Category: Uncategorised

Alison Gwynn and North East Screen receive special recognition at North East Culture Awards

Posted on 18 November 202218 November 2022 by North East Screen

Earlier this week, Chief Executive Alison Gwynn and the team at North East Screen were honoured with the Special Recognition Award at the North East Culture Awards.

Alison and the team were praised for their commitment to the growth of the North East screen industry and the instrumental part they played in bringing record investment to the region’s screen industry.

Through the unique partnership with the BBC, all 12 local authorities and three combined authorities, North East Screen strive to deliver a programme of events and skills activity to grow and expand the North East screen industry.

North East Screen also sponsored the Writer of the Year award which was awarded to Kemi-Bo Jacobs. Kemi-Bo most recently wrote and starred in a one-woman play, All White Everything But Me, about the first black grand slam tennis champion Althea Gibson, was a hit at the Alphabetti Theatre.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of this year’s North East Culture Awards!

The Journal Culture Awards 2022 at Durham Cathedral – Sponsor Ros Rigby with winner Alison Gwynne of North East Screen (Image by Iain Buist, Reach Plc)

The Journal Culture Awards 2022 at Durham Cathedral – Sponsor Lisa Laws with winner Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Image by Iain Buist, Reach Plc)

Council commitment for a Film Friendly South Tyneside

Posted on 14 November 202214 November 2022 by North East Screen

South Tyneside Council is working to make the borough film friendly.

The Council recently signed the Film Friendly Charter with North East Screen to show its commitment to working in partnership to make the North East a filming friendly region.

The signing builds on the Council’s support for the region’s TV and Film production industry as part of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP).

Last year the BBC pledged to increase production and support for the creative sector, with a commitment to invest almost £25m in the region over the next five years to fund TV production and talent development with North East authorities providing a combined additional £11.4m over the same term.

The BBC has referred to the partnership with the region as its biggest investment in the North East of England for decades.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council said: “We’ve already signed a memorandum of understanding designed to breathe new life into our regional film and television industry. Signing the Charter is the next step and renews our commitment.

“The Film Friendly Charter recognises the positive economic and cultural benefits hosting filming activity has on an area, bringing jobs and economic investment into the region

“Being a filming friendly council is about maximising the benefits of bringing productions to the borough and making it a positive experience for everyone involved.

“We will provide a single point of contact for production companies, building a network of all council departments impacted by filming, facilitate the use of council property and work with North East Screen on publicity.

“We already have a wealth of filming taking place across the borough and wider North East region and we want to expand that even further, to raise our profile for other potential film and television productions, put the borough on the map and highlight our strengths on a national stage.”

The screen industry brings jobs and economic investment into the region. The council, as part of the NESIP, is working to deliver a new Screen Industries Development Programme. It aims to attract more inward investment and create “good-quality, well paid jobs” within the industry while developing, attracting, and retaining talent in the sector.

The scheme includes the scaling-up of the region’s screen agency, North East Screen to deliver increased activity, alongside a production development and support fund, with further opportunities to develop businesses and skills that the sector needs to thrive.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said: “We are working closely with the North East Screen Industries Partnership and the BBC to encourage and promote filming across the North East. We want all parts of our region to benefit. It is important that each local authority area is committed to welcome production crews and make the process of filming as smooth as can be. North East Screen will support them to do this.

“The economic and tourism benefits of a production filming in our area and the jobs it can create for local crew, as well as local businesses across the supply chain, is something we don’t want any part of the North East to miss out on.

“We are delighted that South Tyneside Council has signed up to the charter and look forward to working with them to encourage more filming in the borough.”

South Tyneside Council Leader Cllr Tracey Dixon and Chief Executive sign the Filming Friendly Charter with North East Screen’s Chief Executive Alison Gwynn.

We are hiring!

Posted on 27 October 20222 December 2022 by North East Screen

We are currently looking for a Film Office Skills Manager and Film Officer Coordinator (Locations) to join our team.

It is a really exciting time for the screen industry in the North East and you could be an integral part in its development. Both are full-time, permanent roles within our Film Office where you will be at the heart of the transformative work we do to turn the region into a place where ‘exceptional regional talent can live, create and work’.

