Category: Uncategorised

Locations Researcher opportunity with North East Screen

Posted on 29 March 202329 March 2023 by North East Screen

Do you have a keen eye for good film and TV locations?

We are looking for a Locations Researcher to join our team on a freelance, short-term contract. To help us showcase the brilliant destinations the North East has to offer.

Our locations database currently holds thousands of fabulous locations and we need to keep it up to date in order to attract productions to the region.

If you’re organised, have a good geographical knowledge of the North East, and know your way around a spreadsheet then this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

The contract is for 12 days across a 6-week period, to be reviewed with the potential of extension. The closing date to apply is Sunday the 30^th of April.

Click here to learn more about the role.

Creative Cities Convention returns for its fifth year as network production outside London reaches new heights.

Posted on 22 March 202331 March 2023 by North East Screen

The Creative Cities Convention is unveiling what could be its strongest schedule yet as speakers from across the film and TV landscape prepare to discuss the record-breaking growth of the screen sector across the UK.

The convention’s stakeholders are the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5/Paramount and Pact, all of whom have been partners since the event was founded in 2018 as a platform for the many thousands of people who now work in the rapidly growing screen sector outside London.

The CCC visits a different UK creative city each year and this time it’s the turn of Newcastle, where the production sector is flourishing across the wider North East of England, reflecting major infrastructure investment and increased network commissions in places such as Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Gateshead and Durham. These areas have joined forces to create the North East Screen Industries Partnership under the auspices of North East Screen.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen, said: ‘We’re at a pivotal time in the growth of the screen industry in the North East so there couldn’t be a better time for CCC to be welcomed to the region. The team have secured an exceptional line up of speakers and we’re delighted to be involved to showcase the opportunities and talent here in the North East.’

John McVay CEO of Pact said: ‘The continuing mission of the CCC to highlight and celebrate the UK’s diverse TV talent will help accelerate development in the North East of England as it has done for so many other regions and cities.’

As always the CCC focus is on network production. CCC director Ruth Pitt said: ‘We need this event now more than ever as producers, broadcasters, educators, trainers and public and private investors wrestle with how to provide the talent, facilities and infrastructure needed to keep pace with the rapid growth of the film and TV sector in all four nations of the UK. We provide the ideal platform for people to learn, share and network for mutual benefit.’

Conference sessions and speakers featured over two days will resonate with producers, writers, broadcasters, freelancers, policymakers, academics and students from all four corners of the UK.

‘As huge champions of the nations and regions, the CCC sits right in our sweet spot, celebrating the great and good of the production industry outside of the London metropolis, whilst also providing a platform for further prosperity and growth,’ Paramount UK’s Chief of Content Ben Frow commented. ‘I’m looking forward to my trip to Newcastle this year, especially given the North East is currently pulling in our biggest regional audience, and answering all of those burning and topical questions I know people are eager to ask – please don’t be afraid to do so!’

Some of the most exciting names in British drama will explain what it takes to capture the authentic voice of the nation on screen – Nicola Shindler from Quay Street Productions (part of ITV Studios), Channel 4’s Head of Drama Caroline Hollick, scripted supremo John Yorke and rising star screenwriter Amit Dhand.

Creating a big returning factual brand remains the holy grail for producers outside London. Among those offering advice are BBC Commissioner Daytime and Early Peak Helen Munson and TV favourite Robson Green, presenter of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.

The conference is committed to providing insights and informed debate around the growth of the screen sector outside London. Big names include BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore and Director of Nations Rhodri Talfan Davies, Chief Content Officer UK Paramount Ben Frow, Pact CEO John McVay OBE, Channel 4’s MD of Nations and Regions Sinead Rocks, ITV Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ade Rawcliffe and 5 News Editor Cait FitzSimons. ITV’s Controller of Popular Factual Jo Clinton Davis and UKTV’s Director of Commissioning Hilary Rosen will bring their insights to the future of factual television and Ubisoft CEO Lisa Opie will explain why she moved from television to the games industry.

A new guest at Creative Cities this year is Argonon CEO James Burstall, whose newly published book The Flexible Method: Prepare to Prosper in the Next Global Crisis will challenge delegates to re-think how their businesses can survive future world challenges.

