Page 17 – North East Screen

Alison Gwynn, wins RTS Award for Outstanding Contribution

Posted on 28 February 202210 October 2022 by North East Screen

NFM Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn, wins RTS North East and Border Award for Outstanding Contribution

Following a challenging period for the North East’s screen industries, Alison has been integral in securing significant and future investment from the BBC in partnership with the two combined authorities and 12 local authorities of North East England. This will enable the region to become one of the UK’s leading TV and film production hubs.

The BBC announced back in September that they would spend at least £25 million right across the North East, funding network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

Since that announcement, the BBC has already named Newcastle as it’s first City of Comedy, provided two commission opportunities to be filmed in the North East, the return of Our Friends in the North as a Radio 4 show and announced that Northern Child will begin production on Northern Justice (w/t) this Spring.

Alison’s contribution to this significant investment has not gone unnoticed by those in the industry, who gave her a standing ovation on Saturday night as her name was announced as the winner of this impactful award.

As an organisation, we are absolutely thrilled that Alison has been recognised by industry colleagues and look forward to bringing you more announcements on future developments for the North East in due course.

Tiger Aspect Producer Development Training

Posted on 2 July 202110 October 2022 by North East Screen

Development Producer Training

North East Comedy Hot House are teaming up with Tiger Aspect to uncover and help train the best scripted comedy development and producing talent in the region.

Could this be you?

Do you love, live and breathe sitcoms and scripted comedy? Do you think you’ve the next Friday Night Dinner, Fleabag, Man Like Mobeen, Ghosts, People Just Do Nothing, Plebs, Motherland, Brassic, or Benidorm inside you? Have you got a passion to turn those ideas into the next big British comedy? If so, then you’re going to love this.

In a nutshell

Northern Film + Media’s North East Comedy Hot House has joined forces with award-winning production company Tiger Aspect to offer an exciting training opportunity for an up and coming Scripted Comedy Development Producer from the North East to shadow, and learn from, the in-house comedy development team at Tiger Aspect on a six-week flexible training placement. And the best bit – it can be done right here in the North East.

What we’re offering

If you’re successful, you’ll learn how sitcoms and scripted comedies get all the way from idea, to script, to screen. This learning will take place for two days a week (Mondays and Wednesdays) over a six-week period.

You’ll attend development meetings (on Zoom) where you’ll learn about channel briefs, managing slates and nurturing talent, and how to align development thoughts with that of commissioning briefs and market trends.
You’ll learn how pitch decks and treatments are formulated, what makes a good one and why approaches may be different for different channels.
You’ll be encouraged to work on your own development slate and the Tiger Aspect team will help and advise you on how best to navigate the development.
You’ll be shadowing the specific development of a sizzle tape as part of a pitch for a new BBC3 series set in Sunderland. Following the development from script, to shoot, to edit, to the final delivery of the sizzle tape and supporting document.
There will be other opportunities to gain experience attending shoots and post-production sessions to help give you a fuller rounded perspective of the development to production process.
You’ll also receive two hours per week of one-to-one mentoring and support from Emma Lawson and Lisa Laws from North East Comedy Hot House.

Could this be the perfect opportunity for you?

If you’ve got this far, then you are definitely interested in knowing more. But first off, we need a bit of info about you:

Are you able to demonstrate a proven interest in developing comedy projects for broadcast and have a keen interest in comedy (this can include all avenues such as online, social media, film, radio and TV)?
Are you already in the comedy world? This isn’t an entry level position, so any experience you have with developing comedy will need to be demonstrated – this doesn’t have to be broadcast work. This could be work on social platforms, theatre, podcasts or radio, running comedy nights, writing for papers – anything that demonstrates an appetite for developing work, and a love of comedy.
We’re interested in diverse viewpoints and would love to hear from candidates who are underrepresented in broadcast TV. If you’re unsure whether you might fit the bill, then drop us a line and we’ll be happy to have a chat.
People of all ages are encouraged to apply.
Funding for this initiative comes from North East Local Enterprise Partnership which means you must live in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, County Durham or Northumberland to take part.
We’ll need you to work from your own home, the Northern Film + Media offices in Gateshead and on location across the North East, so please consider how you’ll get around before applying.
You’ll have the opportunity to travel to London on occasion to work either on location or in the Tiger Aspects offices (subject to local Covid-19 restrictions).
You’ll need your own laptop and internet connection.
You’ll receive a bursary of £2,000 to cover your out-of-pocket expenses and additional travel expenses where appropriate.