The Skills Manager will be part of the Management Team at North East Screen, reporting to the Operations Director. In this role you will inspire a new generation to consider the screen industry as their future career whilst supporting existing crew in realising their ambitions and encouraging those who have left the region to come home. The deadline for applications to the Skills Manager role is midnight on the 18th of December.

The Film Office Coordinator (Locations) will report to the Production Service Manager. In this role you will be responsible for our growing and managing our location database, as well as working to attract productions to the region. The deadline for applications to the Film Office Coordinator role is midnight on the 16th of November.

Click here to view our open vacancies.

Sunderland announced as start point of the 12th Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children in Need.

Posted on 8 October 20228 October 2022 by North East Screen

Sunderland this year will be the starting point of the 12th Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children in Need as local teenager joins the team alongside Matt Baker for special programme.

The return of the Rickshaw Challenge was announced earlier this week, and this morning (Saturday 8^th October) the challenge’s Rickshaw Riders were announced live on BBC Breakfast.

Alexander Walker, 16 from Sunderland will be taking part in the Challenge which will start with him and Matt Baker at the Stadium of Light and will see them cycle a route through Sunderland and Durham.

This year, The Rickshaw Relay Rides Again (1×60), made by BBC Studios for BBC One, will see Matt Baker MBE and a team of five incredibly inspiring young people, all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects, take on a relay-style ride over five days. Each rider will take a section of the journey, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places across the UK which hold a particular significance for them along the way.

The Rickshaw Relay will take place between Monday 17^th October and Friday 21^st October and this year, in a first for the challenge, BBC Breakfast will be live with Matt Baker MBE and the team every morning from 6:00am where the public will be able to follow their journey. The challenge will then be broadcast in a documentary, The Rickshaw Relay Rides Again, on BBC One on Tuesday 15^th November.

This one-off special, will not only share the team’s remarkable stories but also celebrate the history of this much-loved BBC Children in Need staple, while at the same time raising life-changing money for the charity, as part of its 2022 Appeal.

This year’s team is made up of:

Alexander Walker, 16 from Sunderland. Alexander was diagnosed with autism aged 2, which meant he often struggled to connect with others and for a few years he didn’t talk at all. However life started to improve for Alexander and his family once he secured a place at an autism specific school. In time he also discovered two local charities Grace House and The Foundation of Light, both supported by BBC Children in Need. Attending the projects allowed him to make new friends, learn new skills, increase his independence, have fun and grow in confidence. Grace House runs youth groups where Alexander has learnt lots of independent life skills and The Foundation of Light has enabled Alexander to get involved in sports sessions and to take part in volunteering.

Kai Frisby, 16 from Aberystwyth, Wales. Kai was born with Cerebral Palsy and has had limited mobility all his life. Despite an operation at the age of 7 to help him walk, Kai is a full time wheelchair user. When he discovered Aberystwyth Wheelchair Basketball, which is funded by BBC Children in Need to provide basketball sessions for disabled and non-disabled young people, he found a new passion and determination, as well new friends and his identity – his head coach says he was a natural. He has since made the Commonwealth Games qualifiers and carried the baton in the relay.

Sanna Ahmad, 20 from Birmingham. All of Sanna’s life, she has lived with an inherited blood disorder, called Thalassemia. It means there’s less haemoglobin in her blood, which is needed to carry oxygen around the body. Every four weeks Sanna spends a day in hospital having a blood transfusion, without this she’d become anaemic and extremely tired. Although not outwardly visible, Thalassemia impacts heavily on day to day life. As a child Sanna often found herself too tired to join in with activities or be able to fully participate in school life. And until now, has never ridden a bike.

At 12 years old she was introduced to OSCAR Birmingham, a project supporting children with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia and is funded by BBC Children in Need. Here Sanna was able to meet others like her and get the support she needed. Now aged 20, Sanna is still at OSCAR to mentor younger children, giving the same support back that she once received. She has also become inspired to train as a child nurse.

