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New BBC radio comedy show “Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!” produced by Candle and Bell airs

Posted on 14 August 2024 by North East Screen

Gateshead based, Candle and Bell’s first comedy series for BBC Radio 4, “Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!”, premieres today (Wednesday 14 August, 2024, at 11.15PM). The show stars the dynamic duo Lauren Pattison and Tom Machell, who also penned the series, promising a delightful blend of wit, humour, and charm.

“Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!” follows the misadventures of Tom and Lauren, a millennial couple from Newcastle upon Tyne, as they navigate one of life’s greatest challenges – leaving the house on time. Known for their sharp comedic timing and relatable humour, Pattison and Machell bring their unique voices to this refreshing new series that promises to leave listeners in stitches.

The show will feature special guest appearances from the hilarious Louise Young and the iconic Julian Clary, adding an extra layer of comedy and star power to the series. Listeners can expect laugh out loud moments, a barnstorming performance from Julian Clary, and plenty of Geordie humour.

Earlier this year, Candle and Bell were one of four North East production companies selected to benefit from the £1.5m BBC Small Indie Fund, receiving strategic investment and regular mentoring from a BBC commissioning editor.

Candle and Bell have also been supported by North East Screen through REACH and Open Horizons grants.

About the Stars:

Lauren Pattison has established herself as a breakout star of the comedy scene and has been nominated twice at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival.

Tom Machell is an award-winning writer and actor known for his work on Vera, Hullraisers and The Emily Atack Show.

Guest Stars:

Louise Young, nominated for best newcomer show at the Edinburgh Festival in 2023, Louise is fast becoming one of the rising stars of comedy in the country. Louise plays Becca, Lauren’s cousin.

Julian Clary, a beloved comedian and entertainer, Julian has been recognised for his work on stage and screen collecting multiple awards and accolades. He stars as Tom and Lauren’s nosey neighbour Neil.

Producer, Maria Caruana Galizia, said of the show, “Working with Tom and Lauren has been an absolute pleasure. We all wanted to produce something that listeners would find hilarious. It is really important that woven into the comedy is a sense of modern-day Newcastle, the people and sense of humour that is so prevalent throughout the city.”

Producer, Zahra Zomorrodian, added, “The Geordie sense of humour is legendary. It’s an honour to be able to share it with Radio 4 listeners.”

Writer and performer Tom Machell is equally passionate about working in his native Newcastle. He said, “It’s just the best thing in the world to finally be able to write something for Newcastle, record it in Newcastle with a bunch of Geordies (+ a couple of honoury.). Our city is a melting pot of talent, and this will hopefully pave the way for more people to invest in North East creatives.”

Of his special guest starring appearance, Julian Clary said, “The scripts were brilliant, and I can now understand a Geordie accent. Happy Days.”

The series was recorded at the Pride Media Centre in Gateshead, with Katherine Armitage directing, Tom Glenwright as studio engineer and edited by Philip Quinton. Steve Doherty of Giddy Goat Productions was executive producer. The episodes will broadcast weekly on Wednesdays: 14th August, 21st August, 28th August, and the final episode on 4th September.

Don’t miss episode 1 of “Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!”, BBC Radio 4, Wednesday 14th August, at 11.15PM.

Screen Alliance North and Women in Film and TV announce partnership to support industry professionals across the North

Posted on 8 August 20249 August 2024 by North East Screen

Screen Alliance North, a BFI skills cluster for the North of England, is joining forces to support Women in Film and TV’s highly successful and popular screen industry mentoring scheme, enhancing careers of seven women from the North across a variety of film and TV roles.

The mentoring scheme now in its 14th year is open to mid-career women in film, television, and digital media. The six-month scheme offers one-to-one mentoring with senior industry professionals, peer-to-peer training, and bespoke career development workshops.

The programme is designed for women looking to take a significant step in their career. Seven women will be selected from the North of England following a detailed selection process. Each mentee will be paired with a relevant industry professional to guide and support them through the mentorship programme.

