Local businesses are invited to attend a special event in Hartlepool to learn about the opportunities to become a supplier to the growing film and TV industry in the town and region.
Hartlepool is home to The Northern Film and TV Studios, the only large-scale television and film studio complex in the North East, which provides full support and location services for production crews.
The Northern Studios have been developed in collaboration between the Northern School of Art, Hartlepool Borough Council, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and North East Screen, the region’s screen agency.
The studios are looking to grow their local supply chain within Hartlepool and the wider North East, with opportunities available for local businesses to support the industry from pre- to post-production.
The event – ‘The Northern Film and TV Studios: Becoming a Film Industry Supplier’ – is on Tuesday 29th November at The BIS in Whitby Street, Hartlepool, from 8.30am to 9.30am. It’s free to attend but places must be booked via this link.
There will be a welcome by Hartlepool Borough Council, an introduction to The Northern Studios and a presentation by North East Screen on the opportunities for businesses and how they can register as an industry supplier.
Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Hartlepool is already a very popular filming location and the creation of The Northern Studios makes it a really exciting time in the ongoing development of the screen industries sector and offers great potential to grow our local economy.
“From providing catering or accommodation to cast and crew to constructing sets or assisting with accounting, security or transport, there’s a host of potential opportunities for local businesses and this event will show you how to tap into those.”
Nina Yoxall, Studio Manager at The Northern Film and TV Studios, said: “A studio facility needs a strong network of film friendly local support services.
“Productions can request a wide range of supplier recommendations; from local vehicle hire and crew accommodation, to construction and costume supplies, and many wild and wonderful services in between.
“There are some great opportunities to support the growing screen sector within the borough; I look forward to welcoming you and finding out how we can work together to support production crews in the borough’s new studio.”
Katie Strachan, Production Services Manager at North East Screen, said: “As production is on the increase, North East Screen are eager to develop the pool of facilities and local businesses in the region.
“Whether you have an Industry specific business, or another service that can offer support to TV and Film, we want to hear from you all! This event is a great opportunity to find out more about the industry and all the great things filmed in Tees Valley, but also how your business might fit. We will offer guidance and advice on how it can best support TV and film productions.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our region is fast becoming a hive of activity for film and TV, thanks to great institutions and organisations like The Northern Studios and North East Screen, taking advantage of the BBC’s £25m commitment to the area boosted by our £4.5m contribution to the North East Screen Industries Partnership.
“This won’t just benefit writers, actors and directors – there is a wealth of opportunity for our brilliant local supply chain businesses of all types to get involved. I’d urge businesses to sign up so they are first in line to take advantage of this growing sector.”
Click here to sign up to the event.