How to apply

The deadline for this opportunity has now passed.

If you’re still interested in knowing more about future opportunities like this, please drop us a note and we’ll keep your details on record for future projects we have coming your way. Email sizzle@northernmedia.org

Northern Film + Media is working to build a more diverse workforce. We value difference and promote inclusion and actively encourage applications from those who consider themselves as having minority representation in the creative industries (i.e. due to their socio-economic background, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief). We encourage applications from people who are underrepresented as part of North East Comedy Hot House’s commitment towards creating a more diverse TV sector.

About those involved

North East Comedy Hot House, co-founded by Emma Lawson and Northern Film + Media, is a first-of-its kind scripted comedy development initiative and scripted comedy production co-operative, supporting industry focused North East talent both on and off screen. We are dedicated to nurturing up-and-coming comedy talent from the region by creating exciting opportunities on home soil, giving you the chance to work here in the North East.

Tiger Aspect Productions is internationally recognised as one of the UK’s most successful and prolific independent television producers. Producing high profile, multi-genre content for both UK and international audiences, key productions include Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three), Peaky Blinders (BBC Two), The Good Karma Hospital (ITV 1), The Other One (BBC One), Hitmen (Sky One) and Mr Bean (CITV).

This year Tiger Comedy has a number of different productions in the works, including TV pilots, a radio show and six TV series – for broadcasters including Sky, C4, Netflix, R4 and the BBC.

This is initiative is part of the Sizzle project, a collaboration between Northern Film + Media and North East Local Enterprise Partnership developing North East Comedy Hot House as a regional cluster for broadcast comedy.

More general information on TV Development Producer job roles can be found on Screenskills.

BBC One commissions Emergency Vets (w/t) in County Durham

Posted on 9 June 202213 June 2022 by North East Screen

BBC One Daytime and BBC England have co-commissioned a new series, Emergency Vets (w/t) for BBC One.

“This series will be emotional and relatable to all animal lovers, and I’m excited to see what the audience makes of it.”
– Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning, BBC England

This brand new, heartwarming series will be shot in and around a Veterinary Referral Hospital in Stockton-on-Tees, showcasing the vets, nurses and ancillary staff who provide care for their furry patients 24/7.

Covering both day and night shifts, the programme will allow viewers to get to know the close-knit team who devote their lives to saving animals, and meet the people that bring in their pets from as far as Inverness, Nottingham, Chester and Surrey to receive treatment from the Wear Referrals family.

On the day shift, specialist staff can deal with as many as 200 cases per week, while in the evening, the practice transforms into a 24/7 A&E unit, responding to as many as 70 cases per week.

Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, says:
“I’m delighted to be working with Twenty Six 03, a North-East-based production company, on this new series, set in the North East, celebrating the amazing skill and dedication of the staff at a world class veterinary referrals centre. What a great way to showcase the talent in the region, oh and there will most certainly be some cute pets too!”

Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning for BBC England, says:
“BBC England is growing, developing and expanding its scope to make sure we’re reflecting people in every corner of the country. This series will be emotional and relatable to all animal lovers, and I’m excited to see what the audience makes of it.
“BBC England already has a good working relationship with Twenty Six 03 and we look forward to expanding our work with them in the North East with this new series.”

Duncan Gray and Antonia Hurford-Jones, Executive Producers of Twentysix03, say:
“We’re really pleased to be adding Emergency Vets (w/t) to Twenty Six 03’s rapidly growing slate. We can’t wait to introduce viewers to the remarkable veterinary staff at specialist animal hospital Wear Referrals who quite literally work round the clock caring for the most in need animals from all over the UK.”

Emergency Vets is a 10×30’ series for BBC Daytime and BBC England, co-commissioned by Lindsay Bradbury, Acting Head of BBC Daytime, and Aisling O’Connor, Head of TV Commissioning for BBC England. It is produced by Twenty Six 03, a Gateshead based production company. It will be Executive Produced by Antonia Hurford-Jones and Duncan Gray for Twenty Six 03, Tony Parker for BBC England and Helen Munson for BBC Daytime.

Emergency Vets (w/t) is the latest commission to be announced as part of the partnership between the BBC and North East Screen (formally Northern Film and Media). The successful partnership continues to support the screen industry in the North East, to help build business in the region and to ensure that the North East is better represented to audiences across the UK and internationally.