Screen Alliance North has funded four places for women in below-the-line roles. Additionally, its partners Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, and Screen Manchester, have provided funding for three more places for above-the-line roles, ensuring comprehensive support for women in the industry across the North.

Alongside funding an additional mentorship place, North East Screen are offering 20 fully funded WFTV memberships to female and non-binary crew in the North East.

As a WFTV member, you will be able to access a plethora of resources throughout the year, these include events, bursaries, mentoring and professional development schemes, you will also receive the WFTV newsletter which is full of the latest industry news and incentives. Click here to apply for a fully-funded WFTV membership.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said;

“We are committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse screen industry in the North East. By working with Women in Film and TV, we will help bridge any skills gaps women may face and help to support and develop those in higher positions on productions.

This is an incredible opportunity for women of our region. The free memberships, alongside the mentorship scheme with Screen Alliance North, give comprehensive coverage for all levels of experience, whether they be early careers or Head of Departments.”

Caroline Cooper-Charles, Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire and lead partner for Screen Alliance North said;

“The work that Women in Film and TV do is critical in empowering women in the media. Through their mentoring initiative, which supports women across the UK, they help women to advance in their careers, improve their networks and give them the opportunity to learn from leading professionals in the industry. This well-established programme has been highly successful and we’re delighted to be partnering to strengthen its impact across the North and ensure that our exceptional regional talent can grow and be nurtured.”

Katie Bailiff, CEO of Women in Film and TV added;

“We are delighted to be partnering with Screen Alliance North to offer seven dedicated places in the North of England on our Four Nations Mentoring Scheme. We are passionate about developing mid career female talent in the north and look forward to bringing together a diverse cohort to supercharge their careers.”

Anyone interested in the scheme can apply here Mentoring | WFTV UK up until 5pm on Monday 16 September. A minimum of 5 years experience is needed and all roles within the screen industry will be considered.

Full details of the scheme and how to apply can also be found here. WFTV Four Nations Mentoring Scheme 2025: Find Out More & How To Apply on Vimeo

BBC and North East working together to boost the screen industry

Posted on 1 August 20242 August 2024 by North East Screen

Director-General Tim Davie met with local leaders Kim McGuinness and Ben Houchen at the Darlington Hippodrome today (1 August 2024), to discuss the region’s future. The event marked three years since the BBC first signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the North East Screen Industry Partnership (NESIP) as part of it’s Across the UK plan.

Since the MOU was signed in 2021, the BBC has worked closely with its North East partners to boost world class “homegrown storytelling” from the region – providing key funding for production, employment, and the development of the area’s media industry. This included additional funding for North East Screen, and was part of the BBC’s Across the UK programme – to better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the UK.

The BBC and the North East Screen Partnership (NESIP) has created 293 local jobs to date, contributing £18.6m of value to the region, and is on track to create a £50m a year production sector in the area by 2027.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, said: “The landmark BBC partnership was a substantial catalyst for the growth the screen industry in the North East. Over the past two years production has grown by 86% making our region the fastest growing in the UK. We have welcomed home grown and inward productions from the BBC, ITV, C4, Sky, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as major feature films. To date the NESIP programme has generated £40.2m of GVA and secured regional jobs equivalent to 650 FTEs.

“The BBC partnership has played a key role in driving industry confidence in our production and supply chain companies, talent, regional-based crew and our world-class locations.

With growing strength in our local production companies and infrastructure, and studio developments already underway, we will continue the delivering alongside our partners to ensure the North East has a sustainable screen industry that will see global content produced in the region all year long.”

On Wednesday, Tim Davie also visited the set of CBBC’s The Dumping Ground – which is filmed in Hexham, Northumberland, and employs local talent at all levels of production. The Dumping Ground’s award winning trainee scheme has seen over 80 participants take part from the region, securing a pipeline of local creative talent.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “The BBC is proud to play a part in this landmark commitment to the North East. By boosting investment, allocating the right resources, and moving people outside of London – we’re making sure that authentic, home-grown stories from this amazing region are being told. It is our mission to bring people together and make sure the BBC continues to serve and reflect audiences from across the UK. We’re committed to our vision of supporting the North East’s vibrant media industry for the future.”

