced), a rarefied intellectual, a deep thinker with a brilliant mind and an ice-cool disposition.

In a classic odd-couple pairing, Joe and Rose combine their talents as they frustrate, confound and ultimately surprise one another while unravelling a series of compelling crime mysteries.

Lesley Douglas, Executive Producer and co-founder of Lonesome Pine Productions:

We could not be happier to have Robson Green lead the cast and bring Joe Ruby to life, within the magnificent backdrop of Northumberland. Working with the BBC to realise these characters has been a labour of love.

Currently in pre-production, filming will begin in Northumberland this spring. The Northumbria Mysteries (8×45’) is a Lonesome Pine production for BBC One and iPlayer. The series was commissioned by Helen Munson, BBC Commissioning Editor for Daytime and Early Peak. Aschlin Ditta, Gordon Anderson and Chris Gascoyne serve as Executive Producers for Lonesome Pine, and Helen Munson for the BBC. The series will be directed by Gordon Anderson and Duncan Foster and produced by Lesley Douglas.

The highly-anticipated new adaptation of the iconic The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – which was announced in November last year – will be filmed at The Northern Studios, Hartlepool, as well as on location in Hartlepool and Sunderland. Based on Sue Townsend’s best-selling book of the same name, the ten-part series is adapted for the BBC by David Nicholls (One Day, Us), with further episodes written by Caitlin Moran and Caroline Moran (Raised By Wolves), Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor (Everyone Else Burns), and Jack Rooke (Big Boys).

The BBC can also today announce that two production companies based in the North East region will each make three films for The One Show. This offers a great opportunity for smaller companies to grow, develop their skills and showcase local talent.

First announced at the 2025 Edinburgh TV Festival, The Digital Accelerator is a bold new partnership between the BBC and North East Screen, designed to unlock the digital potential of North East production companies to create innovative, digital-first content for 16–24-year-old audiences on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Twitch. The pioneering initiative aims to fast-track the growth of digital-first content companies in the North East, combining direct investment with tailored mentoring and skills development to unlock long-term creative and commercial potential.

The BBC can today confirm that the four independent production companies selected to take part in the Digital Accelerator are:

• Adventure Alliance Films (County Durham)
• Film Nova (Gateshead)
• Northern Child (Newcastle Upon Tyne)
• Wander Films (Middlesbrough)

These companies will receive ongoing support from BBC and North East Screen teams, including mentorship, editorial and business guidance, to help them scale up and deliver high-impact, market-ready digital content.

Further content announcements and details will be made later this year as part of the BBC’s continued commitment to the region.

Newcastle Gateshead has been officially shortlisted as one of the three finalists to become the new home of the UK’s leading television industry event from 2027. Joining Edinburgh and Greater Manchester on the prestigious shortlist, the bid represents a powerful moment in the North East’s cultural and creative journey.

The announcement recognises the North East’s bold ambition, thriving TV and film production landscape, and its extraordinary momentum in championing talent, opportunity and growth across the screen industries.

This shortlisting is a landmark moment not just for Newcastle Gateshead, but the wider North East. Against strong competition from eight cities across the UK, our region has stood out for its vision, capability, and commitment to driving the industry forward. There has never been a better moment in time for the North East to host this.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen, expressed the team’s excitement and pride:

We’re absolutely thrilled that the North East has been shortlisted — and the timing could not be better.

The North East has tackled geographic and socio-economic disadvantage for decades but that is changing in a big way. We are a region with both credibility and huge momentum, capable of delivering a festival of national and international significance whilst ensuring a lasting legacy for our communities, emerging talent and the wider UK cultural landscape.

We don’t want to just host the TV industry on the banks of the mighty Tyne; we want to work with the festival and our partners to invigorate it. With us, you’re not just working with a host city, you’re unlocking the power of an entire region united, energised, and ready to deliver.

Being shortlisted is a glowing endorsement of the North East’s creative vibrancy and the determination from the North East Screen Industries Partnership, supported by North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority, to create a thriving screen ecosystem that delivers content for global audiences.

Hosting the Festival would bring, major economic and cultural benefits, unprecedented opportunities for emerging talent, a global spotlight on our fast-growing screen sector and a unifying moment for the region’s creative communities to showcase the region and themselves to a global audience.

What’s Next?

The Festival team will now begin a detailed review process with each shortlisted city, ahead of a final decision later this year. As the process continues, North East Screen, and the whole region, will be proudly showcasing why the North East is the perfect home for this iconic event.

This is a moment of real celebration. A moment fuelled by ambition. And we’re just getting started.

