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New multi-million pound production fund set to ignite North East screen industry

Posted on 15 September 20235 March 2024 by North East Screen

On Tuesday in the heart of London, North East Screen was in the spotlight as it launched its multi-million pound Production Fund to a room full of screen industries movers and shakers. The fund is set to transform the North East and attract more production companies and filmmakers to film in the region hot on the heels of much anticipated studio development plans.

North East talent and locations have starred on screens in recent years with major feature films such as Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves and 1917, as well as much loved TV drama Vera and children’s show The Dumping Ground, all choosing the North East to act as a backdrop.

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen said,

“We’ve got world class talent, exciting studio developments, an emerging infrastructure and now a Production Fund to supercharge the screen industry in the North East. We will attract more high-end TV productions, feature films and returning series to the region, providing more jobs and opportunities for regional and re-locating crew.”

Piloted in early 2023, the North East Production Fund has so far funded three very different productions: feature film JACKDAW from Tees Valley-born Director, Jamie Childs, and Anton Corp; unscripted children’s TV show, Cooking with the Gills, from Sunderland-based MCC Media, for Milkshake; and highly-anticipated drama, The Red King, from Quay Street Productions for UKTV.

Speaking of the support they have received from the Production Fund, Samantha McMillion, Chief Operating Officer at Quay Street Productions said,

“The support we have received from North East Screen through the Production Fund has been extraordinary. The team at North East Screen strive to work as a partner to production and have ensured that communication, and their approach, is collaborative throughout. Their team has been fantastic to work with and I would encourage other productions to seriously consider filming in the North East.

“Being able to provide jobs for local people, support trainees from the region and contribute to the continued growth of the industry in the North East is something we really value at Quay Street.”

Feature film JACKDAW is Tees Valley-born Jamie Childs’ directorial debut, shot in and around the area he grew up in. He said,

“I come from a northern colliery village and I’ve always wanted to make things here. The film shows off the North East in a very stylised and fictional way and allowed me and the great cast and crew to just have fun filming it.”

Delivered by regional screen agency, North East Screen, on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), the discretionary fund looks to support scripted and unscripted film and TV productions from both indigenous companies and incoming productions with grants being made between £50,000 up to £500,000. All applications are judged by an independent panel of industry experts following a rigorous application process.

NESIP is the ambitious partnership of all 12 local and combined authorities across North East England investing in growing the screen industry, driving inward investment and creating local jobs. North East Screen is delivering this groundbreaking programme to grow a thriving screen ecosystem which includes a hands-on film office service and significant skills and talent support. In a tough economic environment the North East is both ready to invest in productions ready to shoot immediately, but also interested in having conversations about development opportunities which best showcase the talent and beauty of the region with even more funding opportunities on the horizon. Productions should complete an Expression of Interest at www.northeastscreen.org/project/production-fund.

Alison Gwynn, Jamie Childs, and David Parfitt

We are hiring – come work for the North East Screen family!

Posted on 13 September 202313 September 2023 by North East Screen

We are looking for two people to join us as Development Coordinator and Skills Coordinator and continue to develop and support the North East’s film and TV industry.

If you love film and TV, have solid admin skills, a creative eye and want to make an impact then the Development Coordinator role may be just right for you. You’ll be part of the Talent and Business Development team helping to support North East companies and talent to land opportunities and thrive.

There’ll be a number of administrative duties you’ll have to do and be first port of call for all development related enquiries, as well as assisting the wider team with events and content creation.

Apply now for the Development Coordinator role.

If you fancy helping people get work in film and TV and supporting them on their journey, then apply to be our Skills Coordinator? You will be part of the Film Office team, reporting to the Skills Manager.

Your role will see you support North East based crew and those looking to get into the industry, offering insights on work opportunities, and give our Crew Academy members support and advice that will lead to them landing that next role. You’ll also look after our Crew Academy database, ensuring it is up-to-date and explore ways to grow and maintain it.

Apply now for the Skills Coordinator role.

You have until Midnight, Sunday 8^th October to apply.

South Shields base puts filmmakers at heart of growing industry

Posted on 27 July 202327 July 2023 by North East Screen

A burgeoning North East creative sector is helping a team of North East filmmakers tell stories about their homeland.

Award-winning South Shields film, television, and training company, Red Stamp Productions, is fast building a reputation for delivering unique, quality work about the North East and its diverse communities.