The BBC partnership has played a key role in driving industry confidence in our production and supply chain companies, talent, regional-based crew and our world-class locations. With growing strength in our talent, infrastructure, and studio developments already underway, we will continue the delivering alongside our partners to ensure the North East has a sustainable screen industry that will see global content produced in the region all year long.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness says: “Our North East has been the backdrop for iconic TV shows and films, and talent and creativity runs through our DNA as a region. Work by the BBC and North East Screen has helped kick start a renaissance in local production, job creation and investment in the North East’s screen industry. However, this is just the start. As Mayor I want to go further – so our region and talent is seen on screens across the globe. Just this week, I approved £25 million investment to begin work on the Crown Works Studios, which will create world-class film and TV production facilities in Sunderland. This will help make our area the home of real opportunity, ending the days where people have to leave the North East to pursue a career in creative industries.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says: “Our region has fantastic locations, amazing talent, and huge potential as a centre for TV and film making – so it has been great to see the development of new shows in our area as part of this growing partnership with the BBC.

“We are building a growing reputation as a place where opportunities in the creative and digital sectors are thriving. This is why the expansion of the BBC in places such as Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool is so important as it not only shows off the best of our area but provides long-term careers for local people in well-paid skilled industries.”

Sara Davies says: “Having just finished filming The Big Idea Works with TwentySix03, I can tell you first-hand that the creative and production power of the North East is second to none. The BBC’s commitment to the region is a reflection of this wealth of talent, and long may it continue. We have much more to offer and, thanks to relationships with people like North East Screen, the viewers will see this in action. We all know that television is a challenging industry, but my goodness – there is a great deal to recognise in the region, and we need to make sure that production talent is preserved, nurtured and supported.”

By celebrating the MOU’s three-year anniversary and its current achievements, the BBC and its partners are ensuring that the North East’s growing legacy as a major entertainment producer is safeguarded for years to come

Award-winning skills initiative on Dumping Ground boosts North East crew

Posted on 31 July 2024 by North East Screen

North East Screen has partnered with the BBC on an award-winning industry skills training program on the set of CBBC’s The Dumping Ground in Hexham, Northumberland. This program gives new entrants hands-on experience and upskills existing crew, advancing their careers in TV and film.

This year, 40 members of the North East Screen Crew Academy attended an Open Day and then applied to shadow a department of their choice during production. Of these, eight trainees were selected for a paid, five-day placement on set, offering valuable practical experience.

Last year, 50% of final-stage trainees secured paid, full-time roles on The Dumping Ground and continue to work with the BBC on series 13, currently in production.

Kristina Hopkin from Stockon-on-Tees was able to secure her first professional credit after taking part in the skills initiative. She said: “I had the best time during my weeks paid placement on The Dumping Ground, shadowing the Art Department and am now working there as a Art Department Trainee. Without North East Screen, none of this would have been possible.”

Glenn Ellis from Newcastle said, “The week I spent with the Grip team as a Grip Trainee was invaluable to me. Both the training I received and the contacts I made have enabled me to secure work on productions like Outlander, Vera, and a major feature film.”

Katja Roberts

Lisa Davidson, Skills Manager at North East Screen, said: “It’s a crucial opportunity for trainees to bridge the gap between education and employment by directly engaging with industry professionals. This program allows HODs to meet and interact with potential candidates, ensuring they find the right fit for their teams.”

North East Screen’s skills development program on The Dumping Ground gives existing crew the opportunity to progress their careers. There are nine crew members stepping up in to new roles currently working on the show. The roles include DOP, Edit Assistant, Electrician and Production Secretary.

For the first time, a shadowing program has also been put in place for directors to step across and develop their careers in TV. Katja Roberts, one of two directors selected, said: “As a director moving into scripted TV, shadowing on The Dumping Ground is proving to be an incredibly valuable experience for me. I have had a really warm welcome into the Dumping Ground family, and I’d love the chance to return for future series.”