The conference will also consider how the screen industry can be a kinder and fairer place to work, and a stunning line-up of experts will assess the impact of multi-million pound studios growth across the UK. Comedy gets a big shout-out with a session featuring Hat Trick’s Jimmy Mulville and Emma Lawson, who’s Commissioning Editor BBC Comedy, along with newcomer Adam Bouabda.

More names including some celebrity figures continue to be added to the conference, which will feature a big networking party kindly sponsored by Banijay UK on Weds evening 26^th April.

Delegates will also be able to book a short pitching session with a wide range of commissioners from all the Creative Cities Convention’s stakeholders.

Finally, student masterclasses will as always be delivered locally, this year at Teesside University and open to students from across the region.

The Northern Studios in Hartlepool celebrates formal opening

Posted on 16 March 202316 March 2023 by North East Screen

The Northern Studios welcomes Sir Peter Bazalgette, Co-Chair of the Creative Industries Council, to an evening reception to celebrate the formal opening of the new North East based television and film studio complex.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, joins Sir Peter Bazalgette to conduct the formal opening alongside key figures from the screen industries and regional creative organisations.

The Northern Studios, Hartlepool, opened in November 2022, has already accommodated film and production crew for the forthcoming UK action thriller ‘Jackdaw’ directed by home grown talent, Jamie Childs (The Sandman, His Dark Materials).

The Northern Studios is a large-scale commercial facility for the region and, as such, supports the new film and television infrastructure ‘map’ for the North East. These are exciting times for the region with the recent confirmation of £16.5million of Government ‘Levelling Up’ funding to support a production village centred upon The Northern Studios, the surrounding creative quarter of Hartlepool and the announcements of further studio developments in Sunderland.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, Co-Chair of the Creative Industries Council, said: “I’m delighted to be here in Hartlepool celebrating the successful opening of The Northern Studios; as a region the North East has so much to offer in terms of talent and creativity. It’s important that all areas with the potential of the North East have both the training and commercial infrastructure they need to support their growing creative industries.”

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “The progress we are making in the North East is game-changing. There’s more to come and more to do but we’re 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 here.”

In September 2021, the BBC announced plans to spend at least £25m over the next five years across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support the creative sector as part of a wider partnership with the North East.

In return, Local and Mayoral authorities in the North East formed the North East Screen Investment Partnership (NESIP) and pledged to work with the BBC and independent producers, investing almost £11.5m to support talent, skills and infrastructure development to fuel the growth in the TV and film production industry across the region. The BBC is supporting the work of NESIP and huge progress has already been made.

The BBC is also launching the North East Tech Hub, delivering 70 new roles by the end of December 2023 which is hoped will act as a catalyst for further tech industry in the region. Production investment is part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy to commitment to get closer to its audiences to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the UK.

David Hughes, Chairman of The Northern Studios Board, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Sir Peter Bazalgette to The Northern Studios and receive support from Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, who have both shown huge support for the emerging new film and television production infrastructure in the North East. With one production completed and others planned, the Studios continues to deliver on its commitment to support film and television production in the area. This fully commercial production facility is the catalyst for the creation of new businesses in the area – and it’s already happening”

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said: “Hartlepool is nurturing world-class talent in the film and TV industries, and it now has the facilities to match. We have invested millions in supporting the sector which continues to go from strength to strength. The Northern Studios is at the heart of our plans for the Hartlepool MDC and is a real sign to the UK’s creative industries and global production firms that the region is open for business!”

The Northern Studios works closely with North East Screen, the screen agency for the North East of England which is supported by the newly formed North East Screen Industries Partnerships (NESIP).

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, said: “The screen industries are a vital part of our economy and our goal of making our region a TV and film production hub is helped greatly by studio infrastructure. We are working hard to develop talent and businesses across the North East region as well attracting production companies to film here. Having studio space, filming friendly local authorities and a skilled and talented growing workforce makes us a very attractive region indeed.”

