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North East Screen declares the region ‘open for business’

Posted on 8 June 202229 June 2022 by North East Screen

Following industry investment of at least £37 million, North East Screen (formerly Northern Film + Media) launches its new name, brand and programme of events at an event in Sunderland today.

The agency is now gearing up to meet the challenge of increasing activity by creating new partnerships, rebranding their successful business model, and creating vibrant industry sector communities. This will enhance and develop the skills that make the North East the place to create excellence in the world of TV and film.

Tom Gutteridge, North East Screen Chairman explains;
“In the last decade despite a challenging funding environment Northern Film + Media has continued to deliver a production service and business support while also lobbying on behalf of the sector in the region.”

Alison Gwynn, North East Screen Chief Executive continues;
“With a new name and ambition for growing the sector, real investment and broadcaster partners, we are strongly putting the message out that the North East is open for business.
We have the skills, the passion and the knowledge, not to mention the incredible locations. By increasing our networks and connecting people, skills and companies we want to provide a pathway for regional talent, to encourage companies to set up in the beautiful North East and to say to any native North Easterners working in the industry elsewhere in the UK to come back home!

“The unique partnership created last year by the BBC with all 12 local authorities and three combined authorities across the North East region will help us achieve our vision. We will be delivering a programme of events and skills activity to provide a pathway for students, to attract visiting productions, to keep industry talent in the region and increase the visibility of the region nationally and internationally. By working together we hope to strengthen our position to attract the very best of TV and Film production and talent.”

The BBC is making its biggest investment in the North East for decades as part of a new partnership with the region, and as part of a wider strategy to move significant creative spend and decision-making across the UK.

The BBC has promised to spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

It’s part of a deal with local authorities in the North East, who will work with the BBC, and with independent producers, to invest in talent, skills, and infrastructure to support the production industry in the region.

The North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) was created by the partnership to level up the regional film and TV industries by increasing its share of the UK production market and delivering an estimated annual economic impact of around £88m to the regional economy.

NESIP will invest £11.4m over five years to deliver a new Screen Industries Development Programme. The programme will develop, attract, and retain talent in the sector as well as providing good quality, well paid jobs within the industry. As part of the scheme, North East Screen will create even more opportunities to develop the skills that the sector needs to not only survive but thrive. The programme will be delivered through North East Screen’s Crew Academy, Production Service, and the North East Comedy Hot House.

A statement from the leaders and elected mayors of the authorities in the partnership
“North East Screen are central to delivering the new North East Screen Industries Development Programme and we are delighted to be working together as a region to support them. We want to strengthen the regional creative sector and increase the visibility of our region and it’s communities on screen. We look forward to the growth of the sector and welcoming more jobs and opportunities for people of the North East in film and TV.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said;
“The North East’s TV and Film production industry holds the potential to create good-quality well paid jobs at every level of production. Now is the time to be proactive so that we can develop, attract and retain local talent in the sector.”

The BBC has already announced that there will be at least six new commissions filming in the North East as a result of its commitment to the region.

It includes a new documentary series with James Arthur for BBC Three that has been filmed in his home town of Middlesbrough and Scarlett’s Driving School for BBC One, which will also be filmed in Teesside.

The BBC also hosted the BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle last month, now has a commissioner permanently based in the region, and is providing trainee opportunities within productions in the region.

This partnership with the region is part of the BBC’s commitment to do more across the UK by moving departments, commissioning power, and resources out of London.

Thomas Wrathmell, Director of the BBC’s Across the UK Strategy, says:
“The response since making the huge commitment last year has been incredible and showcases the appetite for making this region a significant centre for the creative industries.

“We’re already delivering on our promise, with six new commissions in the area, investment in skills, production companies and trainee production placements on shows being filmed in the North East and hosting the BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle last month. We are delighted to see others from across the creative sector investing across the North East and look forward to working together to power the sustainable growth of the sector.”

Alison Gwynn added;
“With our new partnerships and regional investment, we are launching new training schemes, work shadowing opportunities and will continue to provide key links to the industry for locations job opportunities within every part of our region. North East Screen is a one stop shop for the sector and there has never been a more exciting time to work in the TV and movie industry in the North East.”

Ends

Notes to Editors
North East Screen Industries Partnership was formed by Combined and Local Authorities from across the region to level up the regional film and TV industries by more than doubling its 2019 share of the UK production market and delivering an annual economic impact to the regional economy of £88m.

It includes Tees Valley Combined Authority, (representing the five authorities of Hartlepool Borough Council, Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council, Darlington Borough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council), the North of Tyne Combined Authority (representing its three partner authorities Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council and Newcastle City Council) and the North East Combined Authority authorities of Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council.