North East Screen declares the region ‘open for business’

Posted on 8 June 202229 June 2022 by North East Screen

Following industry investment of at least £37 million, North East Screen (formerly Northern Film + Media) launches its new name, brand and programme of events at an event in Sunderland today.

The agency is now gearing up to meet the challenge of increasing activity by creating new partnerships, rebranding their successful business model, and creating vibrant industry sector communities. This will enhance and develop the skills that make the North East the place to create excellence in the world of TV and film.

Tom Gutteridge, North East Screen Chairman explains;
“In the last decade despite a challenging funding environment Northern Film + Media has continued to deliver a production service and business support while also lobbying on behalf of the sector in the region.”

Alison Gwynn, North East Screen Chief Executive continues;
“With a new name and ambition for growing the sector, real investment and broadcaster partners, we are strongly putting the message out that the North East is open for business.
We have the skills, the passion and the knowledge, not to mention the incredible locations. By increasing our networks and connecting people, skills and companies we want to provide a pathway for regional talent, to encourage companies to set up in the beautiful North East and to say to any native North Easterners working in the industry elsewhere in the UK to come back home!

“The unique partnership created last year by the BBC with all 12 local authorities and three combined authorities across the North East region will help us achieve our vision. We will be delivering a programme of events and skills activity to provide a pathway for students, to attract visiting productions, to keep industry talent in the region and increase the visibility of the region nationally and internationally. By working together we hope to strengthen our position to attract the very best of TV and Film production and talent.”

The BBC is making its biggest investment in the North East for decades as part of a new partnership with the region, and as part of a wider strategy to move significant creative spend and decision-making across the UK.

The BBC has promised to spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

It’s part of a deal with local authorities in the North East, who will work with the BBC, and with independent producers, to invest in talent, skills, and infrastructure to support the production industry in the region.

The North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) was created by the partnership to level up the regional film and TV industries by increasing its share of the UK production market and delivering an estimated annual economic impact of around £88m to the regional economy.

NESIP will invest £11.4m over five years to deliver a new Screen Industries Development Programme. The programme will develop, attract, and retain talent in the sector as well as providing good quality, well paid jobs within the industry. As part of the scheme, North East Screen will create even more opportunities to develop the skills that the sector needs to not only survive but thrive. The programme will be delivered through North East Screen’s Crew Academy, Production Service, and the North East Comedy Hot House.

A statement from the leaders and elected mayors of the authorities in the partnership
“North East Screen are central to delivering the new North East Screen Industries Development Programme and we are delighted to be working together as a region to support them. We want to strengthen the regional creative sector and increase the visibility of our region and it’s communities on screen. We look forward to the growth of the sector and welcoming more jobs and opportunities for people of the North East in film and TV.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said;
“The North East’s TV and Film production industry holds the potential to create good-quality well paid jobs at every level of production. Now is the time to be proactive so that we can develop, attract and retain local talent in the sector.”

The BBC has already announced that there will be at least six new commissions filming in the North East as a result of its commitment to the region.

It includes a new documentary series with James Arthur for BBC Three that has been filmed in his home town of Middlesbrough and Scarlett’s Driving School for BBC One, which will also be filmed in Teesside.

The BBC also hosted the BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle last month, now has a commissioner permanently based in the region, and is providing trainee opportunities within productions in the region.

This partnership with the region is part of the BBC’s commitment to do more across the UK by moving departments, commissioning power, and resources out of London.

Thomas Wrathmell, Director of the BBC’s Across the UK Strategy, says:
“The response since making the huge commitment last year has been incredible and showcases the appetite for making this region a significant centre for the creative industries.

“We’re already delivering on our promise, with six new commissions in the area, investment in skills, production companies and trainee production placements on shows being filmed in the North East and hosting the BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle last month. We are delighted to see others from across the creative sector investing across the North East and look forward to working together to power the sustainable growth of the sector.”

Alison Gwynn added;
“With our new partnerships and regional investment, we are launching new training schemes, work shadowing opportunities and will continue to provide key links to the industry for locations job opportunities within every part of our region. North East Screen is a one stop shop for the sector and there has never been a more exciting time to work in the TV and movie industry in the North East.”

Ends

Notes to Editors
North East Screen Industries Partnership was formed by Combined and Local Authorities from across the region to level up the regional film and TV industries by more than doubling its 2019 share of the UK production market and delivering an annual economic impact to the regional economy of £88m.