The Northern Studios is a large-scale television and film studio complex in Hartlepool providing studio and green screen facilities, available for long- and short-term hire, to suit a range of content producers – from features and HETV through to promo and immersive, for further information, please visit www.thenorthernstudios.com

The Northern Studios was opened in November 2022 supported by funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority in Partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

Cllr Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The Northern Studios development is central to our ambitious plan for a Production Village which has the potential to completely transform the Lynn Street/Whitby Street area and bring huge benefits to Hartlepool and its residents as a whole. The Production Village project, which is to receive £16.5 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, aims to build on the high-quality facilities already in place at the studios and provide support to the town’s fast-growing screen and creative industries sector. The Council is delighted to celebrate this key milestone for the area and the creation of a new hub for business in Hartlepool.”

The Northern Studios neighbours The Northern School of Art which provides training and education courses for the creative industries from Saturday Club, A-levels, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate study, for further information, please visit www.northernart.ac.uk

North East Screen appoints industry specialist as new Skills Manager

Posted on 15 March 202315 March 2023 by North East Screen

North East Screen, the region’s screen agency, has appointed Lisa Davidson, a highly experienced screen industry professional, to their latest new role as they continue to build the organisation to serve the growing TV and film industry.

Production Designer Lisa, is the latest recruit to the growing workforce of the organisation who is tasked with finding, growing and championing talent and skills in the North East region.

An experienced Art Director and Production Designer who has worked in the industry on long running TV series’ such as Coronation Street and Heartbeat and more local productions, The Dumping Ground and Wolfblood, Lisa is delighted to be joining the organisation to play a part in helping local people find their career path in the region.

Lisa said; “Working as a freelancer I’ve been offered work in Liverpool, Manchester, London, Cypress and even the Caribbean but now that I have a family I’m firmly rooted in the North East. Working at North East Screen gives me the opportunity to still work in the industry, be with my children and help crew get work and develop talent in the North East. It’s important that people in the region can have a chance of working in this industry but not having move away from home.

I have knowledge and experience of working on sets from Coronation Street and Heartbeat to Sam Fender’s 17 Going Under and The 1975’s Settle Down music videos, and I feel these will be useful to help people get on in the industry. I want to encourage productions to film here by creating a sustainable workforce in this region to meet the demand of TV and film productions coming to film in our fabulous region.”

The Skills Manager position was created to develop North East Screen’s Crew Academy, grow the existing crew database and create trainee and shadowing opportunities on productions through North East Screen’s Access initiative.

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen explained;

“As well as encouraging North East people to consider the film and TV industry as a viable career option we are also supporting existing professional industry crew to achieve their ambitions. We’re keen to reach out to those from the region wanting to return to work in the North East. Lisa will help identify career pathways as well as considering skills shortages and gaps to help support the growing number of productions.

Lisa brings with her a wealth of industry experience and knowledge of 15 years working at a high level in TV drama productions across the North. She will play a part in growing the industry, inspiring, engaging and advising the talent we have here now and the next generation of North East Crew. We are very pleased to have her join the team.”

New office marks beginning of new era

Posted on 8 March 20237 March 2023 by North East Screen

The regions screen agency set up to grow the North East’s TV and film sector has moved into a new picture-perfect base at the heart of Riverside Sunderland.

North East Screen, supported by the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) officially moved into its new office at The Beam this week [6^th March ].

The move puts the organisation at the heart of the region as it looks to create ‘vibrant industry sector communities’ and ‘develop the skills required to turn it into a centre of excellence for the screen industries.’

This includes ensuring new entrants to the industry have the skills to access work opportunities, making it easier for production companies to film in the North East and raising the region’s global profile.

Gayle Woodruffe, operations director at North East Screen, said: “The North East is fast becoming a hub for TV and film production and basing our organisation in Sunderland feels like the right move at the right time to the right location. We are very much looking forward to being in the Riverside development, at the heart of the cultural developments in Sunderland.”

Supported by the regions 3 Combined Authorities and 12 local authorities and the BBC, North East Screen is delivering a comprehensive screen development programme funded by NESIP which was formed to enhance the region’s film and TV industries by more than doubling its 2019 share of the UK production market and delivering an annual economic boost to the regional economy of £88m.

North East Screen, formally Northern Film + Media has a track record of over 20 years supporting the sector but this has been super charged by NESIP and their partnership with the BBC.

This rapid growth in production which will only continue to grow as new are built and will result in many more jobs for the residents of Sunderland and the wider North East who may not have considered they could work in the industry.