Co-founder, Connor Langley, who formed the company with Michael Lambert, and Michael Rowlands, believes the team’s affinity with the region helps drive their passion for projects.

“I had to move from the North East to cut my teeth in the industry, going to the North West to work on the documentary “Idris Elba, No Limits” for Discovery,” he said. “It was a fantastic experience, but also one that helped me realise that while I enjoyed working on a factual productions, it was scripted projects that really interested me.

“I’d graduated from Sunderland University and decided to go back to study for my Masters. I met the two Michaels and realised we had loads in common. We worked together to create four, 20-minute horror comedies that won an RTS Award and we were off and running.

“There were a few obstacles as we worked to establish ourselves, COVID being the main one, but we’ve delivered some really nice projects and continued to win work.”

Among the projects have been an award-winning music video for 27 Productions, a musical about the former British Steel blast furnace at Redcar, short film The 12^th Man about a supporter’s love for Middlesbrough, and a series of signed films for deaf children.

Michael Rowlands said: “Though working-class stories are told on screen, seldom are they told by working-class people. Now that we have this exciting new kit, we’ll open opportunities for other working-class filmmakers to come and take advantage of it to create art, tell stories, and bring representation to the region from those that live and work here.”

As work lines up, Red Stamp is optimistic about the future of regional filmmaking, with Fulwell 73 creating a studio in Sunderland, Hartlepool’s Northern Studios opening and support agency North East Screen receiving funding from all councils to bring productions to the region like the recently released blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

To capitalise on the firm’s unique location in the heart of the North East, Red Stamp invested in state of the art equipment, thanks to a £30,000 grant from Innovate UK, funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

The Black Magic Mini Ursa 12K Camera was recently added to Netflix’s approved camera list, meeting the exacting standards set by streaming giant for productions on the platform.

Michael Lambert added: “The grant has been invaluable. Too often talent has moved away and aspirations of the next generation hampered because of few job opportunities here in the TV and film industry. Red Stamp is passionate about creating a sustainable production company, aiming high for the next decade and bringing large-scale productions to the North East. This will then champion and employ young filmmakers and crew.”

Connor added: “We’re committed to telling the stories we love from the North East and to help create a thriving film production industry here, alongside the many extremely talented companies who are already here.

“The new kit will strengthen our offer and help us build our reputation across an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into and almost inaccessible for a South Tyneside based company a few years ago.

“But things have changed. The industry is waking up to great local talent, amazing film-making locations and an enthusiasm to make this once in a generation opportunity fly.

“It costs so much to get up and running and we’re now investing in cameras that I could never have dreamed of even seeing, never mind using, when I was a student. The barriers for potential filmmakers from working-class backgrounds are still there, but they are getting smaller and with the help of North East Screen and arts and creative support organisations there will be greater opportunity for young filmmakers in the North East.”

The company recently welcomed experienced media executive, Alex Connock, as a Red Stamp shareholder. A founder of Ten Alps with Bob Geldof, which owned TV production companies and was responsible for ground-breaking shows like The Big Breakfast, he said: “It’s exciting that there is this new and cutting edge production business in South Shields, at the same time as wider investment in studios and media production in the region. Media is a unique industry through which South Shields can access a world market – with its talent, its ideas and its locations – and it’s great that local government is so engaged.”

Connor added: “Alex adds knowledge, experience and has so many contacts across the industry, so it’s a genuine coup to have him involved with the business.

“It feels like everything is falling into place for Red Stamp and we’re all genuinely excited about what the future hold for us, the company and the industry across the North East.”

Cllr Margaret Meling, lead member for Economic Growth and Transport, said: “Having signed the Film-Friendly Charter, we recognise the benefits to our economy and tourism of the TV and film industry and we congratulate Red Stamp on the work they are doing to champion the region on screen

“The passion, skill and enthusiasm of the team there is evident and the work they produce is of the highest quality. I’m pleased that the Council has been able to support the company and I very much look forward to seeing more of their work.”

Speaking about Red Stamp’s growth, North East Screen’s Head of Talent and Business Development, Lisa Laws, said: “Connor and the team at Red Stamp are super passionate not only about the region, but the whole industry, and I know they will make the most of any opportunity that comes their way.

“We’re delighted to be supporting them as they continue to grow and establish themselves within the North East screen sector.”

