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Have your say on Hartlepool Screen Industries Production Village plans

Posted on 10 April 202510 April 2025 by Jo Macleod

Members of the public are being asked to help shape transformational plans for Hartlepool’s growing film and TV industry at a two-day event.

Work is being developed on multi-million pound projects to develop the town as a centre for film and TV production, including a significant expansion of the Northern Studios complex in Lynn Street.

The studio expansion will complement plans led by Hartlepool Borough Council to create a Production Village in the Lynn Street and Whitby Street area and build on the town’s burgeoning film-making pedigree.

Members of the public can find out more about the proposals at a consultation event in Hartlepool on Tuesday 15th April, at The Northern Studios, on Lynn Street, from 12noon until 7pm, and Wednesday 16th April from 12noon to 7pm, at the former H&M unit in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

It will be led by consultants Pegasus Planning and Leonard Design, who are working in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation, and project leaders will be on hand to explain the plans, answer questions and listen to views.

Hartlepool Borough Council Leader Councillor Brenda Harrison said:

“Creating jobs, driving investment in Hartlepool and delivering regeneration are all key aims of our council and this project delivers all three in an abundance. We are proud to be leading the way with this transformational project for Hartlepool.

“The film and TV industry has been one of Hartlepool’s fastest growing sectors in recent years and we are building on that success and creating more jobs for local people in a wide range of careers.

“We are excited for work to begin but before we get to that point, we are keen to engage with a range of stakeholders including members of the public to get views on the proposals so please do take up this opportunity to get involved and have your say.”

Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Development Corporation Chairman Ben Houchen said:

“We are dedicated to developing Hartlepool as a powerhouse for TV and film production and have made excellent progress so far.

“However we want to go much further to deliver this significant investment, which will bring international productions to the town and create well-paid skilled jobs in Hartlepool.

“It’s vital that local people directly benefit from these projects – which is why we want their involvement in this process, to hear what is planned and help shape these developments.”

Funding for the Northern Studios expansion would be provided under a proposed £15million allocation from the Tees Valley Investment Zone. Tees Valley secured Investment Zone status in 2023, with a total of £160million allocated to drive the creative and digital sectors.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s is leading on the Production Village project, supported by £16.5million from the Levelling Up Fund.

Working with North East Screen, Northern Studios opened in 2022 supported by funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

It is the only large-scale film and TV studio facility in the North East. Recent productions filmed at the studios include feature film Jackdaw alongside Sky true crime documentaries, ITV drama and comedy productions. It has also been used as a unit base for productions filming on location in Hartlepool.

BBC Comedy’s Smoggie Queens, ITV drama I Fought the Law, and ITV comedy Transaction were also created with the help of the facility.

Northern Studios is based next to the Northern School of Art which provides training and education courses for the creative industries.

North East Screen Chief Executive Alison Gwynn said:

“The North East has been the fastest growing region in the UK for the film and TV industry which has seen an increase in production by 89%.

“The development of the Northern Studios and Production Village in Hartlepool will see the town and surrounding areas become a real hotbed for world class film, digital and TV productions as well as suppliers to the wider creative industries businesses.

“It’ll also provide opportunities for local people who have previously had to leave the region to work in the industry.”

The Northern School of Art Principal, Dr Martin Raby, said:

“This is an important step in the development of The Northern Studios. The Studios have been operating successfully, which is testament to the initial backing from Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority, but the requirements of the sector are progressing.

“The creation of the Production Village and the enhancement of the Studios, supported by the sterling efforts of North East Screen to attract productions, will facilitate much greater screen industry activity in Hartlepool, the Tees Valley and the wider North East, bringing further economic benefits to the town and the region. In addition, it will provide work experience opportunities for students and will boost employment prospects for our graduates.”

North East Screen hosts exclusive screening for new 5 drama by North East-based Lonesome Pine

Posted on 7 April 20257 April 2025 by Jo Macleod

Stars Jill Halfpenny and Larry Lamb joined 5 commissioner Paul Testar, writer Ash Ditta and North East Production crew for an exclusive screening of domestic drama The Feud at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle, ahead of its transmission on Monday 14^th April.

Filmed last year in and around Newcastle, the new 6-part series starring local actor Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones, was produced by Newcastle-based Lonesome Pine Productions and supported by the North East Production Fund.