In the last 12 months North East Screen has supported a number of new BBC productions filming in the region including ‘Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes’, Charlotte in Sunderland, Scarlett’s Driving School, 24/7 Pet Hospital and Northern Justice as well as hit North East TV shows ITV’s Vera, CBBC’s The Dumping Ground and Danny and Mick. Gayle is confident the move will mark the beginning of an exciting new era for the region’s screen sectors.

She added: “As an organisation we are working hard to link all development, talent, interest, investment and opportunities so that as a region we are best placed to attract feature films and large TV productions to create a thriving and sustainable industry. We are keen to work with local production companies and companies who feel they could supply the industry. From taxi firms to caterers, security services to local cafes, so many businesses can benefit from being part of this growing industry.”

Home to the world’s largest grocer, Ocado and fast-growing offshore technology consultancy, Asset55, The Beam was the first building to be constructed at Riverside Sunderland, which once complete, will create thousands of city centre jobs.

The Business Investment Team at Sunderland City Council assisted North East Screen with its move to the hub, which directly brings 17 skilled jobs to the city.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Ocado, Envision, RSA and Just Eat are just a few of the businesses to have invested in Sunderland over recent years and we are absolutely delighted to be able to add North East Screen to the seemingly ever-growing list of organisations realising the potential of doing business in the city.

“As well as positioning Sunderland at the heart of the region’s screen industries, it will also see more jobs brought to the city centre and will help the body work even closely with the businesses who are actively trying to develop and grow the city’s film and TV industries.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for everyone involved with the city and I’m confident this will be just the start of many more exciting development to follow.”

To find out more about Sunderland as a place to do business, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/business-and-investment

Multi award winning film producer takes over as Chair of the North East’s screen agency

Posted on 2 March 2023 by North East Screen

North East Screen (formerly Northern Film and Media) has appointed Oscar and BAFTA winning film producer David Parfitt as their new Chair to help steer the organisation at an exciting and pivotal time for the film and TV industry in the North East.

Following record investment in the screen industry in the North East region with a £25m commitment from the BBC, a new partnership with 12 local authorities and 3 combined authorities bringing £11.4m investment to the table and significant new studio developments in the region, David’s appointment confirms that the North East is open for business.

David grew up in Sunderland and his connection to the region brings with it a passion and desire to support the organisation to benefit the people of the North East. He brings an outstanding track record and remarkable achievements in over 35 years working as an independent film, TV and theatre producer. His many films include: Shakespeare in Love, My Week with Marilyn and The Father.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said;

“David joins us at a crucial time in the development of the North East’s screen industry. We are delivering an ambitious programme of activity for the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) which aims to significantly increase TV and film production in the region.

To do this we want to attract Production Companies to the North East where talent is in abundance. We want to create jobs and opportunities in the industry for local people and businesses connected with the supply chain, and supercharge the access to skills in the region so that the productions that are coming to the North East are fully supported by a skilled and developed workforce.

David’s experience and credentials speak for themselves but his passion and commitment to the region makes him a perfect fit to ensure our organization grows and serves the industry to maximum effect. Job creation and inward investment are our priorities and we are extremely delighted that David is on board to help us to achieve our ambitions.”

David Parfitt, new Chair of North East Screen said;

“Our generation had to leave Sunderland to pursue careers in the creative industries. I want to be part of an organization who can do something to change that. The media landscape is changing and I feel this is the first time there’s been an opportunity to have sustainable careers in film and TV in this region – which is fantastic.

The media industries are huge engines of our national economy and our region wants to be a bigger part of that. Training is at the heart of it all and the support of our local colleges and universities is key. We’re here to provide the next step, attracting people early as they choose their careers and letting them know that this a really viable industry.

The North East already has amazing talent, brilliant locations for filming and a sector that is growing rapidly and the announcement of new studios for Sunderland will further increase capacity, providing work for our newly trained crews and helping encourage North East talent currently based elsewhere to come home.”

David takes over the reins from Tom Gutteridge, the Emmy award-winning TV producer, writer and broadcast executive (Mentorn/FremantleMedia).

David continued;

“I’d like to thank Tom for his commitment to the organization over the past 14 years. He inherited an underfunded screen agency in real difficulties and with the support of the amazing team led by Alison, built it into the thriving organisation it is today. We are all hugely grateful.”