It includes Tees Valley Combined Authority, (representing the five authorities of Hartlepool Borough Council, Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council, Darlington Borough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council), the North of Tyne Combined Authority (representing its three partner authorities Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council and Newcastle City Council) and the North East Combined Authority authorities of Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council.

Partnership with the BBC, Following the publication of the BBC Across the UK strategy the partnership signed an MOU with the BBC in September 2021, making commitments that:

The BBC will spend a minimum of £25m on production and skills development in the North East over the next five years.
NESIP will jointly invest £11.4m over the same five-year period to deliver a new Screen Industries Development Programme maximising opportunities for significant growth within the screen industries sector and developing a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.

Robson Green’s Dirty Weekends (w/t) commissioned for BBC Two from the North East

Posted on 25 May 202210 October 2022 by North East Screen

Set exclusively in the North East against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, the series will see Robson and some of his famous friends get stuck into some good, clean fun, as he celebrates everything that’s great about the region

BBC Daytime and Early Peak has commissioned Robson Green’s Dirty Weekends (W/T), a 15 x 30’ co-production between North East based Rivers Meet Productions and Signpost Productions.

The announcement follows an extensive search for a formatted factual series produced in the North East.

Set exclusively in the North East against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, the series will see Robson and some of his famous friends get stuck into some good, clean fun, as he celebrates everything that’s great about the region.

BBC Commissioning Editor, Helen Munson, says: “I’m really pleased to announce this exciting new commission from my home county. There is so much talent here in the North East, both on and off screen and this series will absolutely reflect that. Robson is a firm favourite with the audience and I’m looking forward to seeing this wonderful series get underway.”

This commission is the fourth time the two companies have worked together.

Robson Green is Director at North East based Rivers Meet Productions, and is strongly committed to the region and helping to develop local talent. He says: “I’m over the moon that we’re going to be co-producing this great series for BBC Two with Signpost productions. This series will showcase the best the North East has to offer.”

Signpost, also based in the North East, aims to help create a robust production sector in the region with returning and long-running commissions. The company grew out of an access services provider and has won several industry awards for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Gareth Deighan Creative Director at Signpost, says: “We’re delighted to get filming this great series with Robson Green and friends, we want to make sure we’re contributing to putting the North East on the map.”

The new commission for BBC Two early evening forms part of the BBC’s commitment to spend £25m in the North East over the next five years.

Robson Green’s Dirty Weekends (W/T), is a 15 x 30’ co-production between Rivers Meet Productions and Signpost Productions. It has been commissioned by Helen Munson commissioner for BBC Daytime and Early Peak.

BBC Comedy announces details of Regional Partnership Scheme with North East Screen and Hat Trick

Posted on 11 May 202215 July 2022 by North East Screen

BBC Comedy are working on a brand-new Regional Partnership Scheme co-funded with the North East of England’s creative industries development agency North East Screen. The Regional Partnership Scheme has been established to support the growth of the scripted comedy supply base in an underserved and underrepresented region.

The partnership will see the companies co-develop a slate of original comedy projects over an initial 6-month period to help strengthen and enhance the local talent and project development in the region, with the aim of getting more of the North East seen and heard within the BBC’s comedy output.

North East Screen have selected Hat Trick Productions as the established comedy supplier that will be working with an emerging indie based in the North East of England. Hat Trick will be spending time in the region working with the selected indie to develop projects and talent, while providing business support and mentorship to help bolster the North Eastern company.

The announcement was made during the Regional Partnerships Panel at the inaugural BBC Comedy Festival which is currently taking place in Newcastle.

Emma Lawson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Comedy Commissioning says: “The North East is the best place on earth and a hot bed of exceptional comedy talent. I’m thrilled that we are supporting North East Screen and Hat Trick on a scheme that gets us closer to the regions best comic voices and stories. It’s a dream come true to be collaborating on home soil and I can’t wait to see what brilliant new shows and talent will emerge from the partnership”.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen says: “We are delighted that comedy in the region is being supported in such a huge way. We hope by working closely with BBC Comedy and comedy giant Hat Trick we can bring opportunities to regional talent developing knowledge, skills and networks. The partnership will be a catalyst for growth in the sector and we’re excited to see local talent flourish.”

Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions says: “Hat Trick is honoured to be working with BBC Comedy and North East Screen on this fantastic project. The North East has a rich legacy of iconic comic talent both in front and behind the camera and we can’t wait to get stuck in to find the next generation of hit comedies!”

