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Former Channel 4 Commissioner joins Wander Films

Posted on 10 May 2023 by North East Screen

Former Channel 4 commissioner and Big Brother Producer, Ramy El-Bergamy, has been appointed as Head of Development by industry trailblazers, Wander Films. With nearly 20 years of experience in the TV industry, Ramy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Wander, taking the well-established Middlesbrough based content marketing agency to the next level.

Over the last 5 years, the team of 20 has had incredible growth, creating social media content for brands around the world such as KPMG, Hampton by Hilton and McDonalds. The agency feels like now is the perfect time to break into the world of TV, developing IP and original, groundbreaking formats in the factual entertainment genre.

Before joining Wander, Ramy served as the On-Screen Diversity Executive at Channel 4, where he was responsible for promoting diversity and inclusivity in on-screen talent, before moving into commissioning in the Daytime team, where he looked after some of the channel’s biggest brands, including Four in a Bed, Come Dine With Me and A Place in the Sun.

“I’m very excited to join the team at Wander and help them grow their ambition of moving into TV and digital. The North East has some huge creative potential, and I’m very excited to be working with such talent in an already strong and sound infrastructure in Wander”

Under Ramy’s leadership, Channel 4’s On-screen Year of Disability initiative in 2016 saw a significant increase in diverse representation, with more than 20 of the network’s flagship programmes featuring double the number of individuals with disabilities than in previous years. Ramy brings this same dedication and passion to his new role at Wander, where he will continue to positively impact the TV industry, aligning with Wander’s values of an inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity to be seen and heard.

The expansion to TV has always been part of Wander’s long term strategy, selected as a Pact Future30 company for being one of the UK’s most exciting up and coming indies, Wander was also recently in paid development with BBC Three. Founders Lou Tonner and Chloë Clover are excited to continue scaling and developing Wander.

“We’re stoked to have a proper TV legend like Ramy join the team! It’s a super exciting time with a lot of momentum in Wander. The TV & digital space right now is ready to be shaken up and we’re going to be part of the movement, 100%.”

This appointment has been supported with match-funding from the REACH Film and TV Development Grant Award. The grant from North East Screen is designed to support the development of exceptional content for screens and support the growth of creative businesses based in the North East of England.

Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and Business Development at North East Screen, is focused on providing support to the region’s creative business talent who are making waves on a range of platforms.

Speaking on Ramy’s appointment, she said:

“Ramy’s appointment, with his exceptional track record, feels like the perfect fit to drive Wander’s broadcast TV development slate forward. He has the connections and experience to develop and win broadcast commissions. Wander brings a new voice, fresh perspectives and a real appetite for television that audiences and commissioners will love. We cannot wait to see what new formats and stories the supercharged team uncover for our screens.”

Newcastle based TV Post-production house lands work for BBC Comedy short film

Posted on 9 May 2023 by North East Screen

The Church Post, an editing facility in Byker, Newcastle has completed the post-production of a BBC Comedy short film, ‘Where it Ends’ for London production company Tiger Aspect.

‘Where It Ends’, a short film produced by Tiger Aspect was written, developed and shot entirely in the North East of England with all cast and crew from the region. The Church Post was commissioned by Tiger Aspect to complete the post-production of the comedy short making it a fully North East produced programme.

Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and Business Development at North East Screen said;

“We are delighted that The Church Post along with East Wing Sound were contracted to deliver this work which shows we have the talent and drive in the North East to grow businesses that will support more commissions to be developed, filmed and edited in the region.”

The Church Post provided Tiger Aspect with the Offline Edit, Online Edit, Colour Grade, VFX, Dubbing mix, ADR, QC and Dispatch. Their new editing suite in Newcastle has three offline edits running Avid and Premiere and one finishing suite in Resolve alongside the dubbing and ADR suite.”

Sheree Black, Production Executive at Tiger Aspect Productions said;

“This was our first time working with The Church Post and it has been an excellent one. It is a top end facility with a knowledgeable, creative and helpful team which helped make our BBC short, ‘Where it Ends’, something we’re extremely proud of. We are looking forward to working with the team again.”

James Baxter, Founder of The Church Post said;

“We are looking to expand to five edit suites over the next year and we have employed post-production producer Emily Ballantyne to support us in our growth. We are also looking to bring on two trainee editors/ edit assistants from the North East and invest in the infrastructure of the building with faster internet connection and a larger storage space.