Partnership with the BBC, Following the publication of the BBC Across the UK strategy the partnership signed an MOU with the BBC in September 2021, making commitments that:

The BBC will spend a minimum of £25m on production and skills development in the North East over the next five years.
NESIP will jointly invest £11.4m over the same five-year period to deliver a new Screen Industries Development Programme maximising opportunities for significant growth within the screen industries sector and developing a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.

Robson Green’s Dirty Weekends (w/t) commissioned for BBC Two from the North East

Posted on 25 May 202210 October 2022 by North East Screen

Set exclusively in the North East against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, the series will see Robson and some of his famous friends get stuck into some good, clean fun, as he celebrates everything that’s great about the region

BBC Daytime and Early Peak has commissioned Robson Green’s Dirty Weekends (W/T), a 15 x 30’ co-production between North East based Rivers Meet Productions and Signpost Productions.

The announcement follows an extensive search for a formatted factual series produced in the North East.

Set exclusively in the North East against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, the series will see Robson and some of his famous friends get stuck into some good, clean fun, as he celebrates everything that’s great about the region.

BBC Commissioning Editor, Helen Munson, says: “I’m really pleased to announce this exciting new commission from my home county. There is so much talent here in the North East, both on and off screen and this series will absolutely reflect that. Robson is a firm favourite with the audience and I’m looking forward to seeing this wonderful series get underway.”

This commission is the fourth time the two companies have worked together.

Robson Green is Director at North East based Rivers Meet Productions, and is strongly committed to the region and helping to develop local talent. He says: “I’m over the moon that we’re going to be co-producing this great series for BBC Two with Signpost productions. This series will showcase the best the North East has to offer.”

Signpost, also based in the North East, aims to help create a robust production sector in the region with returning and long-running commissions. The company grew out of an access services provider and has won several industry awards for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Gareth Deighan Creative Director at Signpost, says: “We’re delighted to get filming this great series with Robson Green and friends, we want to make sure we’re contributing to putting the North East on the map.”

The new commission for BBC Two early evening forms part of the BBC’s commitment to spend £25m in the North East over the next five years.

Robson Green’s Dirty Weekends (W/T), is a 15 x 30’ co-production between Rivers Meet Productions and Signpost Productions. It has been commissioned by Helen Munson commissioner for BBC Daytime and Early Peak.

BBC Comedy announces details of Regional Partnership Scheme with North East Screen and Hat Trick

Posted on 11 May 202215 July 2022 by North East Screen

BBC Comedy are working on a brand-new Regional Partnership Scheme co-funded with the North East of England’s creative industries development agency North East Screen. The Regional Partnership Scheme has been established to support the growth of the scripted comedy supply base in an underserved and underrepresented region.

The partnership will see the companies co-develop a slate of original comedy projects over an initial 6-month period to help strengthen and enhance the local talent and project development in the region, with the aim of getting more of the North East seen and heard within the BBC’s comedy output.

North East Screen have selected Hat Trick Productions as the established comedy supplier that will be working with an emerging indie based in the North East of England. Hat Trick will be spending time in the region working with the selected indie to develop projects and talent, while providing business support and mentorship to help bolster the North Eastern company.

The announcement was made during the Regional Partnerships Panel at the inaugural BBC Comedy Festival which is currently taking place in Newcastle.

Emma Lawson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Comedy Commissioning says: “The North East is the best place on earth and a hot bed of exceptional comedy talent. I’m thrilled that we are supporting North East Screen and Hat Trick on a scheme that gets us closer to the regions best comic voices and stories. It’s a dream come true to be collaborating on home soil and I can’t wait to see what brilliant new shows and talent will emerge from the partnership”.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen says: “We are delighted that comedy in the region is being supported in such a huge way. We hope by working closely with BBC Comedy and comedy giant Hat Trick we can bring opportunities to regional talent developing knowledge, skills and networks. The partnership will be a catalyst for growth in the sector and we’re excited to see local talent flourish.”

Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions says: “Hat Trick is honoured to be working with BBC Comedy and North East Screen on this fantastic project. The North East has a rich legacy of iconic comic talent both in front and behind the camera and we can’t wait to get stuck in to find the next generation of hit comedies!”

The North East Regional Partnership Scheme is part of the BBC’s commitment to making its biggest investment in the North East of England for decades as part of a new partnership with the region.

The BBC last year announced it will spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

Notes to editors:

Applications are now open for North East based indies to apply.

Hat Trick will be in the North East of England to run a session with North East Screen and The North East Comedy Hot House on the 23rd May. There will be an opportunity for North East talent to hear from Jimmy Mulville, one of the founders of Hat Trick, about developing distinctive and popular comedy series and the journey that led them to become one of the leading producers of comedy, drama and entertainment in the UK.