Tom Gutteridge said: I am absolutely delighted that David has agreed to take over at such an exciting time for North East Screen. He brings exactly the stature and stability the organization needs as it enters the next phase of growth and delivery. Since I first joined the board of NFM 14 years ago, we’ve been on a rollercoaster ride: from the almost-terminal loss of funding following the closure of One North East, through the years of bare survival, to the restructuring and resurrection that has led to the healthy, successful organization we see today.

I’m incredibly proud to have been asked to lead such a loyal, passionate and dynamic team for the last decade. Since our appointment of the dynamic Alison Gwynn in 2017, it has never looked back, and today the future of the entire North East screen sector, from broadcast to movies, digital to corporate, has never been rosier. I wish David, and all the board, every success.”

The organisation is also delighted to welcome Graeme Thompson MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Relations at the University of Sunderland to the Board. Before joining the University a decade ago, Graeme was managing director of ITV Tyne Tees following a career as a programme maker, commissioner and BBC radio producer.

Also joining at this time is Fahima Chowdhury, Line Producer for High End Television Production. Fahima brings a wealth of TV experience in both Factual and Drama and launched and ran the region’s previous Production Fund which helped bring productions to the North East such as Vera, George Gently, Joe Madison’s War and United.

Major Sunderland film studio plans revealed

Posted on 24 February 202323 February 2023 by North East Screen

Sunderland-born founder of global production company unveils plans for film studios, creating one of Europe’s largest facilities, bringing 8,450 jobs.

FulwellCain Studios, a joint venture between global entertainment company Fulwell 73 and Cain International, has today announced plans for Crown Works Studios in Sunderland, which will be one of the largest filmmaking complexes in Europe, creating some 8,450 jobs across the North East over the next decade.

The plans are being described by city leaders as ‘the single most significant development announcement to come out of the North East in decades’ and will build on Fulwell 73’s existing presence in the city. The JV will spearhead the development of a 1.68m sq ft film industry hub at Pallion, with up to 20 premium sound stages suitable for major feature film and HETV productions. The scheme – which requires support from Government to go ahead – will be delivered in three phases, with work set to start in 2023 and the final phase set to complete by 2027.

Subject to planning processes, Crown Works Studios will stand on land on the banks of the river Wear, which played a critical role throughout the industrial revolution, when the city was a shipbuilding powerhouse.

The studios will be transformational for the city’s economy, cultivating an eco-system on a scale not seen since Nissan’s investment in Sunderland in the 1980s, while meeting the growing demand for studio space in the UK. Upon completion, the scheme could generate £336m for the local economy every year, creating jobs and contract opportunities spanning a vast range of disciplines including the trades and manual skills.

Fulwell 73’s partners; Gabe Turner, Ben Turner, Leo Pearlman, Ben Winston and James Corden issued this joint statement: “We are unified in our belief that there is a unique opportunity to bring further high end production to the UK through this ambitious Sunderland based studio project; putting the region on the map as a global production destination.”

Leo Pearlman, managing partner at Fulwell 73, continued: “Fulwell is a company built on family and the North East is embedded in our DNA. For over 100 years my family had a business here in Sunderland and called this great City home, so to be able to bring Fulwell back to where the inspiration for our global entertainment company began is a truly humbling experience.

Through delivering the studios, we will create a long term production industry infrastructure, attract even more significant high end production to the UK and ensure that future generations of North Eastern talent can develop and prosper at home within the region.”

Crown Works Studios will include provision for production workshops and office space, a vendor village for supply chain businesses, administrative and social facilities, a multi-storey car park and an extensive backlot.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said: “Fulwell’s studio announcement is a world class game changer and builds on the North East’s vision for growing the screen industry. We fully support their ambition, and we will work closely with them to build the skills and infrastructure required, supporting both crew and local businesses to become an important part of the supply chain needed to serve the productions made there.

Their studio will be a global player and will need our regional crew workforce, and the highly experienced world class talent from the region, who had to leave for career progression, to come home. We will also need to develop a new generation of industry-ready entrants, and career changers who can step across in technical and craft areas from other industries. This is a phenomenal opportunity for the people of the North East”

The project is supported by Sunderland City Council, which has brought together a number of key partners to work with the investors to shape plans including around the development of the skills-base needed to support the scheme.