I am delighted with how ‘Where it End’s has turned out which is thanks to our hardworking and talented team of Mark Lediard, Rich McCoull, Emily Ballantyne and David Scott. We would welcome more post-production in the North East.”

Lisa Laws continued;

“To have this sort of facility here is exactly what we’re aiming for as part of the wider North East Screen Industries Partnership as it shows a real commitment from broadcasters and out of region production companies to grow not only our talent and companies but also our infrastructure. It ensures that once a production company has filmed here, they can stay to complete the editing, keeping investment in the region and sustaining work for our talented and specialist post production crew.”

Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes recommissioned for a second series

Posted on 27 April 202328 April 2023 by North East Screen

Announced today (27^th April) at the Creative Cities convention in Newcastle, Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes will return for a second 15×30 series on BBC Two after its hugely successful debut earlier this year.

Robson will again be taking the roads less travelled around his beloved North East, journeying to many of the hidden gems that reside within the region as well as venturing into the Lakes and the Scottish Borders. Immersing themselves in the great outdoors Robson and friends will travel to the North and South Tyne valley along with the Pennine Way as well as through the charismatic County of Cumbria which includes the jaw dropping vistas of The Lake District and of course the amazing outdoor adventures in the beautiful Border county.

Joined by family, friends and famous faces the series will once again highlight the importance of blending into the outdoors to relax, recharge and re-connect along with breathing in nature. Robson and friends will travel to the North and South Tyne valley and everything in-between.

Joining Robson on his travels this series will be guests such as Kevin Whately, Tanni Grey Thompson and Shola Ameobi to name a few. And of course the family will be getting involved, including Robson’s Uncle Matheson, back by popular demand!

Robson Green comments, “I am delighted that my Weekend Escapes is coming back for a second series. The response from the first, and especially up in the North East was fantastic. It is so important to know what’s on your doorstep and explore your local area in times when you could be feeling burnt out, so I’m excited to take viewers around the North East again with my family and celeb friends – I can’t wait! Not only do I get to showcase a region I adore and its people, I’m also able to showcase the talent that exists in the area both in-front of and behind the lens. We also provide a training ground for those who aspire to work within this wonderful industry.”

Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning comments, “The first series of Weekend Escapes was a real treat, and a big hit with viewers, so we’re excited to see what adventures Robson takes us all on next. I’m also proud that BBC Daytime is commissioning programmes supporting and showcasing the North East, and look forward to developing more ideas with the talented companies in this part of the country.”

Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes is a co-production made by Signpost and Rivers Meet productions, both based in the North East companies and is commissioned for BBC Two Daytime and iPlayer by Helen Munson.

Northern Child wins BBC Tender and goes inside the therapist room

Posted on 26 April 202326 April 2023 by North East Screen

Northern Child, the North East branch of Brighton based indie Middlechild, has won the tender for a 30-minute documentary issued last year to indies operating in the North East by BBC Three, BBC England, and North East Screen.

The documentary was won by Northern Child following a successful application to the BBC’s NE Voices Scheme.

Using fixed rigged cameras, Therapy: Tough Talking goes inside the therapy sessions of Newcastle based rapper and actor, Kema Kay.

On the surface, Kema is a positive, ambitious, and talented young man who has forged a successful career but beneath it all, he is dealing with a lifetime of trauma. Before and after the death of a close family member when he was younger, Kema’s world was full of turmoil as he adjusted to life as a child from Zambia trying to fit in after his family moved to the UK.

This has all contributed to an ongoing battle with his mental health in adulthood and recently, what Kema describes as, “destructive thoughts”. His doctor suggests these may be signs of depression and advises he tries therapy. He has no idea what to expect, is fearful of what might be uncovered, and unsure whether the courage it takes to start the process will be worth it in the end.

The film reveals the process of therapy, especially confronting, understanding, and processing traumatic experiences, recognising triggers and the coping mechanisms that might lead to a healthier mind in the future, as well as tackling the misconceptions that still exist today.

Andrew Eastel, Creative Director at Middlechild and the director of the film, says: “For Kema to allow us inside his therapy is incredibly brave of him. To see someone go through treatment for their mental health struggles as it happens is an incredible privilege, and one we don’t take lightly. There are a lot of misconceptions about talking therapies, especially amongst younger people, I hope anyone struggling with their mental health might be inspired to consider it themselves after seeing Kema’s journey into that world”.