The North East Regional Partnership Scheme is part of the BBC’s commitment to making its biggest investment in the North East of England for decades as part of a new partnership with the region.

The BBC last year announced it will spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

Notes to editors:

Applications are now open for North East based indies to apply.

Hat Trick will be in the North East of England to run a session with North East Screen and The North East Comedy Hot House on the 23rd May. There will be an opportunity for North East talent to hear from Jimmy Mulville, one of the founders of Hat Trick, about developing distinctive and popular comedy series and the journey that led them to become one of the leading producers of comedy, drama and entertainment in the UK.

Hat Trick Productions is an independent production and distribution company co‑founded and led by Jimmy Mulville with offices in London and Belfast. Established with the principle of putting writers first, they continue to nurture both new and established creative talent.

BBC announces – North East to be production base so people can follow career path in their home region

Posted on 25 April 202210 October 2022 by North East Screen

The BBC has announced there will be at least six new commissions filming in the North East as a result of the BBC’s commitment to the region.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie visited the Northern Studios in Hartlepool on Friday to hear about the progress made so far as part of the regional partnership.

The BBC announced its biggest investment in the North East of England for decades in September last year, as part of a new partnership with the region.

Local authorities in the North East pledged to work with the BBC and independent producers to invest in talent, skills, and infrastructure to support the production industry in the region.

They also outlined a commitment to look for opportunities to grow relationships with local facilities such as the Northern Studios in Hartlepool and the independent production sector.

Mr Davie met with representatives from Local Authorities and Mayoral Authorities at the Northern Studios in Hartlepool this afternoon.

He said: “The BBC made a big commitment when we set out to build a partnership in the North East.

“We’re already delivering on this, with six new commissions in the area, investment in skills, production companies and trainee production placements on shows being filmed in the North East.

“We want to work collaboratively to build a brilliant, sustainable production base in the region so people can follow the career path they want to in their home region. We want to do more for the North East.”

The BBC last year promised to spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

They will also provide funding via North East Screen, the North East’s regional screen industry development agency, to boost the creative sector in the region.

The partnership is part of the BBC’s commitment to do more across the UK by moving departments, commissioning power, and resources out of London.

The BBC has so far announced a new documentary series with James Arthur for BBC Three that’s going to be filmed in his home town of Middlesbrough and Scarlett’s Driving School for BBC One, which will also be filmed in Teesside.

BBC Comedy Festival to take place in Newcastle

Posted on 12 April 202215 July 2022 by North East Screen

The inaugural BBC Comedy Festival will take place in Newcastle upon Tyne, BBC’s first City of Comedy. Plus North East Regional Partnership Scheme announced.

Newcastle upon Tyne, the first BBC City of Comedy, will host the BBC’s first Comedy Festival for indie producers, anyone with a new career in TV and comedy, and people looking to break into or advance their career in the industry.

A series of events will take place across three days from Wednesday 11th – Friday 13th May 2022 to explore, reflect on and celebrate comedy in the UK.

The Festival will take place across a number of venues in Newcastle including Northern Stage, Live Theatre, The Stand and The Everyman.

Speakers include Charlie Brooker, Frankie Boyle, Greg Davies, Megan Ganz, Stephen Merchant, Romesh Ranganathan, the cast of Ghosts, Tom Marshall and many more including North East Screen’s very own North East Comedy Hot House team!

Some of the biggest comedy names are confirmed to attend including Charlie Brooker, Greg Davies, Jamie Demetriou, Megan Ganz, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Romesh Ranganathan, Stephen Merchant, Tim Renkow, Kat Sadler, Adjani Salmon, and Holly Walsh – plus the casts of BBC hits – Ghosts and The Outlaws.

The festival will be made up of talent-led talks, panels, screenings, a short film night, live comedy, and the premier of The Outlaws series 2, the biggest new BBC Comedy to launch last year.

The BBC Comedy Commissioning team, BBC Writersroom and BBC Young Reporters will also be in attendance at this brand-new event, which will bring the UK comedy production community together, alongside industry heavyweights including Ash Atalla (The Office), Gill Isles (Car Share), Tom Marshall (Ted Lasso), Christine Gernon (Gavin and Stacy, New Girl), plus representatives from American broadcasters.