Tabitha Tuckley, 17 from Northampton. Two years ago, Tabitha’s world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian cancer – a type of cancer that usually affects older women and can obviously have lasting effects. For a 16 year old girl, who loved her fitness, this was utterly devastating. With a tumour that weighed 2kg, she quickly underwent 7 hours of surgery, which was then followed by ongoing and intensive treatment which caused hair loss. She was left weak, unmotivated and in pain but with her incredible attitude, support from family & close friends, as well as a charity called PASIC Cancer Support, she finished her final round of chemo in March 2021 and is now doing really well. PASIC Cancer Support receives funding from BBC Children in Need to provide support to families of children and young people living with cancer.

Quinlan Dunne, 18 from Warrington. Life seemed to stand still for Quinlan when he lost his 19 year old brother, River, in a tragic accident in 2016. River was one of the four members of the band Viola Beach, who all died, along with their manager, when their car came off a bridge in Sweden. It made headline news across the world but at home Quinlan and his family were left devastated and didn’t know where to turn. Thankfully they found Child Bereavement UK, who are funded by BBC Children in Need, who were able to offer counselling for children and young people who find themselves dealing with such unthinkable grief.

Matt Baker MBE, who has ridden alongside inspirational Rickshaw riders, all supported by BBC Children in Need, on the Rickshaw Challenge for the last 12 years, said: “I am so excited to get back on the road again. This is the highlight of my year and I can’t wait for you to meet this group of riders who all have their own inspiring stories to tell.

“We’d love to have your support on the road this year, but if you can’t make it please tune in and watch us on BBC Breakfast every morning, and when the documentary airs on 15th November. We know it’s a challenging year for everyone, but if you’re able to donate, it would be greatly appreciated and it will make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people all over the UK.”

In a special twist this year, a sixth day of the challenge will be held at Silverstone with members of the public invited to come and cycle alongside the rickshaw and clock up as many miles around the world famous racing track as possible to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

BBC Children in Need Content Director, Tommy Nagra, commented: “We want you to get on your bike and Pedal for Pudsey. We want you to get sponsored and get turning those wheels … whether you’re riding around your favourite spot or cycling to work, you could be on the open road or in your living room, you can help raise money that will make a life changing difference to children right across the UK. We’ve got everything you need to take on your own challenge, inspired by the Rickshaw Relay. Simply head to .bbcchildreninneed.co.uk.”

Viewers who would like to follow the Rickshaw Relay on its journey will be able to follow via BBC Breakfast every morning, on @BBCBreakfast and @BBCCiN on social media and via the tracker: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/cin2022/.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

Routes – Start and end points

Day 1 – Monday 17^th October – Sunderland to Durham
Day 2 – Tuesday 18^th October – Warrington to Wrexham
Day 3 – Wednesday 19^th October – Aberystwyth
Day 4 – Thursday 20^th October – Birmingham to Kenilworth
Day 5 – Friday 21^st October – Wellingborough to Silverstone

Quotes from the Rickshaw Riders:

Alexander: “I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s Rickshaw Relay team, and to be starting at my beloved Sunderland AFC is like a dream come true. I can’t wait to head out on the road alongside Matt Baker and see all of the challenge’s supporters from the north east coming out on the road. If you can’t make it then please tune in and watch when the documentary airs!”

Kai: “Being a part of this year’s Rickshaw Relay team is going to be really special. I’ve been supported by Aberystwyth Wheelchair Basketball, who have made such a huge difference to my life. I want to give something back and help raise money that will go on to benefit other young people, like me.”

Sanna: “The Rickshaw Relay is going to be a huge challenge for me, particularly as I’ve never ridden a bike before but it’s something that I can’t wait to take on and know that I’ll have the best support throughout the challenge from Matt Baker, and of course from all of my family and friends cheering on the roadside too. The money that we raise will benefit so many young people who are facing challenges in their lives, so if you are able to please donate.”

Tabitha: “Taking on this challenge is something that I never imagined I could do a couple of years ago, so I can’t wait to get out there on the road and smash it! I can’t wait to see people lining the route and showing their support, I really hope that we can raise some money that will go on to make a huge difference to other young people across the UK.”

