Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 joined commissioners and production company Daisybeck Studios at an event in Newcastle to speak with developing production companies from across the North East.
The event, organised by North East Screen, was to introduce Channel 5 to the region’s emerging production companies and producers to build relationships and foster opportunities to produce more unscripted programming in the North East.
With TV and film production continuing to grow in the region, North East Screen are working closely with emerging companies to ensure they are ready to make commissionable programmes for broadcasters and streamers. At the same time, they are growing relationships with TV commissioners who are keen for new programme ideas and concepts.
Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 said:
“As a public service broadcaster we are passionate about representing the UK on and off-screen. We spend over 40% of our commissioning budget in the UK’s Nations and regions but the North East is an area which has been underserved and where we would like to do more production.
“We’re particularly focused on working with smaller indies and I was incredibly impressed with the passion and creativity on show from everyone we met had. We look forward to doing more and supporting the growth of the North East as a production hub.”
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen said;
“We were delighted to welcome the senior broadcast team from Channel 5, alongside established multi-award winning northern indie, Daisybeck, to the North East. Channel 5 already commission content from some of the experienced indies in the region, but it’s been a breath of fresh air to see them taking the time to get to know our emerging indie talent.
“Channel 5 attracts more northern audiences than any other broadcaster and there is a real opportunity to work together to grow our regional companies and develop more content here.
We are keen to work with broadcasters and commissioners who want to build genuine relationships and make a real and long-lasting difference in our region – that’s something we certainly see with Channel 5.”
The North East has a talented entrepreneurial pool of production companies and individuals who all have high-growth potential working in the wider screen industry. North East Screen’s Talent and Business Development team work closely with these companies providing industry led advice and guidance, championing a culture that will attract and retain outstanding talent.