The fund, administered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership is attracting more productions to film in the region bringing jobs and inward investment. £2.5 million has been invested so far into scripted projects. 5 is the first broadcaster in over 15 years to commission a North East based company for a drama filmed in the region.

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen, said;

“The Feud is one of 10 productions to shoot in the region with North East Production Fund investment so far. Each production hires regional crew, and actors, uses regional supply chain companies as well as providing training opportunities which helps to build regional infrastructure.

“Lonesome Pine is a great example of a regionally based production company bringing stories of global appeal to the screen. We were delighted to support the series and are looking forward to what comes next.”

As well as investment, the production received assistance from North East Screen’s Film Office to find crew, facilities and locations; the skills team to give trainees the opportunity to work on a scripted drama, and the business development team to support their growing business. North East Screen are continuing to build a vibrant and sustainable global screen sector in the region. The North East is the fastest growing region in the UK for screen industries.

Lesley Douglas, Executive Producer and Managing Director of Lonesome Pine said;

“Making The Feud in the North East is exactly why we moved Lonesome Pine here. The crew who worked on the show were exceptional and made the filming an absolute joy, come rain or shine. We received nothing but really positive feedback about the crew from all of our amazing cast – including of course Jill Halfpenny, someone else who made the decision to head back home!

“North East Screen has been holding our hand since we arrived here 3 years ago, and not only did they invest in the project at a critical point, but they also helped us access the region’s full potential. We are so proud of The Feud, and it is only through the support of 5, North East Screen and Banijay that we were given the opportunity to make it. We look forward to working further with North East Screen and playing our part in building the North East’s presence on and off screen.”

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Scripted, 5, adds:

“Working with North East Screen has been a pleasure, and their support has been invaluable in bringing The Feud to life. The collaboration allowed us to tap into local talent and resources, providing access to the wealth of experience and knowledge in the North East that really brought the series together. We look forward to working with North East Screen again, and sharing this compelling drama with our audience on 5.”

Jill Halfpenny plays lead Emma Barnett in the series and was excited to be back in her home city to film.

“It was a joy to work in the North East again, being surrounded by local crew and knowing we could all go home to our families at night meant a lot and is something which I hope we can all do more of. Lonesome Pine were an absolute pleasure. Lesley and Ash made the job feel so collaborative. I loved every minute.”

The Feud begins Monday 14^th April, 9pm, on 5.

Hit BBC Comedy Smoggie Queens is back for a second series

Posted on 24 March 202524 March 2025 by Jo Macleod

Smoggie Queens, the award-winning BBC sitcom produced by Hat Trick Productions, has been recommissioned for a second series on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer for 2025.

Written and created by Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning, the series recently won Best Comedy at the RTS North East Awards, whilst Dunning won Best Newcomer.

Series two promises to bring more slapstick and silly laughs, with some excellent one liners from Dickie (Dunning), and a copious amount of joy for viewers.

Dickie, Mam (Mark Benton), Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), Sal (Patsy Lowe) and Stewart (Elijah Young) are back in the Boro as our Smoggie Queens find a place of pride for themselves in their small corner of the UK.

Showing what the North East is made of and the resilience of the queer community, the gang forge ahead with new relationships and rekindle some old ones, all while they cement those chosen family bonds. Expect more mad antics and chaotic energy as the Queens take you on (another) ride of your life!

Phil Dunning, Writer, Creator and Actor said “Really made up that the BBC have recommissioned Smoggie Queens. I’ve pencilled it in my diary.”

Chris Jones, Producer said “So glad we get to go back to the Boro for more Smoggie Queens. Really grateful to the BBC for giving this big old queer show another run.”

Jimmy Mulville, Hat Trick Managing Director said “We all need a feel-good, laugh out loud show to watch, so thank God Smoggie Queens is coming back! Who doesn’t want to hang out with the funniest, craziest and most lovable crew on telly at the moment.”

Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy said “Smoggie Queens is back—along with the wigs, the big laughs, and the brilliantly chaotic energy that made us fall in love with Dickie and the gang. This show is something special.”

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen said: “We’re thrilled that North East Production Fund supported Smoggie Queens is back for season two, and excited to see what Dickie and his chosen family get up to next. Continuing to work with the great team at Hat Trick allows us to create even more pipelines to industry for our brilliant on and off screen talent.”

