North East Screen is proud to announce a new partnership with The Northern School of Art to deliver Connected Campus, an innovative pilot programme designed to equip students with the skills, experience, and industry insight needed to thrive in film and television production.
Part of the wider Screen Alliance North programme, Connected Campus will run throughout the academic year, offering students across creative disciplines – including film, illustration, animation, costume design, photography, model making and production design – exclusive access to industry masterclasses, practical workshops, and career development opportunities. The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world screen industry experience.
Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director, North East Screen said,
“We’re committed to building a strong and sustainable screen sector in the North East, and that starts with investing in the next generation.
“This collaboration with The Northern School of Art is a fantastic opportunity to connect students with industry professionals, helping them gain the confidence, skills, and networks they need to succeed. It complements our ongoing work to support established crew and create pathways for new talent to enter the industry.”
The programme will cover key areas such as storytelling, production roles, storyboarding, and VFX, alongside practical sessions in camera, lighting, sound, and on-location production. Students will also benefit from CV workshops, networking events, and a taster experience with the North East Screen Academy.
John Waddington, Vice Principal (Higher Education), at The Northern School of Art, added,
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with North East Screen on the Connected Campus pilot. At The Northern School of Art, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills, confidence, and professional connections they need to thrive in the creative industries. This collaboration provides our students with invaluable, hands-on access to industry expertise and real-world experiences, ensuring that they are ready to make their mark on the screen industries.”
The programme will culminate in a showcase event celebrating student work, attended by industry professionals, offering a platform for emerging talent to shine.
This partnership builds on recent momentum in the region, including planning approval for the Hartlepool Production Village and redevelopment of The Northern Studios—developments that will further strengthen the screen industry ecosystem in Hartlepool and the wider Tees Valley, creating more opportunities for local talent and businesses working across linear and TV and digital formats.