The film marks the second BBC commission for Northern Child after their series, Northern Justice (10×30’) was commissioned by BBC Daytime last year.

Commissioning Editor for BBC Three, Yasemin Rashit, says: “It’s an extremely personal and immersive film, vital viewing that we hope will benefit audiences across the UK, we are proud to platform such important content. Thank you to Kema who has bravely allowed us to follow his journey, as he confronts his past to help him move forward towards an even brighter future.”

Diana Hare, Commissioner for BBC England, says: “The opportunity to follow someone through therapy in real time is extremely unusual and powerful. As well as being fascinating for audiences it serves an important purpose, raising awareness of options for helping those facing mental health issues.

“We are always on the lookout for great access and new story telling opportunities in England. So, we’re delighted to be working with Northern Child.”

Therapy: Tough Talking was commissioned by Yasemin Rashit for BBC Three, and Tony Parker and Diana Hare for BBC England.

Screen Alliance North are hiring – Skills Cluster roles

Posted on 26 April 202324 May 2023 by Jo Macleod

Screen Alliance North, a new £2.3m BFI Skills Cluster led by Screen Yorkshire, Liverpool Film Office, Screen Manchester and North East Screen, is recruiting for two new full-time roles, to support development and training of the screen sector workforce across the North of England.

Skills Cluster Partnership Lead – £47,000 – £49,000

Skills Cluster Evaluation Manager – £42,000 – £44,000

These roles are full time (37 hours per week) and a three year fixed term contract. They can be based at any of the partner offices in Sunderland, Hartlepool, Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds and will see work across all of the partner regions.

For more information on the jobs and how to apply, please visit our careers page.

Applications close on Wednesday 24th May.

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North East Screen announce recipients of the BBC Comedy Creator Fund.

Posted on 26 April 202328 April 2023 by North East Screen

North East Screen, the screen agency for the North East of England, has selected three stand up comedy creators who will each receive £1,000 in development funds to help prime them for the wave of opportunities coming into the region in 2023.

Sammy Dobson, Raul Kohli and Scott Turnbull, all talented comedy creators from the region, will each receive the development fund as well as support to help pair them with development producers and production companies and provide them with industry networking opportunities.

12 runner up comedy creators will get the opportunity to work with NE Screen’s Comedy Hot House. Jess McDonagh, Bridgett Deane, Lauren Stone, Lee Armstrong, Matty Ride-Smith, Nic Owen, Penelope Yeulet, Rachel Stockdale, Sian Armstrong, Caden Elliott, Beth Chapman and Alison Stanley.

The BBC Small Indie fund has supported a year of outreach activity across the North East culminating in the BBC Comedy Creator Development Fund, co-ordinated by NE Screen Comedy Hot House.

Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and Business Development at North East Screen said;

“This was an opportunity for North East comedy creators with their sights set on scripted comedy to pitch themselves and their ideas to us. It’s been fantastic to find so many up and coming comedy creators in the region and brilliant to see such a range of talent and ideas. We can’t wait to introduce them to producers with inroads to broadcasters.

All applicants to the scheme have opportunities to meet the region’s comedy companies and development producers who pitch to broadcasters. Well done to everyone who has been part of the process and we are excited to see the ideas and comedy creations develop.”

If you’re interested in writing, directing or producing comedy sign up to our mailing list and follow us on social media to find out more about our opportunities in comedy.

Click here to view all the recipients and runners-up of the BBC Comedy Creator Fund.

Recipients of the BBC Comedy Creator Fund

£2.3m BFI National Lottery Funding awarded to Screen Alliance North

Posted on 20 April 202320 April 2023 by North East Screen

Screen Yorkshire, Liverpool Film Office, Screen Manchester and North East Screen are announcing today that they have joined forces as a BFI Skills Cluster and awarded BFI National Lottery Funding to make the sector more accessible and representative and to build a skilled workforce across the whole of the North of England.

The BFI announced yesterday an initial roll out of £8.1m has been awarded to partners across the UK to support the Screen Production Workforce through Skills Clusters. This will enable lead organisations to work collaboratively with local industry, education and training providers to develop clearer pathways to long-term employment in film and TV production.

Sara Whybrew, Head of National Lottery Skills Programmes at the BFI, said:

“The North of England has a world leading cultural offer and a rich history that the screen sector is a vital part of. The unified approach being taken by Screen Alliance North to developing and supporting a greater diversity of local talent to enter the screen workforce speaks to the impressive leadership of the Alliance. The BFI is delighted to be supporting their ambitions with National Lottery funding and I look forward to meeting many of the beneficiaries they’ll support over the coming months and years.”