Smoggie Queens (6 x 30) is a Hat Trick production (Derry Girls, Outnumbered, Have I Got News For You and Episodes) for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen with worldwide distribution by Hat Trick International. The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The producer is Chris Jones (Kate & Koji, Whistle Through The Shamrocks). The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.

Broadcast details will be announced in due course.

Not watched season one yet? Catch it on BBC iPlayer.

Three North East Companies Selected for BBC Small Indie Fund 2025

Posted on 13 March 202513 March 2025 by North East Screen

Three independent production companies based in the North East have been chosen as recipients of the BBC’s Small Indie Fund for 2025.

Candle and Bell (Gateshead), Northern Child, and Schnoobert Productions (both Newcastle) have all secured support through the prestigious fund, which provides mentorship, strategic investment, and networking opportunities to help small production companies grow. Additionally, Candle and Bell has also been selected for the BBC Radio & Music Indie Development Fund, receiving support from the entire BBC audio division.

Launched in 2020, the BBC’s TV Small Indie Fund supports production companies across Drama, Comedy, Film, Entertainment, Factual, Daytime, and Children’s content. This year, the BBC has invested approximately £1.3m into 33 companies across the UK, with 76% based outside London, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent in the Nations and Regions.

The BBC Radio & Music Indie Development Fund, worth £250k, helps independent audio production companies by providing mentoring and access to commissioning teams across BBC Music and Speech.

The selected companies will receive direct mentorship from BBC commissioning teams, investment to support their growth, and networking opportunities with key BBC stakeholders, helping them build sustainable futures in the industry.

Maria Caruana Galizia, Managing Director at Candle and Bell, said:

“We are proud to have been awarded both the BBC TV Small Indie Fund and the Radio & Music Indie Development Fund. Working with the BBC over the past two years has been transformative for the company. The funding and mentoring support has allowed us to grow and develop our comedy offering and resulted in us producing ‘Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!’ a radio sitcom developed for BBC Radio 4. Receiving this ongoing support will enable us to continue to develop homegrown stories, represent North East talent on and off screen, and begin to grow in the international market.”

Andrew Eastle, Managing Director of Northern Child, said:

“We are extremely grateful to the BBC for selecting us as a recipient of the Small Indie Fund. We are determined to sustain and grow Northern Child’s presence in the North East. We will invest this money into local talent who can help us win new commissions and create more opportunities for people working in TV in the region.”

Jason Cook, Chief Executive of Schnoobert Productions, said:

“We are over the moon to be working with the BBC again with help from the Small Indie Fund. As we grow as a company this will be invaluable to us and furthers our commitment to becoming a commissionable, go-to production house right here in the North East.”

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen said:

“The BBC Small Indie Fund is an increasingly competitive award, and we’re thrilled to see three North East companies selected this year. Their inclusion in the fund is testament to both the BBC’s commitment to diversify their suppliers and potential of the North East’s screen sector. With tailored mentoring and investment from the BBC, these companies will be able to scale up, secure new commissions, and continue to put our region’s talent on the national and international stage.”

David Pembrey, Chief Operating Officer, BBC Content, added:

“In a global market which continues to see production consolidation, we remain committed to investing in new and smaller independent businesses and the UK’s creative industries. We want to ensure our audiences get to enjoy the very best homegrown storytelling, for which investment in the roots of production across the UK is vital.”

North East talent shines at the Oscars

Posted on 3 March 20253 March 2025 by North East Screen

Some friends of the North East had a fantastic evening at the 97th Academy Awards last night (2nd March), with Gateshead-born writer Peter Straughan and Northumbria University graduate Lol Crawley earning top honours.

Peter Straughan received the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, an adaptation of Robert Harris’s papal thriller. This accolade adds to his previous awards, including a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice award for the same work.

Lol Crawley was honoured with the Oscar for Best Cinematography for his work on The Brutalist. This marks his first Oscar nomination and win. Originally from Shrewsbury, Lol came to the North East to study and earned a BA Hons in Film and Television Production at Northumbria University.

Peter and Lol’s success is a true inspiration for writers, cinematographers and creatives in our region. Whether you’re born in the North East or come here to learn your craft, you too could one day be taking home one of the highest honours in film.

Here’s to many more years of North East talent winning top accolades on a global stage!

North East Screen welcomes Ben Frow and Channel 5 to the region

Posted on 19 February 202525 February 2025 by North East Screen

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 joined commissioners and production company Daisybeck Studios at an event in Newcastle to speak with developing production companies from across the North East.

