North East Screen has awarded 20 talented women and non-binary people working in the film and TV industry in the region with free memberships to Women in Film and TV (WFTV). WFTV is an organisation who provide valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These memberships will support their career development, enabling them to forge connections and access training relevant to their role within the industry.
Samantha Neale, an actor and screenwriter with a TV show in development with Channel 4, said:
“As a working-class parent of two, this opportunity comes at a crucial time as I take the next steps towards building a successful and enduring writing career. I am incredibly grateful to North East Screen for this offer, and I look forward to accessing the many benefits of WFTV membership. I hope to use this time to connect with agents, producers, filmmakers and fellow writers with the goal of forging lasting relationships and future creative collaborations.”
Sarah Howie, a Line Producer who has previously worked on The Red King which filmed in the North East in 2023, said:
“My first job in the Television industry was on Byker Grove and all these years later very lucky to still be working the industry in the North East. I’m currently stepping up from Production Manager to Line Producer on the next production. I’m looking forward to being part of the WFTV and being involved in events and networking and hopefully being able to contribute.”
See the full list of recipients below:
Alice Pargiter
Bridget Deane
Emily McNally
Francesca Sardone
Hannah McParlin
Harriet Parvin
Josephine Key
Karol Iwan
Katie Elliot
Kerry Ward
Laura Moscrop
Lou Brannon
Maddy Williamson
Maria McNally
Rachael Bradley
Rachel Crawford
Roos James
Sam Claypole
Samantha Neale
Sarah Howie
Click here to learn more about the recipients.
Laura Moscrop, a camera trainee who has worked on a number of shows filming in the North East including Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes and The Big Idea Works, said:
“I am thrilled to have been selected to receive a WFTV membership from North East Screen. I look forward to becoming a part of the WFTV community enabling me to expand my network and experience within the film and TV industry. I hope to connect and learn from other women within the camera department as well as meet others from across the industry. I also look forward to participating in WFTV events through the membership.”
As part of WFTV, members will be able to access a range of resources throughout the year, including events, bursaries, mentoring and professional development schemes.
This opportunity was announced earlier this year at a networking event organised by North East Screen, in partnership with WFTV at the Black Swan in Newcastle.
At the event, Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, said: “Seeing so many women involved in the North East screen industry in one room is extraordinary! WFTV is a brilliant organisation, and we are thrilled to be working with them and offering 20 WFTV memberships for above and below-the-line talent. We hope to provide more opportunities via WFTV to North East-based women and non-binary people in the near future.”
North East Screen is proud to support these individuals and their career progression, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to fostering diversity and talent in the region’s film and TV industry.