The four Northern screen agencies are partnering as Screen Alliance North to support each other and to leverage additional local funding and support to maximise the impact of the £2.3m funding awarded to the region following a BFI Skills Review. The Alliance is one of six clusters across the UK who have received funding for three years.

The BFI Skills Clusters investment aims to strike a balance between building on existing production infrastructure to provide new entrance and development opportunities in the most established areas of activity, while also helping to grow local crew bases in more emergent areas.

The funding focusses on establishing localised support for skills development and training with a clear aim to create new opportunities for people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in the sector.

Caroline Cooper-Charles, Chief Executive at Screen Yorkshire said:

“Screen Alliance North will build a thriving screen workforce in the North of England that will reflect our diverse, talented and ambitious communities, our dynamic culture and rich heritage and will drive development so that we become a beacon of sustainable screen production.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen said:

“We believe in a screen sector where access to opportunity is the norm and outdated preconceptions are banished. Whatever your background or wherever you live, we see a future for those with the ambition of working in the sector.”

Lynn Saunders, Chief Executive at Liverpool Film Office said:

“We are a uniquely northern partnership, grounded in a national context with sights set internationally. As we work closely with the screen industries and regional authorities, we can connect industry knowledge, opportunities and partnerships so that we can help boost regional economy and employment.”

Rob Page, Managing Director of Screen Manchester said:

“The scale of our footprint across the whole of the North of England will give us the opportunity to identify the skills needed, to reach out to new entrants from a range of backgrounds to support their journeys and steer decision-makers and providers towards sustainable skills provision.

‘Opportunity’ is the theme for the Creative Cities Convention 2023 as tickets sell out

Posted on 18 April 202318 April 2023 by North East Screen

The Creative Cities Convention has chosen OPPORTUNITY as its theme for 2023, to reflect the rapid growth of the screen sector outside London in all four corners of the UK.

The conference, which travels to a different city each year and provides the industry’s only dedicated platform for anyone working in film, TV or digital media outside London, will take place at the historic Boiler Shop in Newcastle, where Robert Stephenson built the first steam engine in the early 1800s.

‘The Victorians understood how to harness ingenuity and talent outside London and we’re doing the same,’ says conference director Ruth Pitt. ‘We’re channelling opportunity as a theme because the growth of our industry in the Nations and Regions is starting to make a real difference to local economies and communities.’

The 2023 event is being delivered with support from the twelve local authorities and three combined authorities in the North East – who have collaborated to form the North East Screen Industries Partnership.

‘We are thrilled to welcome the Creative Cities Convention to Newcastle, the heart of the North East,’ says Invest Newcastle director Jen Hartley. ‘Our city and wider region have recently experienced tremendous growth in the creative industries sector, with ambitious plans being brought forward for new production facilities and jobs being created for local residents at all levels. We can’t wait to showcase our city and welcome everyone here later in April.’

As well as the main event in Newcastle, several other activities will take place across the region.

On Teesside a morning of masterclasses for over 100 students will run at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, with students from colleges and universities arriving by coach from across the region. And in Darlington a small leaders’ breakfast will be hosted by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, to discuss the strategic development of the industry – boosted recently by government levelling-up funds to establish a media village in Hartlepool.

In Sunderland on April 24^th there will also be an address to students at the University of Sunderland by Rhodri Talfan Davies, the BBC’s Director of Nations, whose speech “More local than ever: The BBC at the heart of local communities” will explain the BBC’s plans to ‘transform its local services and the opportunity to offer local communities even more in the future’. Rhodri is in charge of BBC services for the nations and local audiences across Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

The University of Sunderland is also supporting a conference session on the growth of film and TV studios outside London, reflecting independent production company Fulwell 73’s plans to develop major studios on the banks of the Wear in Sunderland and deliver global industry impact.

Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer says: ‘We are proud to be part of the boost to the screen sector in the North East. We’re now on track to exceed the £25 million we promised to the region and have already delivered six new commissions while supporting production, talent development and the creative sector. It’s the perfect location for this year’s Creative Cities Convention.’