The event, organised by North East Screen, was to introduce Channel 5 to the region’s emerging production companies and producers to build relationships and foster opportunities to produce more unscripted programming in the North East.

With TV and film production continuing to grow in the region, North East Screen are working closely with emerging companies to ensure they are ready to make commissionable programmes for broadcasters and streamers. At the same time, they are growing relationships with TV commissioners who are keen for new programme ideas and concepts.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 said:

“As a public service broadcaster we are passionate about representing the UK on and off-screen. We spend over 40% of our commissioning budget in the UK’s Nations and regions but the North East is an area which has been underserved and where we would like to do more production.

“We’re particularly focused on working with smaller indies and I was incredibly impressed with the passion and creativity on show from everyone we met had. We look forward to doing more and supporting the growth of the North East as a production hub.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen said;

“We were delighted to welcome the senior broadcast team from Channel 5, alongside established multi-award winning northern indie, Daisybeck, to the North East. Channel 5 already commission content from some of the experienced indies in the region, but it’s been a breath of fresh air to see them taking the time to get to know our emerging indie talent.

“Channel 5 attracts more northern audiences than any other broadcaster and there is a real opportunity to work together to grow our regional companies and develop more content here.

We are keen to work with broadcasters and commissioners who want to build genuine relationships and make a real and long-lasting difference in our region – that’s something we certainly see with Channel 5.”

The North East has a talented entrepreneurial pool of production companies and individuals who all have high-growth potential working in the wider screen industry. North East Screen’s Talent and Business Development team work closely with these companies providing industry led advice and guidance, championing a culture that will attract and retain outstanding talent.

North East Screen backs RTS North East and Border Awards winners

Posted on 17 February 202525 February 2025 by North East Screen

Nine of the winners at the 2025 RTS North East and Border Awards were supported by North East Screen initiatives. The North East Production Fund were behind the big winners of the night, Smoggie Queens (Hat Trick Productions) and The Red King (Quay Street Productions) who took home Newcomer, Best Comedy and Drama awards respectively.

A room full of some 500 figures from the TV and film industry gathered to celebrate the nominees and winners at the glittering annual Awards night on Saturday 15^th February held at Newcastle Gateshead Hilton.

David Parfitt, Chair of North East Screen said:

“It’s been a brilliant year for production in the North East, which is now the fastest growing region in the UK, despite the commissioning downturn. Whilst we’ve waved goodbye to the legendary Vera, we’ve welcomed the excellent Smoggie Queens and The Red King – who we can now say are RTS North East and Border Award winners! The series have delivered ratings success for their channels, and we hope that both will return to the region at some point.

“50% of winners have been supported by the initiatives North East Screen run, including the North East Production Fund, Reach and Open Horizons.

“The success of this year’s Awards further demonstrates how the North East Production Fund is already delivering inward investment, creating jobs and increasing visibility of our region as a place for global production.”

The North East’s TV and film industry has seen a massive rise over the past two years since the inception of the North East Screen Industries Partnership. There has been an 89% increase in production, with an estimated £40.2million in GVA. The partnership is also creating new and diverse pipelines to industry with over 1500 paid training days on set for new entrants and experienced crew stepping up and across.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive for North East Screen, said;

“The RTS North East and Borders Awards are a moment for us all to come together and celebrate the amazing achievements of the whole industry in our region.

And what a year it’s been! Over 40 productions have filmed across the North East, and talent from the region have earned global recognition for their work.

I’m really proud to see the North East Screen team and our North East Production Fund not only backing winners and welcoming international productions, but also offering experienced crew in the region opportunities to take their next step, providing real opportunities in the industry for new, diverse companies and new entrants.

“This will ensure the North East has a vibrant and sustainable screen industry for years to come.”

Channel 4 Digital’s ‘Plastic, Printed and Deadly’, Sparks Legislative Change on 3D-Printed Firearms

Posted on 12 February 202525 February 2025 by North East Screen

A Channel 4 Digital documentary has directly influenced UK legislation on 3D-printed firearms, prompting a crucial change in the law to close a dangerous loophole.

‘Plastic, Printed and Deadly’, released across the channel’s digital platforms in December 2024, exposed how it remains legal to possess blueprints for 3D-printed firearms in the UK, despite a staggering 733% rise in the seizure of such weapons since 2021.