Channel 4’s highly anticipated new drama A Woman of Substance began to air this month, and you’ll spot the North East proudly playing its part in the story.  

The eight part adaptation, based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s globally bestselling novel, filmed at several locations across northern England, including Beamish Museum in County Durham, one of the region’s most iconic and beloved historic sites.  

The series follows the extraordinary Emma Harte played by Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds across two timelines, as she rises from a Yorkshire maid in 1911 to a global business powerhouse.  

Filming took place across Yorkshire and Liverpool, but crucially also at Beamish, where the open-air museum’s authentically recreated period streets and interiors provided the perfect backdrop for the early 20th century world the series brings to life.  

Beamish is no stranger to film and TV, having featured in Downton Abbey, All Creatures Great and Small, and The War Below. Welcoming a high profile Channel 4 drama of this scale at the same time as other productions highlights the region’s versatility, talent, and capacity to host several major HETV productions at once. 

The North East Screen Film Office plays a vital role in securing and supporting productions filming across the region. From sourcing locations and permissions to connecting with local crew, facilities and suppliers, the team make filming in the North East an attractive and efficient offer. 

For A Woman of Substance, the Film Office’s support contributed to a smooth and successful shoot at Beamish, ensuring the production had everything it needed. Our team works closely with regional partners, local authorities, and location owners to make filming in the North East not only seamless, but hugely rewarding. 

This expertise and hands-on approach strengthens the region’s reputation as a world-class filming destination and allows heritage settings like Beamish to shine just as brightly as the performances and storytelling they help bring to life. 

The North East offers something distinct: a combination of stunning coastlines, dramatic countryside, vibrant cities, characterful rural communities, and talented crew, all supported by a production-friendly environment. With the Film Office championing the region and helping productions every step of the way, more productions are discovering what we’ve long known: the North East is the perfect place to tell your story. 

If you’d like support bringing your production to the North East, our Film Office team is here to help. Contact filmoffice@northeastscreen.org 

The BBC has revealed first look images from the award-winning Smoggie Queens which will bring even more chaos, heart and mischief than ever before, when it returns to BBC iPlayer and BBC Three for a second series in Spring.

Written by RTS winner and BAFTA nominated Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning, Smoggie Queens tells the story of volatile Dickie (Dunning – Boat Story, Feel Good) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton – Patience, Shakespeare & Hathaway), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell – Daddy Issues, Coronation Street), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe – Vera) and newly out Stewart (Elijah Young).

Joining the Smoggie family for this second series, which is set and filmed in Middlesbrough, is BAFTA winning Monica Dolan along with Amalia Vitale and Freya Parker as well as Middlesbrough legends Jeff Stelling and Chris Kamara.

Returning cast are Neil Grainger, Charlotte Riley, Peter McPherson, Lauryn Redding, Michael Mather, Bill Fellows, Michael Hodgson, Steph McGovern and Michelle Visage.

Picking up where we left off in Middlesbrough, the gang are navigating love, friendship and plenty of drama. Dickie is single and on the hunt for romance while Mam is facing ghosts from her past who are back in the Boro. Sal finds herself torn between Danni and Mel and our Lucinda hits a road bump with Neil while Stewart is embracing his new fresh chapter in life.

Along the way there are date nights, coming-out parties, a male beauty pageant and even a football match. Yes, really. Because if there’s one thing you can expect from Smoggie Queens, it’s that much like drag itself, every episode is serving something fresh!

Smoggie Queens (6 x 30) is a Hat Trick Production (How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, Derry Girls, Outnumbered, Have I Got News For You and Episodes) for BBC Three and iPlayer, and funding support from The North East Production Fund delivered by North East Screen with worldwide distribution by Hat Trick International and is available in the United Kingdom, Australia, Iceland and Spain (to date).

The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The producer is Chris Jones (Smoggie Queens S1, Kate & Koji, Whistle Through The Shamrocks). The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp. Series 2 is directed by Tom Marshall (Ted Lasso, Famalam).

Sunderland will become home to one of the biggest film studios in the North East of England, as Mayor Kim McGuinness is set to commit more than £38m to supercharge Crown Works Studios delivery.

The much-anticipated blockbuster development could begin construction in July, with completion by the end of next year.

Crown Works Growth Zone – an area of land in Pallion, Sunderland, designated as an area where new jobs will be created – is set to receive the backing of the North East Combined Authority’s cabinet on March 17, paving the way for the development of Phase 1 of the Crown Works Studio complex.