We Are Newcastle United Launches Weekly on Prime Video From Friday 11th August

Posted on 26 July 202326 July 2023 by North East Screen

Prime Video today released the official trailer for the highly anticipated UK Original documentary series We Are Newcastle United, which will launch exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, with the first episode airing on Friday 11^thAugust. We Are Newcastle United is the latest addition to the Prime membership.

New episodes in the four-part docuseries will launch each week through to Friday 1^st September and tell the inside-story of Newcastle’s expectation-defying 2022/23 season which culminated in qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The full episode release schedule is as follows:

· Episode 1: Friday 11^th August

· Episode 2: Friday 18^th August

· Episode 3: Friday 25^th August

· Episode 4: Friday 1^st September

Narrated by Newcastle United’s all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer, the series will offer a unique insight into the club’s ongoing evolution under head coach Eddie Howe, offering exclusive access to the club’s decision makers and following the Magpies’ ongoing 2022/23 season from close quarters. With Eddie Howe’s squad chasing European qualification in the league after reaching their first cup final for 24 years, the series will explore how the decisions made by the club off the pitch impact their fortunes on it.

The series will also delve into Newcastle United’s storied history at the heart of one of the world’s great football cities and will explore the club’s unique bond with its passionate supporters as they follow their team in a season that has already defied expectations.

We Are Newcastle United is produced by Lorton Entertainment and 72 Films, a Fremantle company, executive produced by Clare Cameron and three-time BAFTA winner John Douglas.

The series follows the global success of All or Nothing: Arsenal, All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur and All or Nothing: Manchester City and joins Prime Video’s growing line-up of sports content which includes documentaries such as Rooney, The Pogmentary, Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In, Take Us Home: Leeds United, Inside Borussia Dortmund, When Eagles Dare, Andy Murray: Resurfacing and The Test. Prime Video also offers a wide selection of live sport for Prime members globally, including Premier League football in the UK, US Open, ATP and WTA Tour tennis in the UK and Ireland, Ligue 1 football and Roland-Garros tennis in France, UEFA Champions League football in Germany and Italy, Thursday Night Football in the United States, New Zealand Cricket in India and more.

The production team behind this series were assisted by North East Screen’s Film Office.

Watch the trailer below.

Charlotte Crosby returns to BBC Three and BBC iPlayer for more Charlotte in Sunderland

Posted on 21 July 202321 July 2023 by North East Screen

Cameras will once again follow the unpredictable and dynamic world of entrepreneur and TV personality Charlotte Crosby as Charlotte in Sunderland returns to BBC Three and BBC iPlayer for a second series later in 2023.

Made by Chatterbox Media, Charlotte in Sunderland series two (10 x 30’) will pick up a few months after the conclusion of the first series, which saw Charlotte face a host of life changing moments including discovering she was pregnant with her first child, her partner Jake leaving Manchester and moving to the North East, her mum being diagnosed with cancer and the sad passing of her beloved nana Jean.

The second series gets underway with Charlotte’s daughter Alba now seven months old – and Charlotte having some big plans for the rest of 2023…

Charlotte Crosby says: “I am so excited to announce that I am back on BBC Three in the Autumn for series 2 of Charlotte in Sunderland! Last year was a rollercoaster and the BBC and Chatterbox showed great sensitivity while filming some of the happiest and saddest moments of my life. I will treasure it forever as a tribute to my lovely Nana Jean. Get ready for another amazing series which will bring everyone up to date with me Jake and Alba – and of course Mam and Dad. It will be full of lols and a few surprises!”

Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three says: “It is great to get Charlotte back once again giving viewers an access all areas pass to her entertaining world…the best bit is that off screen the team making it will be supporting local North East production talent develop – it’s a winning combo for sure.”

Nav Raman, Executive Producer for Chatterbox Media says: “We’re excited that Charlotte’s hit series is returning. We look forward sharing her on the next chapter of her hectic life – juggling relationships, work, romance and motherhood.”

Series 1 of Charlotte in Sunderland averaged 300,000 (28 day / 4Screen) with 40% of this audience between the ages of 16-34, with strong overall iPlayer viewing (62%) and the series performed particularly well with viewers in the North of England. The series also generated 448k engagements via social media with a combined total of 36m impressions.

Charlotte in Sunderland series 2 will be broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer this Autumn.

The first series is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

Charlotte in Sunderland (10 x 30’) is made by Chatterbox Media for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producers for Chatterbox are Nav Raman and Ali Quirk. The series was commissioned by Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three and Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Ruby Kuraishe.