Quinlan: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Rickshaw Relay! The BBC Children in Need funded Child Bereavement UK helped support me through one of the toughest moments in my life when I lost my brother, and that support was invaluable. I’m taking part in this challenge to give back and help other young people who are going through a tough time to get back on their feet.”

About BBC Children in Need

BBC Children in Need believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive and be the best they can be.
BBC Children in Need’s ambition is to create lasting, positive change across the UK for the children and young people who need it most. Together with the BBC and partners, BBC Children in Need aim to inspire the nation in support of their work.
BBC Children in Need’s 2,300 local charities and projects work tirelessly in every corner of the UK to help children & young people overcome the challenges they currently face, including supporting children & young people living in poverty, providing emergency support to families in crisis, providing comfort to children feeling sad, lost and alone, helping children overcome inequality and supporting children to feel safe and secure again

Find out more at www.bbc.co.uk/cin
Twitter: @BBCCIN Instagram: @bbccin Facebook: @bbcchildreninneed
#RickshawRelay
#BBCChildreninNeed

Industry leaders to discuss future of North East film and media

Posted on 4 October 20224 October 2022 by North East Screen

Key figures in the film and media industry will be discussing the epic future of the North East’s film and media scene in Sunderland this month.

Fulwell73’s managing partner Leo Pearlman and UK CEO Johnny Moore will be giving a talk about the company’s future plans that will put Sunderland and the North East at the forefront of the UK’s film and media industry.

Fulwell73 has produced some of the most successful feature films and television programmes of the last decade and attendees will get an insight into how they made shows such as The Late Late Show With James Corden, Friends: The Reunion, Carpool Karaoke and Sunderland Til I Die.

This will be followed by a panel discussion where Leo and Johnny will joined by Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen; Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council; Helen Munson, the BBC’s commissioning editor for daytime and early peak; and Graeme Thompson MBE, University of Sunderland Pro Vice-Chancellor.

Taking place as part of Sunderland Business Festival – a celebration of the dynamic businesses operating in Sunderland – the event will be held at the University of Sunderland’s Tom Cowie Lecture Theatre on Wednesday, October 12, 1pm – 3pm.

“I’m delighted to be taking part in Sunderland Business Festival again,” said Leo. “The North East is somewhere that is very close to my heart but is also a real hotbed of talent and creativity and I look forward to sharing some of our insight with attendees.”

The festival is being organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collective of organisations – large and small – all with an interest in the city’s development, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps Sunderland to be a more dynamic destination for business.

Sunderland Business Festival is sponsored by Sunderland City Council, Sunderland AFC, the University of Sunderland and Portfolio North.

Tickets for the event are free but should be booked in advance here: https://bit.ly/3dH2dQZ

For more information about the Sunderland Business Festival, visit: https://sbfestival.co.uk/

Meet the super-hero solicitors of the North East in Northern Justice – a new series for BBC Daytime

Posted on 20 September 2022 by North East Screen

They might not look like your average superhero, but for those in need, a high street solicitor can be the one who swoops in to save the day.

Heartwarming and funny, moving and timely, this new BBC One documentary series follows a passionate cast of lawyers in the North of England as they guide ordinary people through extraordinary times in their lives: from a Gateshead pensioner who has been mis-sold an investment opportunity and lost his pension on a share of a hotel room in Turkey, to the owner of an animal rescue centre in North Yorkshire who stands falsely accused of cat theft.

Each episode focuses on two stand-out cases, following the emotional impact on both client and lawyer, and provides invaluable advice for viewers in similar situations. From Middlesbrough to Morpeth, we meet an immigration lawyer who steps in to keep a family together; small-business owners whose products have been ripped off by major retailers; and a probate lawyer whose client has left their estate to someone they only met a short time before they died.

Two out of three of us will likely seek legal advice in the next four years. And for many, these will be some of the most challenging moments we’ll ever face. Northern Justice shines a light on legal specialists fighting for the justice that ordinary people deserve.

Andrew Eastel, Creative Director at Middlechild Productions, says: “Making this series has been as enjoyable as it has been enlightening. The world of local solicitors, representing ordinary people from their community, is rarely seen on TV. High street firms are full of passionate and hardworking people doing a job they love, often shunning more lucrative areas of law to help desperate people in their times of need.”

Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor, Daytime, says: “This is an uplifting, life-affirming series showcasing solicitors with a passion for what they do and compassion for their clients. It has been a pleasure to work with Newcastle-based Northern Child, who have captured the spirit of the North East on screen and have been fully committed to working with and developing off screen talent in the region.”

Northern Justice is a BBC Daytime commission from Northern Child. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Rachel Platt and Helen Munson.

Northern Justice starts on BBC One from Tuesday 20 September at 10am.

Women X Industry Panel

Posted on 30 August 202210 October 2022 by North East Screen

North East Screen’s Comedy Hot House is delighted to announce the line up for its Industry Panel that is being held at the Women X Film Festival in Darlington on the 3rd of September.

12.30-1.30 Darlington Hippodrome, followed by informal networking.

Getting noticed and landing your first break writing for TV. North East Screen Comedy Hot House and Comedy 5050

Ever wondered how to write for TV? Come along and listen to our panel of experienced creatives about their writing journey, how they got their first break, and what they are doing to support more female writers to get their start in the industry.

Meet two writers from the region who have recently broken into the TV industry, alongside the founder of Comedy 50:50, an initiative to address gender inequalities in TV comedy. Hear about the different routes their careers have taken and why they think it is important to champion new voices and inclusivity in the industry.

Panel Guests

Saskia Schuster, founder of Comedy 5050, head of scripted at Fulwell 73 and the former Controller for Comedy at ITV. Anna Costello, a writer whose first comedy pilot recently aired on Dave, UKTV and Emily Fairweather, a writer who gained her first appointment on a BBC one drama, and who has since had several of her scripts optioned.

Hosted by Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and manager of Comedy Hot House at North East Screen.

Comedy 50:50 was founded by Saskia Schuster to address the gender imbalance in comedy, and to reflect the diverse range of voices that make up society. Comedy 5050’s intention is one of inclusivity and to push forward changes in a manner that is respectful to all talent. The initial focus is on writers, but the aim is to extend the initiative to all aspects of comedy performance and production.

Anna Costello is a writer from Consett, County Durham. In 2021 Anna was nominated for the All3Media New Comedy Script Award and won the UKTV and TriForce Underrepresented Writers Initiative. Anna’s comedy pilot Dead Canny is screening on UKTV for Dave. As a senior creative at Electric Noir Studios, Anna works on their BAFTA-nominated series, DEAD MAN’S PHONE, developing and writing interactive detective series for their mobile storytelling platform. Anna is represented as a writer by Berlin Associates. Dead Canny will be aired on August 24th at 10 pm on Dave, UKTV.

Emily Fairweather is a writer and actor from North Shields. Emily has worked on projects for the likes of UKTV and ITV and gained her first broadcast appointment on The Mallorca Files for BBC One. In addition, Emily has had a number of her original scripts optioned and is represented as a writer by Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.

Buy your tickets for the event here.

BBC Comedy presents Adult Film Club, an evening of comedy short films

Posted on 22 August 202222 August 2022 by North East Screen

On 29^th September in Newcastle, BBC Comedy and NE Screen Comedy Hot House come together to present Adult Film Club, a special screening of comedy short films including everything from innovative sketches to unforgettable viral oddities.

This new exciting event is part of the BBC City of Comedy in Newcastle which aims to help find, nurture and connect new comedy talent in the North East with UK commissioners and the wider TV industry.

Adult Film Club is the baby of comedy writer/performer Chris Cantrill (BBC2’s Alma’s Not Normal and half of Edinburgh nominated double act The Delightful Sausage) and animator/director Sam O’Leary (Inside No.9 and Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared). The night launched in Manchester with the aim of showcasing emerging talent and bringing together comedy creators and now with support from BBC Comedy and NE Screen Comedy Hot House Adult Film Club is coming to the North East. The event is produced by comedy producer Hal Branson.

Navi Lamba, Head of Talent Development BBC Comedy Commissioning said;
“We’re so excited to have Adult Film Club curate our short film nights in Newcastle. They are masters at finding comedy gems on the internet, and simultaneously putting on a 10/10 comedy show. We want to amuse, inspire and champion emerging regional comedy talent and AFC is the perfect vehicle!”

Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and Professional Development at North East Screen added;

“We are really excited to partner with BBC Comedy on another great event as part of BBC City of Comedy, we can’t wait to see what the talented folks at Adult Film Club have in store for us. If you like laughing, love short films and want to meet talent and commissioners come along and get inspired.”

Adult Film Club will be hosted at the Black Swan in Newcastle (Westgate Road) starting at 7pm. The show will include an extended interval with the opportunity to network with other comedy fans and creators.

Click here to sign up to the event.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

NE Screen Comedy Hot House, is a first-of-its kind comedy cooperative nurturing regional talent both on and off screen. We champion, connect and develop the region’s best comedy talent by creating outstanding opportunities with industry partners. North East Comedy Hot House – North East Screen

BBC City of Comedy
Newcastle was announced as the first BBC City of Comedy in September 2021 and hosted the first BBC Comedy Festival. The series of events took place across three days to explore, reflect on and celebrate comedy in the UK and was attended by comedy talent, commissioners, indie producers, people with a new career in TV and comedy and people wanting to break into the industry.

The BBC also announced their Regional Partnership Scheme, co-funded with North East Screen pairing a North East based emerging indie with a leading BBC Comedy supplier. Sea & Sky Productions were selected to work with Hat Trick Productions to co-develop a slate of ideas for BBC Comedy. The BBC City of Comedy in Newcastle will continue with the Adult Comedy short film nights.

This outreach activity is funded by BBC Comedy and North East Screen through BBC Small Indie fund and NESIP.

Adult Film Club is a comedy short film night created by writer/performer Chris Cantrill (Alma’s Not Normal, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, Late Night Mash) and animator/director Sam O’Leary (Inside No.9, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared). Based in Manchester, Adult Film Club exists to champion emerging comedy talent, DIY innovation and internet weirdos.

All aboard the Hot House Comedy Shuttle!

Posted on 5 August 20228 August 2022 by North East Screen

North East Screen and NEScreen Comedy Hot House have organised a bus to take comedy producers/writers/performers from the North East to the Edinburgh Festival for free on Thursday the 25th of August for the entire day.

TV comedy executives and indies all descend on Edinburgh for the final week of the Fringe Festival, creating a perfect networking opportunity for North East creatives.

The bus will be setting off from the North East early in the morning to allow for approximately 8 hours in Edinburgh.

If you’d like to join us, please register your interest via our Eventbrite page.

Please note, signing up to this event means you are registering your interest. Places are limited and we will send out a confirmation of your place on the bus on Tuesday the 16th of August. If you do not receive a confirmation from us, then unfortunately you will not be admitted on the bus. You must be based in the North East to attend this event.

Email hothouse@northeastscreen.org for more information. Keep an eye on the North East Screen and NEScreen Comedy Hot House socials to stay up to date with upcoming events.

Special thanks to the BBC City of Comedy for funding this amazing opportunity!

Sea & Sky pictures announced as North East Indie partner for BBC Comedy’s first ever Regional Partnership Scheme

Posted on 1 August 202210 October 2022 by North East Screen

North East Screen and Hat Trick Productions announce Sea & Sky pictures as North East Indie partner for BBC Comedy’s first ever Regional Partnership Scheme.

The new scheme was announced earlier this year as part of the BBC City of Comedy package.

Following an in depth selection process, involving industry leaders across business and editorial, Sea & Sky Pictures has been selected as the North East production company to co-develop a slate of ideas for BBC Comedy working alongside Hat Trick as part of the BBC’s Regional Partnership Scheme.

From a selection of 25 North East companies who applied, seven companies were introduced to the team at Hat Trick, with three going into more detailed conversations. Following these discussions Sea & Sky Pictures has been identified by Hat Trick as the company to work alongside them.

Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions said;
“It’s clear that the North East is teaming with talented producers and writers so it was difficult to select just one company for this particular opportunity, but having done so I can’t tell you how excited we are to be working with Sea & Sky on getting some brilliant projects to screen.”