Channel 4’s MD of Nations and Regions Sinead Rocks will talk to host Kirsty Wark about the channel’s plans for growth outside London now that privatisation is off the table, and Channel 4 head of drama Caroline Hollick, based in Leeds, will join a stellar panel including Nicola Shindler, the head of ITV Studios-owned indie Quay Street, to share thoughts on the strong new regional voice of drama. Glasgow based commissioner Deborah Dunnett and senior comedy commissioner Andy Brereton will also contribute on behalf of Channel 4.

Elsewhere, ITV’s group director of diversity and inclusion Ade Rawcliffe will join Channel 4 director of commissioning operations Emma Hardy and 5 News editor Cait Fitzsimons to discuss making TV a happier place to work, and ITV factual supremo Jo Clinton-Davis and UKTV’s Director of Commissioning Hilary Rosen will offer clues for delegates on the future of factual television.

The ongoing skills shortage will be tackled in depth, with Sonny Hanley, ITV Academy Director, among those assessing the areas of greatest need. He says: ‘Supporting the regions is at the heart of what we do at ITV. I am delighted to be a part of this year’s Creative Cities Convention. This is a step towards change in our industry and ensuring that the future is bright for talented creatives to pursue a career in a sector that needs them.’

Two of the industry’s leading figures – Pact CEO John McVay and ITV’s group director of Strategy, Policy and Regulation Magnus Brooke – will discuss what the newly published draft Media Bill could mean for broadcasters and producers.

As well as the convention’s original stakeholders – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5/Paramount and Pact – the event is this year supported by Banijay UK, returning for a second year, and UKTV, who are partnering with the CCC for the first time.

Hilary Rosen, UKTV’s Director of Commissioning says, ‘It’s fantastic to be partnering with the Creative Cities Convention this year. Some of our most successful and returnable programmes are made by production partners based in the regions so we are excited to come to Newcastle and start more conversations about collaborating with North East indies.’

Conference discussions will range from the growth of studios to insights on factual television, the serious business of comedy, growing a successful indie outside London and bagging a big hit returning series, which will include the star of the successful series Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. A session called Northern Treasures will welcome three more of the North East’s best known names – Sara Davies from Dragon’s Den, Si King from Hairy Bikers and Scarlett Moffatt of Gogglebox fame.

Delegates have already booked speed-dates with commissioning editors from all the main channels and a big networking party hosted by Banijay UK promises to maximise opportunities for connection and collaboration across the UK. A selection of shows made outside London will be explored in a Meet The Makers feature and an industry marketplace will house a range of industry organisations supporting the development of the screen sector.

Tall Ships 2023 Digital Content Project

Posted on 5 April 202327 April 2023 by North East Screen

The Tall Ships Race is returning to Hartlepool this year and we have partnered with Hartlepool Council to offer up to 8 digital commissions to Tees Valley-based creatives.

We are looking for short films, vlogs, or digital sizzles that showcase Hartlepool, Tall Ships, and the significance of the race being held in Hartlepool. The films should be 90 to 150 seconds in length and suitable for use across social platforms.

Successful applicants will receive a £500 bursary and will be invited to attend an in-person workshop on creating online content led by North East Screen.

Click here to view the full brief.

Click here to access the application form.

Click here to download the SME form.

Applications will close on the 1st of May. If you have any questions, please email hello@northeastscreen.org.

We are hiring – Talent and Business Development Coordinator

Posted on 31 March 202331 March 2023 by North East Screen

We are looking for a Talent and Business Development Coordinator to join our team and help support the growing screen industry in the North East.

If you have a keen interest in film and TV and a passion for developing and supporting local companies and talent, then this may be the perfect role for you.

You will be the administrative centre and first point of contact for the Business and Talent Development team, supporting them to work effectively across their activity.

This role is full time and based in our offices in Sunderland and Hartlepool. The deadline for applications is the 30th of April.

Click here to learn more about the role and how to apply.

Announced today (27th April) at the Creative Cities convention in Newcastle, Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes will return for a second 15×30 series on BBC Two after its hugely successful debut earlier this year.

Recipients of the BBC Comedy Creator Fund

The Creative Cities Convention has chosen OPPORTUNITY as its theme for 2023, to reflect the rapid growth of the screen sector outside London in all four corners of the UK.

The Tall Ships Race is returning to Hartlepool this year and we have partnered with Hartlepool Council to offer up to 8 digital commissions to Tees Valley-based creatives.

Announced today (27^th April) at the Creative Cities convention in Newcastle, Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes will return for a second 15×30 series on BBC Two after its hugely successful debut earlier this year.