North East Screen announces ten North East indies set to be the champions for the region’s TV and film industry

Posted on 21 July 20238 August 2023 by North East Screen

Pact and North East Screen joint initiative – Future North East – names its ten participating indies aiming to fast track them to global businesses.

Pact and North East Screen have announced the ten ambitious North East indies who are the beneficiaries of their supercharged development programme, Future North East, following an in-depth selection process by a panel of leading UK TV and film industry experts.

Future North East is based on Pact’s successful Future30 scheme – which launched in 2021 as part of its 30^th anniversary celebrations – and is designed to identify promising indies in the North East and unlock their potential to grow as global businesses.

The ten successful indies are: Gateshead-based Candle & Bell, Motif, TwentySix-03 and Signpost Productions; Newcastle-based Schnoobert Productions, Northern Child and Try Life; Sunderland-based MCC Media; Hartlepool-based Sea & Sky Pictures; and Middlesbrough-based Wander Films.

The two-year scheme gives each indie a tailored leadership and development programme with access to leading industry experts, led by Pact’s Managing Director of Business Development & Global Strategy, Dawn McCarthy-Simpson MBE, providing them with the tools to grow their business ambitions.

Commenting on the successful companies, Lisa Laws, North East Screen’s Head of Talent and Business Development, said:

“The ten chosen companies have already grabbed attention from broadcasters, distributors and potential co-producers. Between them they present a diverse, active slate, and a real desire to grow inclusive companies that deliver global screen content across a range of platforms to current and future markets.

“Future North East builds on North East Screen’s working relationship with Pact, and is going to energise and connect these companies to experts that will enable them to move to the next level.

“We all share a common goal of making the North East a place where sustainable, world class film and TV companies thrive. What makes this a very special group is that they are all backing each other for success and supporting one another to make a difference making sure our region a great place for talent to live and work.”

Pact’s Managing Director of Business Development & Global Strategy, Dawn McCarthy-Simpson MBE, said:

“It’s great to see such talent coming through the North East and a good sign for the future of the British screen sector. Well done to the successful applicants and we look forward to working with them over the next two years to help them develop their businesses.”

Maria Caruana Galizia, Managing Director at Candle & Bell said:

“I’m delighted to be part of Future North East. It’s a really exciting time for Candle & Bell as well as the wider film and tv industry in the region, and it’s great to have the support from PACT and North East Screen as we look to grow as a company. The entire cohort of producers on Future NE are all incredibly talented and experienced, and we’re thrilled to be part of the scheme.”

Paul Irwin, Director of Try Life said:

“Being part of this scheme has come at the perfect time for us as we move into the next phase as a business. The support from Pact and North East Screen is exactly the kind of support we need as we finalise a handful of commissions. Networking with the other nine companies and all working together to bring success to the region is extremely exciting.”

Andrew Eastel, Creative Director at Northern Child said:

“Northern Child are delighted to have been accepted onto the Future North East scheme, and very grateful for the opportunity. There is huge potential for a thriving TV industry in this region but that starts with sustaining and growing businesses like ours and the other indies on the scheme – all of which are led by super-talented local creatives who will be hugely successful given this kind of support.”

James Craggs, Co-Founder of Motif said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be selected as one of the companies to benefit from the Future North East initiative. It’ll be an amazing two years which will help us improve every facet of our company. We’re at the start of our journey now and having access to PACT as well as a network of other North East-based companies to grow with will be of huge benefit.”

Adam Bouabda, Founder of Sea & Sky Pictures said:

“It’s fantastic to be supported by PACT and North East Screen. As a self-confessed ‘Cowboy’ of this industry, it’s very important that someone has got our back and can guide us through the building of the business so that we can focus on being creative. PACT has been a great resource for us in the past and with this programme, it will take us to the next level as a production company.”

Gareth Deighan, Creative Director at Signpost Productions said:

“Everyone at Signpost Productions is very excited that we have been named as one of the companies on the Future North East scheme. We are delighted to be among the other exciting North East-based companies who were also selected. We’re really looking forward to learning lots and continuing to grow.“

The cohort have already come together in person for an introduction to the programme, with more bespoke support planned for the forthcoming months including peer-to-peer sessions, introductions to commissioners, and strategy building workshops.

As the screen industries continues to grow in the North East under the steer of North East Screen, regional indies will be a vital piece of the jigsaw in creating a sustainable industry and ensuring there are opportunities for people wanting to work in film and TV in the North East.