At 125,000 sq ft, across a super-sized new build and refurbishment of the Doxford Printworks building, Crown Works be one of the largest a studio complex in the North of England, capable of hosting live events and gameshows, as well as blockbuster films and TV projects.

Production in the North East is already thriving, up more than 130% in the last three years, with this investment marked to sustain that growth, and make the North East a powerhouse in British screen production.

Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Michael Mordey, said the funding proposals, that will allow the council to build phase one of Crown Works Growth Zone, represented a momentous step forward for the city and for creative industries across the North East, while also creating jobs and opportunities for a wider range of people and businesses.

He said: “We’re getting this done – for the people of Sunderland and the North East.  This is a huge moment, as we turn a transformational vision into reality.

“I am thrilled that the North East Mayor is backing us in our bid to unlock the potential of Crown Works Growth Zone and establish Sunderland as a TV and film production hub, an opportunity that will unlock significant benefits for the region’s people and businesses.  Sunderland has led from the front and made the case strongly for support to realise our vision.  This backing is the product of strong and positive partnership-working between local, regional and national government, with all of us working in lockstep to deliver a game-changing development for Sunderland, the North East, and for UK Plc.

“From joiners, electricians and painter and decorators, who will create sets for TV and film, to data wranglers and digital creators, and forklift drivers to sound and lighting engineers, this studio development will bring with it opportunities for all kinds of people and professions. This is about unleashing the immense potential of our region.”

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness said: “I promised to back Crown Works Studios in Sunderland, and we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting it done – sending a strong message of the scale and opportunity for more investment in our creative industries.

“With this investment, we will bring blockbuster projects to the banks of the Wear, telling stories from our region and beyond, and showing local people that if you have a creative dream, you don’t have to move to London. The industry and the opportunities are here.

“I’m putting culture and creativity at the centre of the region’s plans for jobs, creating opportunities for working class creatives, like local filmmakers, actors and all of the careers behind the scenes, like electricians, set designers and make-up artists.”

Papers shared with the North East Mayor’s Cabinet ahead of its meeting next week reconfirm a £25m commitment from the Government’s Trailblazer Devolution Deal, along with an additional £11m of repayable funding channelled to Sunderland City Council to enable delivery of the first phase of the Crown Works Growth Zone.  £500,000 of operational revenue support has been allocated for each of the first five years of operation, to help secure a private sector partner to run the studios and to advance the development of the eco-system needed to unlock what TV and film industry leaders describe as ‘a massive opportunity for the North East’.

The studio plans support the North East Combined Authority’s Culture, Creative Industries and Sport Strategy, which focuses on Music, Film and Screen, and Writing and Publishing as priority subsectors within the Creative Industries, primed for growth over the next ten years.

Phase one of the Crown Works development aims to build out the site incrementally, with the initial investment expected to act as a catalyst to fuel public and private sector backing to expand the complex.

The approach is backed by Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, the screen development agency for the North East, which has helped drive the growth of the sector in recent years.

Alison said: “The evidence is clear: the North East has undergone a remarkable shift in TV and film production, and we’re now firmly on the map as a serious, competitive alternative to established hubs elsewhere in the UK.

“What sets our region apart is what we have to offer: stunning coastlines, dramatic countryside, vibrant cities, characterful rural communities, and talented crew. It’s all here, and productions know it. We’re also seeing more and more skilled people choosing to build their careers here, which is exactly what the industry needs to thrive.

“Crown Works is a game-changing opportunity for our region, and I’m absolutely delighted to see this level of backing behind it. We’re already talking to streamers and major producers who are excited about the potential of this space when it opens, and this investment sends a powerful signal that the North East is ready to deliver.”

David Parfitt, chair of North East Screen and a titan of industry who produced global blockbuster Shakespeare in Love, said: “This is a huge moment for Sunderland, and I am delighted to see the Combined Authority throw its weight behind studios that will put some firepower behind creative industries in the North East.

“Supported by North East Screen, there has been a real step change in production in the North East over the last four years, and we know there is demand for screen facilities here that Crown Works will address.”

The refurbished Doxford Printworks and new-build propriety should be open and ready for use by the end of 2027, with construction already in pre-contract negotiations with Sunderland City Council to quickly move into delivery mode. The large new-build will provide a flexible entertainment space that could host shows with a live studio audience.