If you are looking to step into or step up your career in the screen industry, head to the North East Screen website to view the support we provide.

North East Mayor approves £25m film and TV industry investment

Posted on 31 July 202431 July 2024 by North East Screen

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and members of the North East Combined Authority have given the green light to a £25 million investment in the region’s screen industry.

At its Cabinet meeting held yesterday (Tuesday 30 July), Mayor McGuiness and local authority leaders approved £25 million to begin preparation on the site at Sunderland Riverside, which will be home to Crown Works Studios, a world-leading film and TV production studio.

The completed development will create up to 8,450 jobs across the North East by 2033. It is forecast that as the studio development and its supply chain grows over the next 10 years, it could add £2 billion to the region’s economy.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“The North East is already a hotbed for arts and culture. Today we are sending a message that we will be the home for world-class film and TV production. Our North East has been the backdrop for iconic TV shows and films, and talent and creativity runs through our DNA as a region. Now we will retake our place on screens across the globe.

“We will build a thriving creative economy from the banks of the River Wear and beyond, creating thousands of amazing jobs for local people. Doing so will make our area the home of real opportunity – ending the days where people have to leave the North East to pursue a career in creative industries.“

Cllr Michael Mordey, Cabinet member for Finance and Investment and leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Creative industries represent a huge opportunity for the whole of the North East, and we know that film studios like those proposed for Sunderland Riverside will be absolutely transformational for the city and region, supporting many thousands of jobs and delivering enormous benefits for businesses in the supply chain.

“We’re thrilled that the exciting proposals for studios in Sunderland have captured the imagination of so many people across the North East, and that the city will become home to yet another powerhouse, that will deliver huge advantages for the city, region and UK Plc. We look forward to working closely with the sector and investors on this world-class opportunity.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen commented:

“The North East is currently the fastest growing region in the UK for film and TV production and has seen an 86% increase over the past two years with 2024 already set to create even more jobs for local people. “The Crown Works Studios development will supercharge the North East to become an international film and TV production hotspot, where world class content for global audiences is made all year round.”

If you’re looking to become part of the screen industry supply chain in the North East, contact development@northeastscreen.org

Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson to return for new Murder, They Hope special co-produced by Schnoobert Productions

Posted on 28 July 202430 July 2024 by North East Screen

UKTV have today (23rd of July) announced a new Murder, They Hope special entitled Apocalypse Slough, to be produced by Newcastle-based Schnoobert Productions alongside Tiger Aspect. The special will air on Gold this Autumn and follows the success of Christmas special, Blood Actually.

Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson return asTerry and Gemma Bremmeralongside Sarah Hadland as Gemma’s wannabe influencer sister, Monica. The Bremmers were last seen in the Christmas special Blood Actually, which launched to 863K* viewers in December and starred Jane Horrocks, Martin Kemp, Robert Webb, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Sherrie Hewson.

Writer, creator, and executive producer, Jason Cook, said: “It’s so good to be back with Gemma and Terry, and this time Monica’s tagging along to increase the chaos! What an amazing cast we managed to get for this one, with some really fantastic performances. I can’t wait for everyone to see.”

Apocalypse Slough sees Gemma achieve her dreams of becoming an official, ball busting, kick ass investigator at the Serious Crimes Agency (SCA), whilst Terry is denied the dream thanks to his colourful criminal history. With this new strain on their relationship, they’re thrown in headfirst to crack a curious double murder at a local rugby club – whose members seem to have dark and disturbing secrets of their own. As Gemma leads them closer into the complex case, questions begin to arise about their partnership and the mysteries they uncover. If Gemma doesn’t pick up the pace, it could be game over for everyone; her and Terry included!

The standalone specialhas been commissioned for UKTV by Sarah Asante, commissioning editor for scripted comedy and ordered by Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning.

Sarah Asante said: “Following the success of Blood Actually, I am thrilled to bring back Sian, Johnny, and Sarah for yet another uproarious one-off instalment alongside the additional fresh and exceptional ensemble cast. Brace yourself, as Apocalypse Slough is set to take us on another intriguing romp, full of laughs and surprises delivered by Jason Cook and the Tiger Aspect team.”