Hat Trick Productions is an independent production and distribution company co‑founded and led by Jimmy Mulville with offices in London and Belfast. Established with the principle of putting writers first, they continue to nurture both new and established creative talent.

BBC announces – North East to be production base so people can follow career path in their home region

Posted on 25 April 202210 October 2022 by North East Screen

The BBC has announced there will be at least six new commissions filming in the North East as a result of the BBC’s commitment to the region.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie visited the Northern Studios in Hartlepool on Friday to hear about the progress made so far as part of the regional partnership.

The BBC announced its biggest investment in the North East of England for decades in September last year, as part of a new partnership with the region.

Local authorities in the North East pledged to work with the BBC and independent producers to invest in talent, skills, and infrastructure to support the production industry in the region.

They also outlined a commitment to look for opportunities to grow relationships with local facilities such as the Northern Studios in Hartlepool and the independent production sector.

Mr Davie met with representatives from Local Authorities and Mayoral Authorities at the Northern Studios in Hartlepool this afternoon.

He said: “The BBC made a big commitment when we set out to build a partnership in the North East.

“We’re already delivering on this, with six new commissions in the area, investment in skills, production companies and trainee production placements on shows being filmed in the North East.

“We want to work collaboratively to build a brilliant, sustainable production base in the region so people can follow the career path they want to in their home region. We want to do more for the North East.”

The BBC last year promised to spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

They will also provide funding via North East Screen, the North East’s regional screen industry development agency, to boost the creative sector in the region.

The partnership is part of the BBC’s commitment to do more across the UK by moving departments, commissioning power, and resources out of London.

The BBC has so far announced a new documentary series with James Arthur for BBC Three that’s going to be filmed in his home town of Middlesbrough and Scarlett’s Driving School for BBC One, which will also be filmed in Teesside.

BBC Comedy Festival to take place in Newcastle

Posted on 12 April 202215 July 2022 by North East Screen

The inaugural BBC Comedy Festival will take place in Newcastle upon Tyne, BBC’s first City of Comedy. Plus North East Regional Partnership Scheme announced.

Newcastle upon Tyne, the first BBC City of Comedy, will host the BBC’s first Comedy Festival for indie producers, anyone with a new career in TV and comedy, and people looking to break into or advance their career in the industry.

A series of events will take place across three days from Wednesday 11th – Friday 13th May 2022 to explore, reflect on and celebrate comedy in the UK.

The Festival will take place across a number of venues in Newcastle including Northern Stage, Live Theatre, The Stand and The Everyman.

Speakers include Charlie Brooker, Frankie Boyle, Greg Davies, Megan Ganz, Stephen Merchant, Romesh Ranganathan, the cast of Ghosts, Tom Marshall and many more including North East Screen’s very own North East Comedy Hot House team!

Some of the biggest comedy names are confirmed to attend including Charlie Brooker, Greg Davies, Jamie Demetriou, Megan Ganz, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Romesh Ranganathan, Stephen Merchant, Tim Renkow, Kat Sadler, Adjani Salmon, and Holly Walsh – plus the casts of BBC hits – Ghosts and The Outlaws.

The festival will be made up of talent-led talks, panels, screenings, a short film night, live comedy, and the premier of The Outlaws series 2, the biggest new BBC Comedy to launch last year.

The BBC Comedy Commissioning team, BBC Writersroom and BBC Young Reporters will also be in attendance at this brand-new event, which will bring the UK comedy production community together, alongside industry heavyweights including Ash Atalla (The Office), Gill Isles (Car Share), Tom Marshall (Ted Lasso), Christine Gernon (Gavin and Stacy, New Girl), plus representatives from American broadcasters.

BBC Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, will kick off the festival alongside Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, on Wednesday 11th May. Jon will be setting out his vision for BBC Comedy and highlighting commissioning opportunities to the comedy production community.

Thursday 12th May will be an industry focused day consisting of a range of panels and talks, and on Friday 13th May there will be sessions for anyone with a new career in TV and comedy, and people looking to break into or advance their career in the industry.

Petrie says: “We are excited to be coming to Newcastle, the BBC’s first City of Comedy, to celebrate comedy in all its forms and to outline BBC Comedy’s vision for the genre in 2022 and beyond. WE are committed to nurturing, developing and collaborating with comedy enthusiasts across the UK, to ensure comedy remains a staple part of our British culture.”

A selection of the festival’s panels and events will be opened up for the public to attend, and the free tickets will be made available in due course once the schedule has been announced.

All sessions are free – but do get down early to secure your seats in the sessions on the day.