BBC Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, will kick off the festival alongside Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, on Wednesday 11th May. Jon will be setting out his vision for BBC Comedy and highlighting commissioning opportunities to the comedy production community.

Thursday 12th May will be an industry focused day consisting of a range of panels and talks, and on Friday 13th May there will be sessions for anyone with a new career in TV and comedy, and people looking to break into or advance their career in the industry.

Petrie says: “We are excited to be coming to Newcastle, the BBC’s first City of Comedy, to celebrate comedy in all its forms and to outline BBC Comedy’s vision for the genre in 2022 and beyond. WE are committed to nurturing, developing and collaborating with comedy enthusiasts across the UK, to ensure comedy remains a staple part of our British culture.”

A selection of the festival’s panels and events will be opened up for the public to attend, and the free tickets will be made available in due course once the schedule has been announced.

All sessions are free – but do get down early to secure your seats in the sessions on the day.

BBC Comedy is also announcing today that they will be piloting a brand-new Regional Partnership Scheme, co-funded with North East Screen, pairing a North East based emerging indie with a leading BBC Comedy supplier.

The aim of the scheme is to promote regional partnerships, aid portrayal and support the growth of indigenous scripted comedy supplies in an underserved and underrepresented region.

The partnership will see the companies co-develop a slate of original ideas over an initial 6-month period, to help strengthen and enhance the local talent and project development on the ground, while creating new connections and out of London opportunities.

NFM’s Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn, said:

“The BBC Comedy Festival is another great example of the BBC’s commitment to the region and will provide a welcomed boost to the North East’s comedy sector. We know that many people will benefit from the panels, talks and sessions lead by top industry professionals and will inspire and generate the future of comedy in the region.
“The Regional Partnership Scheme is part of a longer term strategy to bring knowledge, skills and networks to the talent and companies that already exist here in the North East. We are very excited to be partnering with BBC Comedy on this venture, and are delighted that the North East comedy community is going to get this level of opportunity and support.”

Further information about the established indie along with how North East companies can apply for the scheme will be announced in due course.

The North East Regional Partnership Scheme is part of the BBC’s commitment to making its biggest investment in the North East of England for decades as part of a new partnership with the region.

The BBC last year announced it will spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector.

North East LEP supported comedy is ready to make you laugh

Posted on 22 June 202110 October 2022 by North East Screen

Laugh Lessons, a BBC Three commission, launched Thursday 17th June featuring five comedy sketches from North East talent who have been supported through a unique project between Northern Film + Media (NFM)’s North East Comedy Hot House and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP).

Laugh Lessons, a BBC Three commission, launched Thursday 17^th June featuring five comedy sketches from North East talent who have been supported through a unique project between Northern Film + Media, North East Comedy Hot House and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP).

North East Comedy Hot House (NECHH) were awarded one of four national commissions from the BBC earlier this year to support producers to deliver Laugh Lessons. Laugh Lessons is a BBC Three and BBC Comedy Association collaboration which has seen four production companies across the UK produce up to five three-minute comedy sketches each, with a particular focus on providing new opportunities to diverse and underrepresented comedy voices, with an emphasis on discovering new onscreen and behind the camera talent.

The commissioned sketches involve new behind the camera talent, James Craggs and Emma Roxburgh. This is the second win for James’ company, Motif, having already won an RTS North East and Borders Comedy Award in 2020. Emma is developing into one of the region’s top development producer/directors and was part of the BFI’s Network Weekender earlier this year.

Laugh Lessons comes hot on the heels of NECHH winning the prestigious international Makers and Shakers award for Initiative to Grow Local Industry.

Emma Lawson, Co-founder of NECHH and leading industry exec, said,

“Collaboration is never easy, but we can certainly celebrate what we’ve achieved by championing James Craggs and Motif, and Emma Roxburgh to develop the slates for Laugh Lessons.

‘Being able to empower local companies, bringing people together and encouraging collaboration has seen this local talent flourish, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next in line for these guys.”

Speaking of being awarded the commission, James Craggs, Managing Director of MOTIF said,

“The BBC provides a hallmark of quality for any production company it is associated with, so to be able to point towards a commission from them within our first year of existence is something we never dreamed of. It’s propelled us forward as a company far faster than we expected and given us the confidence and the chance to pitch for bigger things, something we didn’t think was possible just yet.”