ITV drama I Fought the Law chronicling the campaign to change the UK’s double jeopardy law picked up three prizes at the Royal Television Society North East and the Borders annual TV Awards. Sheridan Smith, who played Teesside campaigner Ann Ming fighting to bring to justice her daughter’s killer, won Best Performance. Ben Wilson was awarded Best Photography and the show itself was named Best Drama. Producer Liza Marshall of Hera Pictures – which made the four-part drama with support from the North East Production Fund – now awaits the outcome of the Oscars where her film Hamnet is nominated in eight categories including Best Picture.

Smith, who was on stage in London at the time of the ceremony in the play A Woman in Mind, sent a video message to the 400 guests at the event in Gateshead where she praised the production and paid tribute to her friend Ann Ming.

“I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this award,” she said from her dressing room at the Duke of York’s Theatre. “Thank you to everyone up in the North East for making us so welcome. And thank you to Ann – my absolute hero.”

Mrs Ming herself was on stage to collect the award on behalf of the actor alongside Hera Pictures executives and cast members.

Drama producer Lesley Douglas co-founder of Lonesome Pine Productions received the prestigious Centre Award for her work in bringing production to the North East including The Feud and The Fortune for 5.

There was further drama at the ceremony at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead when its host, the BBC’s Anna Foster found out just hours before the start she was being sent to the Middle East to cover the American attack on Iran. Luckily her husband, the broadcaster John Foster was able to step in to replace her as the event’s presenter.

Film Nova was named Production Company of the Year for its output including The Great North Run, Boxing for 5, The Women’s FA Cup for Channel 4 and Torvill and Dean The Last Dance for ITV.

CBBC was awarded Best Children’s for The Dumping Ground now into its fourteenth season whilst Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes (Signpost Productions) for BBC Two won Best Entertainment.

A documentary examining the rising military tensions in the Arctic won Best Factual for Newcastle-based Wildcat Films. Producer/Director David Baillie said the hour-long documentary Arming the Arctic had been screened by broadcasters across Europe but inexplicably not in the UK.

ITV Tyne Tees and Border celebrated winning five awards – Best News Programme (for ITV Tyne Tees) TV Personality of the Year (Ian Payne) On Screen Journalism (Rachel Bullock), Post Production (Steffi Orme) and Breakthrough Award for Border’s trainee cameraman and reporter Tom Scott.

The prize for Sports Programme went to South Shields production company Red Stamp for Sand Dancers which followed Jimmy Simpson, a quadriplegic thrill-seeker who trained in the cold, unpredictable waters of the North Sea in preparation for an international surfing competition.

The Non-Broadcast award was picked up by Morning Sir Productions for their comedy drama Gan Canny and the award for Broadcast Short Form was presented to Stories of Colour (Sharuna Sagar of BBC North East). Best Commercial was awarded to Third Aspect for When Storms Rage and Shadows Fall showcasing the work of outdoor and military fashion designer Nigel Cabourn. The Crew Award went to first assistant director Graham Jackson for his work on The Feud.

Among other famous faces at the event were Oscar-winning producer David Parfitt, presenters Jeff Brown and Ian Payne and Lindisfarne drummer Ray Laidlaw.

Chair of the RTS North East and Borders Centre Joanna Makepeace-Woods:

This year’s awards reflect the increasing volume of production from this part of the world and the impact of the North East Production Fund in bringing productions to the region. The ceremony celebrated the growing impact of drama, documentaries and other programming being produced here and the skilled workforce and creative talent that exists in our region.

Our Connected Campus pilot with The Northern School of Art has already begun delivering real impact for students. The programme which is designed in partnership to bridge the gap between creative study and real-world screen industry experience, gives students exclusive access to industry masterclasses, hands-on workshops, and employability support.

Now four modules in, the programme is already proving transformative, with students from across Film, TV & Theatre, Animation, Illustration, Photography, Model Making & VFX, Costume Design and Production for Stage and Screen, gaining practical skills, confidence and industry insight.

Engaging with industry from day one

Connected Campus has brought together a diverse range of high profile industry professionals (who are all based in the North East), offering students fresh perspectives on roles in the industry, developing transferable skills and establishing life-long careers in TV & Film, right here in the region.

So far, the following have provided their time and expertise:

• Sarah Howie on Production Roles — as an experienced Production Manager and Line Producer, Sarah introduced students to production roles, communication, workflow and the collaborative structure of a film set.
• Jason Cook on Screenwriting — writer, comedian and business owner Jason provided students with crucial insights into storytelling, character development and screenplay structure. The students worked in groups developing and pitching their own ideas and receiving valuable direct feedback from Jason.
• Malcolm Wilkie on Storyboarding – Concept and storyboard artist Malcolm gave real world examples from his career in advertising, film and TV. He delivered a storyboarding-technique masterclass, focussing on shot types, movement and framing.
• Lynsey Palmer on Production Management — Production Manager Lynsey’s workshop offered real-world expertise on scheduling, logistics, troubleshooting and managing departments with an opportunity to complete actual paperwork.