The film was produced by North East indie, Northern Child — a sister company of Brighton-based Middlechild – in association with, North East Screen. It was presented by Snake Denton and directed by Oliver Smith. The documentary highlighted the increasing accessibility of untraceable 3D-printed guns worldwide, including the high-profile Luigi Mangione case in New York, where a health insurance CEO was murdered, allegedly with a 3D-printed firearm. The investigation uncovered how untraceable “ghost guns” are increasingly appearing in UK police raids.

The filmmakers approached Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, and presented their findings to her on camera. Following the documentary’s revelations, Kaur Gill, introduced the Firearms (3D Printing) Bill in Parliament to criminalise the possession of digital blueprints for manufacturing lethal firearms. In response to Gill’s campaigning, the Government has now announced a new Bill, to introduce additional counter terror powers in the UK, which will include criminalising the making, adapting, importing and possession of templates for 3D-printed firearms, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years. These new powers are to be included in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which had its second reading in Parliament on Monday (10th February 2025).

Preet Kaur Gill MP commented:

“I presented the Firearms (3D Printing) Bill to Parliament, to shut down a loophole that will make it illegal to possess or share a blueprint to make 3D-printed guns. I am really delighted to have worked on this campaign with Channel 4 and help bring this issue to the attention of the government and Parliament.”

Andrew Eastel, Managing Director of Northern Child and Executive Producer on the film said:

“This is a powerful example of how investigative journalism and the commissioning of ambitious documentaries about difficult subjects can drive real change. We’re grateful to North East Screen and the support we received from Channel 4 who helped us find a way to bring this important issue to the attention of those with the power to meaningfully address it”.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, of North East Screen said:

“It is important, in our work to develop the Screen sector in the North East, that we connect both regional and relocated companies to opportunities to produce cutting edge digital first content. Northern Child, led by Andrew Eastel, were the perfect choice for this opportunity. They have an exceptional track record in providing commissioners with content that not only delivers to a brief but more importantly cuts through the noise.”

Thomas Pullen, Digital Commissioning Executive for Channel 4, said:

“I’m immensely proud to have commissioned this hugely important documentary and to see it now inciting vital law reform in the UK. It has been wonderful to work with the team at Northern Child as they investigated the availability of blueprints for 3D-printing guns and raised awareness of the issue at the highest levels. This is exactly the kind of groundbreaking work that showcases the real-world impact great filmmaking can have on society.”

‘Plastic, Printed and Deadly’ is available to watch now on Channel 4’s digital platforms.

Sara Davies’ new North East produced BBC show premieres in Newcastle

Posted on 31 January 2025 by North East Screen

Sara Davies, North East entrepreneur and TV personality joined local dignitaries, the production team and crew to celebrate the launch of The Big Idea Works at a special screening last night at the Tyneside Cinema.

Filmed last year in Newcastle, the new 16 part series, fronted by the Dragon’s Den star was produced by Gateshead based Twenty Six 03 and supported by regional screen agency, North East Screen.

Sara spent six weeks filming in the region with experts and contributors from all over the country to complete 16, 30 minute episodes for the BBC.

Sara said; “I’m so thrilled we’re sharing this fascinating and heart-warming series with the world. The Big Idea Works shows you how connecting the right ideas with the right expertise can lead to something wonderful. That’s why today is also about sharing how rewarding it is to work with the brilliant Twenty Six 03 – a local production company – and local crew here in the North East.

There is huge value in nurturing and supporting all this incredible talent in the region. So I’m delighted that North East Screen and the BBC are providing opportunities like these, which I hope will help secure creative and production futures for the area.”

The development of the film and TV sector in the region is ramping up rapidly with the support from the regions combined authorities and the North East Production Fund. Projects such as this bring jobs for North East crew and facilities and show the impact that North East Screen’s wrap-around business support is having on content being created and made in the region.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen said;

“The North East has brilliant on-screen talent who audiences adore. It’s vital to us that our talent not only work on shows, but also lead them. Sara Davies is a fan-favourite with an abundance of passion not only for what she does and the people she works with, but for driving growth within the screen industry in the region. 

As part of our commitment to develop and nurture relationships between outstanding North East talent and experienced production companies, we have welcomed the opportunity to provide film office, funding and business development support to Twenty Six 03. As an experienced relocated company now based in Gateshead, they were the perfect match for Sara.”