Adam Bouabda, Managing Director of Sea & Sky Pictures added;
“The co-operation that it’s taken to get this initiative off the ground is phenomenal, I owe a massive thank you to Alison Gwynn, Lisa Laws, Jimmy Mulville and Emma Lawson. Sea & Sky Pictures will benefit massively from this partnership because I’ve never had the opportunity to work inside of a big indie, so I feel like we’re getting a look behind the curtain. We’ve got a great slate of comedy projects that I know Hat Trick are going to love and getting to develop four of them with the experienced team they have, is going to make it an interesting journey.”

Sea & Sky Pictures will receive £15,000 as part of the partnership to co-develop a slate of original comedy projects over a 6-monthy period.

Candle and Bell and Schnoobert Productions, the two other production companies who Hat Trick showed a keen interest in will also benefit from the process and will be awarded a £5,000 development bursary from BBC Comedy. The additional engagement was engineered as a response to having so much promising talent presented for the scheme and BBC Comedy wanting to support and engage with as many potential suppliers in the region as possible. The fund will also include time with the BBC commissioning team, and bespoke business support from North East Screen including PACT membership.

Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and Professional Development at North East Screen said;
“Working in partnership with the commissioning and business teams at BBC and Hat Trick on this scheme has already given a huge boost to the development of scripted comedy in the North East. It was great to see so many exciting regional companies step up for this opportunity to co-develop with a world class indie like Hat Trick. It shows we don’t have a shortage of ambition, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for producing exceptional TV comedy from and in the region.

This is not a win for one it’s a win for all and I am sure we will see the talent in the region working together to make the most of this and the future opportunities it will unlock. It’s a very exciting time for all the companies and talent involved.”

Emma Lawson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Comedy added:
“We’re delighted that Sea & Sky Pictures have been selected to go on this journey with Hat Trick – big up the Teessiders! Adam is such an entrepreneurial, collaborative producer, with an infectious energy, who has demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to comedy over the years. He is working with some of the very best emerging and established talent around, and we feel very lucky to have Sea & Sky Pictures, and all who sail with them, joining us for the first outing of this scheme.

The uptake for the scheme has meant that key industry figures have seen just how many unique, strong contenders to make comedy there are in the North East, which is a massive deal for the community as a whole. We hope to be working with many more of the companies over the coming months and have already allocated development funds to immediately support two more companies with their slates – Maria Caruana Galizia’s Candle & Bell Films, and Jason Cook’s fledgling Schnoobert Productions.”

The North East Regional Partnership Scheme was announced at the first BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle upon Tyne (the first BBC City of Comedy) in May 2022, and 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.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

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 nuture both new and established creative talent.

Sea & Sky pictures based in Hartlepool is a small indie formed in 2020 by Adam Bouabda. The company has produced scripted comedy, BFI funded short films, online content for commercial clients and its first feature film. They are developing and pitching several sitcoms and factual entertainment programmes to major broadcasters and streamers and have grown as an organisation thanks to recent funding.
www.seaandskypictures.co.uk

Candle & Bell was formed in 2013 and named one of the Top 50 Emerging Creative Companies, by Creative England. The company produces commercial content and currently has feature films in development with the BFI, Torino Script Lab, Jordan Film Fund and EIFF Talent Lab Connects.
www.candleandbell.co.uk

Schnoobert Productions was recently founded by Jason Cook, stand up, actor, screenwriter and executive producer. The company is partnership focused and was formed to give other North East writers, performers, producers, directors and other creatives an outlet. They are developing drama and comedy ideas and creating passionate, authentic characters to tell relatable and compelling stories.
www.schnoobert.co.uk

North East Screen’s Comedy Hot House is delighted to announce the line up for its Industry Panel that is being held at the Women X Film Festival in Darlington on the 3rd of September.

On 29th September in Newcastle, BBC Comedy and NE Screen Comedy Hot House come together to present Adult Film Club, a special screening of comedy short films including everything from innovative sketches to unforgettable viral oddities.

On 29^th September in Newcastle, BBC Comedy and NE Screen Comedy Hot House come together to present Adult Film Club, a special screening of comedy short films including everything from innovative sketches to unforgettable viral oddities.