Hands-on learning with real production tools

A defining achievement of Connected Campus so far is the level of practical, industry-standard experience provided.

Students have:

• Used professional radios to practise clear on‑set communication — a vital skill across every production department.
• Worked with scripts and call sheets, learning how information is shared across teams, how shoots are structured, and how different roles interact.
• Taken part in collaborative exercises mirroring real production processes, preparing them for set ready behaviour and professional expectations

Cross‑discipline collaboration in action

One of the programme’s key strengths is the way it has brought together students across multiple creative disciplines — from animators and model makers, to photographers and costume designers.

This mirrors the real screen industry, where effective collaboration across departments is essential. We’ve seen students sharing creative approaches, understand how story, design, performance and visualisation interconnect, and learn how each department contributes to the bigger production picture. This is already shaping stronger project work and helping students recognise where their place within the industry might be.

Building momentum for the screen industry

By giving students early access to industry professionals, set-ready skills and employability support, the programme is helping create local talent pathways that will feed directly into the growing screen sector within the region. These students are already benefiting from seeing the production around major developments happening on their doorstep, including the Hartlepool Production Village and redevelopment of The Northern Studios.

Catriona McAvoy – Education Partnerships Manager, North East Screen:

The pilot of Connected Campus at the Northern School of Art is shaping up very successfully. We have worked with course leaders and industry to develop a dynamic programme that meets student needs across screen and non screen courses and that bridges the gap to industry, addressing skills gaps and providing real world experiences.

So far we have looked at different areas of pre production and post production with sessions on storytelling, storyboarding, production management and working on location. Upcoming we have more hands on production sessions and a look at post production. All sessions are delivered by an industry professional who is an expert in their field, we have worked with each of them to develop an engaging workshop that goes beyond a talk, allowing them to share their expertise and encouraging students to participate in hands on activities where they can connect with the expert and get direct support and feedback.

The sessions have all been informative, engaging and fun. With attendance levels remaining high and students arriving promptly to every session ready to participate. One of the advantages of the regular monthly sessions has been seeing the students become more comfortable and confident as we have progressed. I am looking forward to delivering the rest of the programme, supporting students to develop transferable skills they can apply to whatever career they choose and graduating with a clearer understanding of opportunities in the film and television industry.

What’s next

The next phase of the programme will take students deeper into the technical side of production, with upcoming modules in:

• Camera, Lighting & Sound
• Working on Location
• Post Production & VFX‑Production & VFX

The programme will culminate in an event giving students a platform to celebrate their achievements and connect with industry professionals before the end of the academic year.

Gateshead based companies are bidding for first place in the Broadcast Factual Entertainment category at this year’s RTS North East and Border Awards, held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead at the end of February.

Signpost Entertainment with Rivers Meet Productions are going head to head with Twentysix03 in this year’s battle for top spot.

Twentysix03 are on a roll with hit daytime shows. At the beginning of 2025 The Big Idea Works launched on BBC1 supported by the North East Production Fund. Starring TV favourite Sara Davies, the 14 episode series was shot in a studio set up in Hoults Yard, Newcastle.

In February 2025 at the RTS regional awards, they won the Broadcast Factual Entertainment award for Joanna Page’s Wildlife, a 15 part series combining Joanna’s lifelong passion for wild live and her infectious personality.

Towards the end of last year, Twentysix03 launched their latest series on BBC1, Sara Davies’ Christmas Craft Off, once again supported by the North East Production Fund, where celebrities are taught how to turn a room into the perfect festive setting. This time the series was filming on location in Darlington.

Signpost Entertainment with Rivers Meet Productions have now completed four series of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes – a love letter to the North East and a showcase of calming activities, green spaces and stunning locations across the region and beyond. This and their long running series See Hear, a magazine show for the deaf community highlighting the latest issues, are both nominated in the Broadcast Entertainment category.

TV production is on the up here in the North East. These shows are helping to ensure that crew based here are securing high quality jobs and are keeping them in the region rather than seeking jobs elsewhere. Roles span from producer to runner, camera operator and digital imaging technician to researcher roles. This activity and North East Screen’s support with trainees is helping to drive growth in the industry.

Who will win the battle at this year’s awards? We’ll keep you posted with winners on the night.

Speak to our film office about your next production and all the reasons why you should film in the North East