Twenty Six 03 relocated from Brighton, established themselves in the region and have been creating programmes in the North East for the past 5 years.

Duncan Gray, Executive Producer on the new series and MD of Twenty Six 03 said;

“We are thrilled North East Screen are putting on this event to showcase The Big Idea Works after helping us bring the idea to life with development and production funding. It shows just how supportive North East Screen is to Twenty Six 03 and other companies in the region.

We hope that The Big Idea Works returns in bigger volume for further series so that we can keep working with the incredible production team and provide new opportunities to all the incredible production talent here in the region.”

You can watch the 16 part series on BBC One from 3^rd February at 2pm or watch all episodes on BBC iPlayer.

Sara Davies helps aspiring inventors in new BBC One series

Posted on 30 January 2025 by North East Screen

Entrepreneur and presenter, Sara Davies, and her crack team of highly-skilled experts are on hand to see if they can make the dreams of everyday aspiring inventors come true by bringing their brilliant, and sometimes bonkers, ideas to life.

BBC One series, The Big Idea Works, features everyday people who have come up with a clever idea for a new product, but don’t know where to start in getting it made

Step in Sara, with her eye for innovation and amazing concepts, who has assembled a team of the country’s most brilliant engineers and fabricators in a specialist workshop, to help develop their initial ideas into fully-functioning and, for some, potentially even money-making prototypes.

Across the series, these creative ideas range from a mess-free birdfeeder and a machine that chills your drinks in seconds, to a sugar-detecting pen for diabetics and a ball that creates bubbles and keeps your bath warm.

Sara said: “I have absolutely loved every part of helping make The Big Idea Works and it means so much to me on a personal level. This series goes to show how much innovation there is amongst us every day people.

“Everyone has a brilliant idea in them. By creating those connections to our amazing makers and experts, we can see how all that potential can be transformed into real, solid inventions, which could improve someone’s life!”

Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime said: “Where better to make a programme about inventing than the North East?! This is where Joseph Swann invented the lightbulb, and George Stephenson became the ‘Father of the Railways’. We are in good company!

“And, with the brilliant Sara Davies at the helm we know we are going to unearth brand new inventions for the 21st Century. Gateshead based Twenty Six 03 will be working with a host of local off screen talent to bring this exciting new series to BBC One.”

Duncan Gray and Antonia Hurford-Jones, Executive Producers for Twenty Six 03, said:

“Working with Sara on The Big Idea Works was an absolute joy. Her passion, professionalism and never-ending energy is an inspiration.

“Our contributors came up with some brilliant, and at times bonkers, ideas that really challenged our genius team of experts – which we suspect they secretly loved. We sincerely hope viewers love watching it as much as we loved making it.”

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen said: “The North East has some brilliant on-screen talent. Sara Davies brings an abundance of passion not only for what she does and the people she works with, but also driving growth in the region.

“As part of our commitment to develop and nurture relationships between outstanding North East talent and experienced indies, we have welcomed the opportunity to provide film office funding and business development support to Twenty Six 03.

“As an experienced relocated company now based in Gateshead, they were the perfect match for Sara. Seeing this project develop and come to fruition bringing jobs for North East crew and facilities shows the impact that our wrap-around support is having on content being created and made in the region.”

The new series starts on Monday 3rd February, BBC One, 2pm and will air Mon-Thurs. It will be a day-one-drop on iPlayer. There are 15 episodes, with one round up episode at the end of the series.

Big Idea Works was commissioned for BBC One and iPlayer by Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, Rob Unsworth, the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime is Helen Munson.

The programme is produced by Twenty Six 03’s Duncan Gray and Antonia Hurford-Jones with funding from North East Screen.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 joined commissioners and production company Daisybeck Studios at an event in Newcastle to speak with developing production companies from across the North East.

A Channel 4 Digital documentary has directly influenced UK legislation on 3D-printed firearms, prompting a crucial change in the law to close a dangerous loophole.

Sara Davies, North East entrepreneur and TV personality joined local dignitaries, the production team and crew to celebrate the launch of The Big Idea Works at a special screening last night at the Tyneside Cinema.

Entrepreneur and presenter, Sara Davies, and her crack team of highly-skilled experts are on hand to see if they can make the dreams of everyday aspiring inventors come true by bringing their brilliant, and sometimes bonkers, ideas to life.

Watch the trailer below.