Gerald Casey added: “I’m incredibly overwhelmed by the positive response viewers have shown for Blood Actually, allowing us to continue to deliver more killer comedy with an outstanding line-up of talent. I can promise that this one-off special will bring a guarantee of laughter and a murderously good time!”

Apocalypse Slough will air on Gold this September. Catch up on the previous series of Murder, They Hope on Sky, Virgin and NOW.

Lore, a Sea & Sky Pictures production, to premiere in August

Posted on 26 July 202430 July 2024 by North East Screen

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment has announced that horror film Lore, produced by Hartlepool-based Sea & Sky Pictures, will premiere exclusively on the Icon Film Channel on Amazon Prime from the 26th of August.

A gripping and gruesome anthology horror, this highly acclaimed film, which premiered at FrightFest 2023, stars Richard Brake (Doom, Hannibal Rising), Andrew Lee Potts (The Witcher, Primeval), Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso, Lady Macbeth), and Rufus Hound (Hounded, Queens of Mystery).

Four young thrill-seeking friends book a horror-themed camping excursion led by Darwin, a strange and eccentric guide. One night around the campfire, Darwin encourages them to tell the scariest and most twisted story they can think of. As they recount tales of sinister spirits and malevolent demons, the group soon realises that these stories will have very real consequences for them all.

A love letter to classic horror, Lore is premiering exclusively on the Icon Film Channel from the 26th of August. Lore will also be available in select UK cinemas from the 27th of September and then on Digital Download from the 21st of October.

Harder Than the Rock set for UK cinema release

Posted on 25 July 202425 July 2024 by North East Screen

J6 Films and Margot Films have announced that Harder Than the Rock: The Cimarons Story, a feature film directed by Durham-based filmmaker Mark Warmington, will be released in UK cinemas this October.

Harder Than the Rock chronicles the incredible journey of Britain’s first reggae band, Cimarons. Formed by teenage Jamaican immigrants in a London bus shelter in 1967, the band were at the forefront of the reggae explosion in the 1970s. Thousands of miles from Jamaica, they brought excitement, experimentation, and sheer anticipation to Black British youth, connecting them to their roots and identity through their powerful music.

Cimarons collaborated with industry legends such as Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and even Paul McCartney. Despite their significant contributions, the band has been largely under-recognised for their music, impact, and legacy. The film poignantly captures their history and follows their final chapter, when, despite losing their beloved drummer Maurice Ellis to cancer, they dream of performing to live audiences – one last time.

The film first premiered at Sheffield DocFest in June and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

James Baxter, the producer of the film said:

“We had a number of offers via distribution companies; however we spent so much time making the film, we wanted to put the same time and effort into releasing the film to the right cinemas at the right time.

We noticed after the Premiere of the film at Sheffiled Doc festival there was a significant ground swell of interest for the band and their music.’’

Mark Warmington, director of the film said:

“It’s been an absolute honour to have Cimarons entrust me to tell their story, which started in 1967 and continues to the present day.

If ever a band had an excuse to be bitter and resentful of the music industry, I think Cimarons would be top of the list. The way those guys have been exploited is obscene, but they’ve persevered with dedication, humour and, above all, a commitment and love for reggae music. I’m delighted that this documentary is now going some way to getting them the recognition they deserve.”

The film will be released in October inline with Black History Month. A full list of participating cinemas and dates will be released in early September, along with other Q&A events with the Director/Band, hosted by a number of music legends.

North East Screen to offer Women in Film and TV Memberships for North East-based crew

Posted on 19 July 202419 July 2024 by North East Screen

Last night (18th of July), North East Screen announced they will be offering 20 fully funded Women in Film and TV (WFTV) Memberships to female and non-binary crew based in the North East of England.

This opportunity was announced at a Summer Networking event in partnership with WFTV at the Black Swan in Newcastle.