Click here to learn more about the companies selected.

https://northeastscreen.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pact.png

Fulwell 73 Receive 11 Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations

Posted on 14 July 202314 July 2023 by North East Screen

Fulwell 73, the independent production company behind the highly anticipated reboot of the North East-based TV classic Byker Grove, has received 11 nominations for the 2023 Primetime Emmy Awards.

The production company has been nominated in a range of categories for programmes such as Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl and the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.

Fulwell 73 have also partnered with Cain International and put forward plans to build the Crown Works Studios in Sunderland. The studio will be one of the largest filmmaking complexes in Europe, creating some 8,450 jobs across the North East over the next decade.

The awards ceremony will take place in Los Angles on Monday, September 18th at 5pm (on Tuesday the 19th at 1am UK time).

Read on for a list of Fulwell’s nominations. A full list of all of this year’s nominees is available at Emmys.com.

Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special

Encanto At The Hollywood Bowl • Disney+ • Fulwell 73 Productions, Production Designer Misty Buckley, Art Director Joe Celli, Set Decorator Raquel Tarbet

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards • CBS • Fulwell 73, Production Designer Julio Himede, Art Director Kristen Merlino

Outstanding Choreography For Variety Or Reality Programming

Encanto At The Hollywood Bowl • Routines: Family Madrigal / Surface Pressure • Disney+ • Fulwell 73 Productions, Choreographer Jamal Sims

Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Special

Encanto At The Hollywood Bowl • Disney+ • Fulwell 73 Productions

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards • CBS • Fulwell 73

Outstanding Variety Special (Live)

Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium • Disney+ • Disney+ Presents in association with Rocket Entertainment / A Fulwell 73 Production

Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama Or Variety Series

Carpool Karaoke: The Series • Apple TV+ • CBS Studios in association with Fulwell 73 and Apple

Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Series Or Special

Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium • Disney+ • Disney+ Presents in association with Rocket Entertainment / A

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards • CBS • Fulwell 73

Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork For A Special

Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium • Disney+ • Disney+ Presents in association with Rocket Entertainment / A

Encanto At The Hollywood Bowl • Disney+ • Fulwell 73 Productions

Six Tees Valley creatives share their love for Hartlepool as it welcomes the world-famous Tall Ships race

Posted on 5 July 20236 July 2023 by North East Screen

North East Screen in partnership with Hartlepool Council, have provided six Tees Valley creatives with an opportunity to develop their own unique ‘Postcard from Hartlepool’ taking inspiration from their surrounding area and the arrival of the Tall Ships as the race comes to the town for the second time on 6-9^th July.

The six creatives represented a broad spectrum of talent, from experienced content creators to promising new talent. They all received a bursary from North East Screen as well as mentoring support from project lead, Jen Bradfield, to enable them deliver their short showcasing Hartlepool and why it makes a great place to live and visit. The format of the shorts was entirely at the discretion of the creatives which has resulted in some truly brilliant Postcards from Hartlepool.

North East Screen’s Head of Talent and Business Development, Lisa Laws, said:

“This has been a fantastic partnership with Hartlepool Council allowing us to support six brilliant Tees Valley creatives to deliver a short taking inspiration from Hartlepool, the Tall Ships and its tall tales.

“The slate of shorts developed give a rounded audience experience from corporate to comedy and everything in between, highlighting some very personal and touching experiences of Hartlepool.

“This opportunity has given these creatives a launch pad into the North East screen industries and allowed them to share their love for their local town. We are really looking forward to seeing what’s next for them.”

The creatives include experienced content creators, 33mm Ltd; entrepreneur photographer and drone operator, Jamie Bulman; emerging comedy talent, Jess McDonagh and Beth Chapman; Tees Valley Screen Fast Track recipient, Chris Tritschler; and BBC Comedy Creator Bursary recipient, Scott Turnbul, aided by the superb directorial talent of Teesside local Andy Berriman.

Each short is between 90 and 120 seconds and will be shared across digital platforms in and around the Tall Ships event.

Click here to learn more about the creators.

A new series of the beloved TV classic, Byker, in development with Fulwell 73 and Mitre Studios

Posted on 4 July 20234 July 2023 by Jo Macleod

17 years after Byker Grove closed its doors for the last time, the North East based TV classic is set to make a comeback. Emmy award winning entertainment company, Fulwell 73, the team behind Friends: The Reunion, The Kardashians and Gavin and Stacey: Christmas Special, and Ant and Dec’s Mitre Studios, who co-produce BAFTA-award winning Saturday Night Takeaway, DNA Journey and Limitless Win, announced they are entering into a development period to relaunch the celebrated show, which will be entitled BYKER, and will be filmed and produced in and around the North East.