The North East LEP provided funding support through the Cluster Development Fund for NECCH to create a broadcast scripted comedy cluster to boost the local industry and provide more opportunities to start-up production companies. NECHH is an industry facing co-production and development initiative that offers a safe space for fledgling companies, writers, performers, directors and producers. By working directly with broadcasters and larger Indies in this new co-commissioning model, NECHH is able to provide a new talent pipeline via a safe pair of hands by taking overall responsibility for practical delivery and a level of editorial quality. Since launching in September 2019, NECHH has secured over £100,000 worth of entry level broadcast commissions, collaborated with seven start-up production companies, provided employment opportunities to over 160 regional cast and crew, and kept 96% of the total spend in the North East.

Colin Bell, Business Growth Director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said,

“The Cluster Development Fund was launched during the pandemic to provide assistance to clusters in our region impacted by COVID-19; providing the necessary support for sectors to recover. The success of North East Comedy Hot House is a great example of the fund in action.

“Thanks to the investment from the North East LEP, Gateshead-based MOTIF was able to pitch for and win a significant BBC commission, helping raise the profile of the region’s film and television sector.

“The Cluster Development Fund is supporting TV, film and production companies in the region to think big and create a sustainable industry in the North East that can create jobs and opportunities for those working in the creative sectors. By investing in the talent that exists in our region, we can retain and benefit from those valuable skills.”

Speaking of the support she received, Emma Roxburgh said,

“Since my involvement with NECHH I’ve felt incredibly well supported and have been given space to play, learn and grow. Producing two of the Laugh Lessons and directing one, enabled me to really use my previous script development skills.

“It has been great working with regional writer/performer talent on their first broadcast credit alongside outstanding regional crew, and I can’t wait to see more North East talent coming through and smashing it.”

Alison Gwynn, CEO of NFM said,

“It’s been great to witness the impact of the project, with both Motif and Emma Roxburgh now developing bigger broadcast projects.

“This is only just the start. There is so much more in the pipeline, and we wouldn’t have been able to have achieved this without the support from the North East LEP.”

NECHH is in a really strong position heading into the later stages of 2021, with a strong network of North East businesses and agencies all focused on broadcast comedy development. There is also an exciting new partnership with an award-winning production company to uncover more North East talent and products ready to break into national and global markets.

To view each of the five Laugh Lessons, click the links below.

How We Ruined The Internet

Coke, Weed and Bananas: A Guide To Drugs Today

First World Problems Of A Influencer

Becoming a Karen

5 Signs You’re Becoming A P.R*C.K

NE Comedy Hot House wins ‘Initiative to Grow Local Industry’ at Makers & Shakers awards

Posted on 15 December 202010 October 2022 by North East Screen

We’re thrilled to announce that our North East Comedy Hot House project has taken home the award for Initiative to Grow Local Industry at the 2020 makers and shakers awards.

An initiative by The Location Guide, makers magazine and FOCUS, the makers & shakers awards celebrate excellence in global production. The awards aim to recognise and honour ground-breaking ideas and initiatives from players across the spectrum of the global creative screen industries.

The makers & shakers award is a great marker of success for the North East Comedy Hot House, for whom growing local industry is of the utmost importance. We are passionate about championing undiscovered comedy talent, supporting talent, building creative businesses, and connecting people, places, and projects to the best opportunities for their growth. Our project hopes to foster an explosion of Northern comedy voices onto international platforms, and this award proves that we are doing just that.

Executive Producer and co-founder of the NECHH, Emma Lawson, added: ‘It’s been such a privilege to work on a project that both invigorates and connects people. The North East has such a strong comedy community and important production industry, and I’m so thrilled that the work NECHH is doing showcases that to a national audience. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved for winning an award that allows us to shout about our region and to mark the fun we’ve had so far. Thank you to Alison Gwynn, Northern Film + Media and everyone who has supported us this year!’.

Project Manager of the NECHH, Lisa Laws, said: ‘This award celebrates what happens when you’re inclusive. We’ve loved bringing together new voices, passionate local indies, and talented cast & crew to produce great, funny content for national broadcasters, create good vibes and put our region’s talent on the map. We can’t wait for the next phase of NECHH development’.

Chief Executive Officer of Northern Film + Media, Alison Gwynn, said: ‘It is a huge honour to be recognised by the makers & shakers awards, especially since the project is still in its infancy and we beat off major national and international competition. We are incredibly excited about the future of our North East Comedy Hot House and look forward to watching it make an impact on both local industry and international platforms’.