The scheme is in addition to already announced plans for Shipyard Studios which will support a wider cluster of film and media activity.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “These are absolutely unparalleled proposals that – if approved – will reinvent the Sunderland economy, establishing the city as home to a modern and growing industry that will create jobs and opportunities for thousands of people across the North East.

“This is a vote of confidence for the city and its people – recognising Sunderland’s history of innovation and of making things. We have been working on these plans with Fulwell 73 and Cain for many months, so it’s absolutely brilliant to finally be in position to unveil them, and to demonstrate the scale of ambition we have for this city. It’s absolutely transformational and something we’re determined to see through.”

Strong partnerships are being established to ensure that Sunderland reaps maximum advantage from the opportunity – from the job creation it will bring to the economic prosperity it could generate through increased footfall and spend in the heart of the city. These relationships will be key in delivering the skills needed to power the studio and grow a sustainable film and media ecosystem.

Six North East production companies selected for the BBC’s Small Indie Fund 2023

Posted on 20 February 202321 February 2023 by North East Screen

The BBC has today that announced six North East companies will be supported through their £1m Small Indie Fund, a huge boost for TV production in the region.

Candle & Bell (Gateshead), MCC Media Limited (Sunderland), Middlechild Productions (Newcastle), Schnoobert Productions (Newcastle), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool) and Twenty Six 03 Entertainment (Gateshead) will all receive financial support and a BBC commissioning editor as a mentor to support their businesses growth.

The £1m Fund was launched in 2020 to support the development of small independent production companies with turnovers below £10m across Drama, Entertainment, Comedy, Factual, and Daytime.

This year sees the highest number of companies based in the English Regions, with significant increase in support for companies based in the North East and Midlands. 48 companies were selected overall with 79% based in the Nations and the English Regions.

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

“We are delighted for the companies receiving this fund, an amazing outcome for them and for TV production in the North East. We have worked closely with each of the companies so understand how this support will help to drive forward their businesses. The companies selected are a great mix of businesses relocating to the region and home grown talent.”

The fund was set up to help boost the strength of UK production focusing on companies with diverse leadership and producers based outside of London, particularly around global competition.

Lisa continued: “This is a fantastic year for production companies in the North East and the start of great things to come. The region is full of talented creative businesses with an abundance of ideas, skills, and incredible determination. The tide is beginning to turn with support for the screen industry in the North East and funds such as this from the BBC will help to supercharge creative business development, making us a region to look out for nationally and globally. “

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

North East Companies receiving the Small Indie Fund 2023 (plus quotes)

Candle and Bell is a female led production company based in Gateshead who are crossing over from short films to TV and are keen to find new narratives and diverse stories. www.candleandbell.com

“Candle & Bell is extremely proud to be among this year’s recipients for the BBC Small Indie Fund. This funding gives us a unique opportunity to work on a new slate of comedy TV shows that champion northern talent and bring new tv productions to the North East. We are beyond grateful to the BBC and we’re looking forward to working closely with Emma Lawson and the wider team of BBC commissioners to realise our ambition to make great comedy TV.” – Maria Caruana Glizia, Managing Director.

Sea and Sky Productions are an emerging indie based in Hartlepool who are currently co-developing TV comedy with Hat Trick Productions. www.seaandskyprictures.co.uk

“We are thrilled to be part of The BBC Small Indie Fund. The support will be central to our future growth as a company and for the North East region as a whole.” – Adam Boabda, Managing Director.

MCC Media are a highly experienced Sunderland based team delivering unscripted children’s programmes for global audiences. www.mccmedia.co.uk

“Its great to be working with the BBC again, MCC Media are over the moon to have been selected. Hopefully over the next twelve months we can get some fresh ideas off the ground as we seek to expand within the region.” – Paul McCoy, Managing Director.

Schnoobert Productions are an emerging scripted comedy indie headed up by experienced TV executive Jason Cook, based in Newcastle and already running writers rooms in the region, upskilling our next generation of writers. www.schnoobert.co.uk

“We are over the moon to get this help from the BBC. It really shows their commitment to the region and we have some immense things planned with them that are going to blow people away!” – Jason Cook, Managing Director.