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, said: “It’s great to see so many women involved in the screen industry in one room! Women in Film and TV is a brilliant organisation, and we are thrilled to be offering 20 WFTV memberships for above and below-the-line talent.”

Over 130 female-identifying and non-binary crew members from all areas of the screen industry singed up to learn more about WFTV and network at the summer networking event in Newcastle.

Click here to apply for a fully funded WFTV membership.

If you have any questions, please email development@northeastscreen.org

Major boost for North East TV & Film as post-production studio lands in Newcastle

Posted on 10 July 202410 July 2024 by North East Screen

Leeds-based post-production company, True North Post, has chosen Newcastle for their next studio with the potential of bringing more creative jobs to the city over the coming years.

True North Post is known throughout the industry as a specialist in post-production, having delivered thousands of hours of content for the most prestigious broadcasters in the world.

Post-production facilities are where the editing, visual effects, sound design, colour grading and rendering processes can be completed and True North Post’s decision to bring this capability to Newcastle is regarded as one of the final pieces of the jigsaw puzzle for the North East screen sector.

With 20 years of experience delivering award-winning programmes, including Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes and Help! We Bought A Village, True North Post’s commissioning clients include BBC, MTV, Discovery, Channel 4 and Sky.

Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, has supported the company’s decision to locate in Newcastle, which was based on the potential for future growth and the presence of North East Screen, which is focused on building a sustainable infrastructure that can supply to global industry all year round, creating more jobs and providing more opportunities for people in the region to work on global content.

True North Post has been working closely with Invest Newcastle and North East Screen throughout the process and will be based in the city centre Collingwood Buildings to maintain close proximity to regional and national transport links.

Gemma Ackerley, Business Consultant, True North Post, said:

“The team are thrilled to be opening their doors in Newcastle, bringing top-tier post-production services to the region. Our focus on training and development aims to nurture local talent and create new opportunities within the vibrant North East creative community.

“We are excited to work closely with and support North East productions, providing comprehensive post-production services tailored to their unique needs. Our commitment is to enhance the region’s creative output and help bring local stories to life with exceptional quality and expertise.

“It has been fantastic partnering with North East Screen and Invest Newcastle. Their support and collaboration have been instrumental in helping us establish a strong presence in the region, and we look forward to many more successful ventures together.”

True North Post’s arrival in Newcastle comes at an exciting time for the creative industries across North East England, with the announcement of a £450 million film studio development in Sunderland, Crown Works Studios, and a three-fold increase in production over the past 12 months.

Jennifer Hartley, Director of Investment, NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), said:

“It’s been a pleasure working with True North Post helping them find the right home in Newcastle and bringing with them much-needed post-production capabilities that will enrich the creative industries ecosystem.

“Following the establishment of North East Screen Industries Partnership, and working alongside North East Screen, we now have a thriving sector and are seeing more and more TV and film productions being shot in the stunning locations our region has to offer.

“With True North Post joining us, those productions can now be brought to life locally and used to promote the outstanding natural beauty we have across the North East.”

Lisa Laws, Director of Development, North East Screen, said:

“With studio developments in the region on the horizon and an ever-increasing number of productions filming in the North East, True North Post’s arrival is a great addition to our wider post-production and supply chain network.

“It’s been a pleasure to support them with the recruitment of posts to their Newcastle office, especially given how committed they are to investing in skills development. We are thrilled to welcome them to the region.”

Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, said:

“This is great news for the city and the region, coming on the back of the announcement of Crown Works film studios setting up in Sunderland, we are committed to growing the sector and the investment from True North Post is testimony to the skills, the sector, and the ambition we have here.

“The new combined authority has set out a bold ambition for the region and will unlock further opportunities for us to grow our region as a creative hub growing our reputation as an international player in the film and TV industry.”

Cabinet Member for a Thriving City at Newcastle City Council, Cllr Alex Hay, said:

“I am delighted that True North Post have decided to locate right here in our city centre.

“This vote of confidence in Newcastle as a city will create new job opportunities for our residents which complements our ambition to create an inclusive economy where everyone can have a stake in the city’s growth and success.”