BBC Comedy is also announcing today that they will be piloting a brand-new Regional Partnership Scheme, co-funded with North East Screen, pairing a North East based emerging indie with a leading BBC Comedy supplier.

The aim of the scheme is to promote regional partnerships, aid portrayal and support the growth of indigenous scripted comedy supplies in an underserved and underrepresented region.

The partnership will see the companies co-develop a slate of original ideas over an initial 6-month period, to help strengthen and enhance the local talent and project development on the ground, while creating new connections and out of London opportunities.

NFM’s Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn, said:

“The BBC Comedy Festival is another great example of the BBC’s commitment to the region and will provide a welcomed boost to the North East’s comedy sector. We know that many people will benefit from the panels, talks and sessions lead by top industry professionals and will inspire and generate the future of comedy in the region.
“The Regional Partnership Scheme is part of a longer term strategy to bring knowledge, skills and networks to the talent and companies that already exist here in the North East. We are very excited to be partnering with BBC Comedy on this venture, and are delighted that the North East comedy community is going to get this level of opportunity and support.”

Further information about the established indie along with how North East companies can apply for the scheme will be announced in due course.

The North East Regional Partnership Scheme is part of the BBC’s commitment to making its biggest investment in the North East of England for decades as part of a new partnership with the region.

The BBC last year announced it will spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

NE Comedy Hot House wins ‘Initiative to Grow Local Industry’ at Makers & Shakers awards

Posted on 15 December 202010 October 2022 by North East Screen

We’re thrilled to announce that our North East Comedy Hot House project has taken home the award for Initiative to Grow Local Industry at the 2020 makers and shakers awards.

An initiative by The Location Guide, makers magazine and FOCUS, the makers & shakers awards celebrate excellence in global production. The awards aim to recognise and honour ground-breaking ideas and initiatives from players across the spectrum of the global creative screen industries.

The makers & shakers award is a great marker of success for the North East Comedy Hot House, for whom growing local industry is of the utmost importance. We are passionate about championing undiscovered comedy talent, supporting talent, building creative businesses, and connecting people, places, and projects to the best opportunities for their growth. Our project hopes to foster an explosion of Northern comedy voices onto international platforms, and this award proves that we are doing just that.

Executive Producer and co-founder of the NECHH, Emma Lawson, added: ‘It’s been such a privilege to work on a project that both invigorates and connects people. The North East has such a strong comedy community and important production industry, and I’m so thrilled that the work NECHH is doing showcases that to a national audience. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved for winning an award that allows us to shout about our region and to mark the fun we’ve had so far. Thank you to Alison Gwynn, Northern Film + Media and everyone who has supported us this year!’.

Project Manager of the NECHH, Lisa Laws, said: ‘This award celebrates what happens when you’re inclusive. We’ve loved bringing together new voices, passionate local indies, and talented cast & crew to produce great, funny content for national broadcasters, create good vibes and put our region’s talent on the map. We can’t wait for the next phase of NECHH development’.

Chief Executive Officer of Northern Film + Media, Alison Gwynn, said: ‘It is a huge honour to be recognised by the makers & shakers awards, especially since the project is still in its infancy and we beat off major national and international competition. We are incredibly excited about the future of our North East Comedy Hot House and look forward to watching it make an impact on both local industry and international platforms’.

North East Comedy Hot House Webinar: Comedy Characters with Daisy May Cooper

Posted on 16 July 202010 October 2022 by North East Screen

Thursday 30 July, 8pm – 9pm

Join us as we chat to Daisy May Cooper, co-creator and star of BBC Three’s This Country, about finding the funny in everyday life, creating comedy characters and keeping the laughs flowing in lockdown.

We’ll also be asking her for some of the juicy top tips she’s gleaned through her TV journey and what she’s squeezed out of producers and commissioners through her Instagram Live lockdown sessions.

Daisy May Cooper is the winner of the 2018 BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for playing Kerry Mucklowe in the BBC Three series This Country, which she co-created and co-wrote with her brother, Charlie Cooper. Her film appearances include The Personal History of David Copperfield and Sky Comedy Shorts: Susan Wokoma’s Love the Sinner.

And, of course, she is the ex-girlfriend of The Sea Captain.

Register through Eventbrite here. You will receive an emailed link to the Zoom event 24 hours beforehand.

For more information about this event, contact charlotte@northernmedia.org

This event is supported by Northern Film + Media’s Tees Valley ERDF project. Places are free but limited. You must have a Tees Valley base, be over 18yrs and be eligible to access SME support.

Northern Film + Media’s Tees Valley Screen project is funded by the ERDF through Creative Industries Business Support and Development Programme 2014-20, which is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region. Additional funding support for this project is from Tees Valley Combined Authority and Arts Council England.