Originally broadcast between 1989 – 2006, Byker Grove became a household favourite as it told the story of a youth club in Newcastle. Celebrated for its handling of hard hitting and controversial storylines, the programme ran for 18 series and launched many famous faces both in front of and behind the camera, including Ant and Dec themselves as fun-loving duo ‘PJ & Duncan’.

Now the reboot, aimed at a primetime audience, will return as BYKER, engaging with a new generation of teenagers navigating the different challenges faced by young adults today. Touching on youth and adult storylines, the series will serve a cross generational audience including stories for a nostalgic audience of past fans as well as teenagers today, all set against the backdrop of Newcastle and the North East.

Fulwell 73’s Leo Pearlman and Heather Greenwood will serve as Executive Producers with Ant McPartlin & Declan Donnelly as Executive Producers and Creative Consultants for Mitre Studios.

Leo Pearlman, Co-founder & Managing Partner at Fulwell 73 said:

“Working in collaboration is vital to the North East’s success. Partnering through our Sunderland office with Ant and Dec’s company Mitre Studios, an unlikely and yet dream team of Mackems and Geordies, to bring back a series starring and made by local people, is something we’re incredibly proud of at Fulwell 73. We can’t wait to share BYKER with new and old fans alike, showcasing the very best of our region to the world as part of our long-term commitment to a sustainable industry in the North East.”

Declan Donnelly said:

“Byker Grove will always be very special to us as the show which gave us our break, so we are beyond excited to be working together with Fulwell 73 on bringing it back. We are looking forward to bringing this fresh incarnation to a whole new generation as well as those who remember it as fondly as we do.

As proud Geordies, we’re looking forward to help shine a spotlight on the North East and the talent the region has to offer both in front of the camera and behind it.”

Ant McPartlin said:

“We owe such a lot to Byker Grove and the North East so we can’t wait to start working with Fulwell 73 and the team to bring this iconic series back to life. The original series was the starting point for a lot of North East talent so we’re excited to see what the new team will bring.”

Mitre Studios said:

“We’re delighted that Mitre Studios and Fulwell 73 are joining forces to bring Byker back to life. The show obviously holds a very special place in the heart for Ant and Dec as it was where it all started for them. The North East is a hotbed of emerging talent both on and off screen, so we’re extremely proud to be able to tap into that and help give something back to the region.”

Speaking of the news that BYKER will be rebooting, North East Screen Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn said:

“Byker Grove was such an iconic North East TV show and I’m delighted to see Fulwell 73 and Mitre Studios announce that they are developing the reboot. We are looking forward to working with them to bring their vision to life, and the opportunities it will bring for those already working in the North East screen industries, and those looking to get into the industry.”

Behind the scenes, BYKER will aim to be a returnable series providing sustainable training both in front and behind the camera, including new talent in a North East focused writers’ room and work placements. Fulwell 73 and Mitre Studios will unite to film across Newcastle and Sunderland as part of both companies’ commitment to their home region and North East based production offices. Ant and Dec will also look to integrate their successful Prince’s Trust, Making it in Media course as part of the production to help give experience and confidence to young people in the North East who are looking to pursue a career in the media.

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Top North East location features in newly released Indiana Jones film

Posted on 28 June 20233 July 2023 by North East Screen

The fifth and final instalment of the Indiana Jones franchise, that filmed in the North East in 2021, is in now in cinemas.

The production took over Bamburgh Castle in the summer of 2021 to shoot the opening sequence of the film.

The North East Screen Film Office support this production when they filmed in Bamburgh by helping them source crew, locations and permissions from the relevant local authorities.

When speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Locations Director Duncan Broadfoot said, “When we brought our director [to Northumberland], he immediately knew that Bamburgh was the right choice.

“We were there for two weeks dressing the castle and it looked really fantastic when we came to film.

Duncan continued: “We had two key hooks that we were looking for that would tie us into a specific location.

“One was a castle – we needed a castle that had a nice entrance, grand court yard and grand interior space, and we found that in Bamburgh.

“It has such a diverse, rich tapestry of locations up there – we are spoilt for choice really.”

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is in cinemas now.