Twenty Six 03 unscripted indie based in Gateshead who are already delivering North East stories to broadcast and through their current BBC productions (Angels of the North and 24/7 Pet Hospital) are upskilling our local talent. www.twentysix03.com

“We hope this funding helps us to continue our goal to maintain a sustainable, world class, production company in Gateshead.” – Antonia Hurford-Jones, Managing Director.

Middle Child / Northern Child are an unscripted indie based in Newcastle already delivering to broadcast. Their BBC One Daytime programme Northern Justice transmitted in September 2023 and they currently have a documentary in production in the North East www.middlechild.tv

“We’re delighted and very grateful to the BBC for choosing Middlechild’s North East base as a recipient of the Small Indie Fund this year. It will allow us to super-charge our development of ideas for them, with any resulting commissions being produced in the region. We hope it helps us further cement our presence in the area and ultimately provide employment for some of the fantastic off-screen talent we know are here.” – Andrew Eastel, Creative Director.

For full details on the BBC fund announcement https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/small-indie-fund-recipients

North East Screen is the screen agency for the North East.

We develop and champion North East England as one of the UK’s leading film and TV production hubs where exceptional screen industry talent can live, create and work.

www.northeastscreen.org

North East Screen Summative Assessment Tender

Posted on 17 February 202317 February 2023 by North East Screen

North East Screen is inviting proposals for a Summative Assessment and an evaluation study and report to establish the performance of the ERDF “Tees Valley Creative Industries SMEs Business Support & Development Project”

We are now inviting organisations and consultants to submit a proposal for this work.

Your proposal should include:

● A brief description of your organisation/area of work

● A description of how you will approach the requirements for this work; specifically your response should address the areas listed in section 2

● A short description of the expertise that would be applied to this work (including CVs in appendix)

● Examples of any previous work which is relevant (maximum 2 examples)

● A quote for this work including VAT and expenses. This piece of work is being partially funded by European Regional Development Fund 2014-20

Click here to view the full Tender Specification,

Selection Process

Process	Date
Deadline for Receipt of Proposals	12 noon 6th March 2023
Review proposals and seek any required clarifications	7^th March – 15th March 2023
Shortlist organisation to carry out evaluation study and report.	17^th March 2023
Evaluation study and report completed by	15^th June 2023

Responses must be returned to Rob Phillips at Rob@northeastscreen.org or Teresa Saint at Teresa@northestscreen.org no later than 12 noon on Monday 6^th March 2023.

Any queries on the tender should be directed to Rob Phillips/Teresa Saint on the same email as above or 0191 823 8233

Scarlett’s Driving School – New series starts 13th of February on BBC One

Posted on 13 February 2023 by North East Screen

Expect drama, tears and plenty of emotionally-fuelled moments as we gear up to see whether Scarlett Moffatt can finally pass her driving test – on the 14th attempt.

Viewers will join Scarlett behind the wheel on her own lessons, with cameras capturing every driving disaster or minor scrape in this new 10-part BBC One series.

Scarlett first started learning to drive aged 17 but despite countless personal achievements and successes since, getting a driving licence has always evaded her.

Now, she has opened the doors to a unique driving school in Teesside to not only bag her own licence, but to help other learner drivers of all ages struggling to pass their tests.

In some cases these luckless drivers have been learning for decades, with others even failing their test as many times as Scarlett.

Each week, one learner will attend Scarlett’s driving school with a long-suffering family member or friend who has patiently taken on the role of coaching them outside of professional lessons, with little luck ….until now.

She won’t be alone, however, and two professional instructors are on hand at the school to feed crucial tips and advice to the loved ones turned amateur teachers via an earpiece during a five-day crash course.

There’s dual carriageway stalls, burned-out handbrakes, near misses, and navigation nightmares, as the learners bid to finally rip up those L plates and hit the road.

The series is not just about driving – it’s about relationships, helping the couples and taking the heat and stress out of driving.

Along the way, our learners also share touching moments with their loved ones as they drive towards a common goal.

Scarlett’s Driving School has been produced for BBC One by Frieda.TV. Commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC England, this 10-part series starts on Monday 13th February at 8.30pm.