The RTS North East and Border Awards are fast approaching and soon we’ll be finding out who wins the prestigious prize of best drama/comedy. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate talent both on and off screen and a chance to showcase the calibre of TV shows produced in the region.
Last year The Red King, a Quay Street Production for UKTV won Best Drama. The production shot in Northumberland in 2023 with a special screening taking place at Alnwick Playhouse in April 2024.
Smoggie Queens, a Hat Trick Production for BBC Three won Best Comedy. The series set in Middlesbrough by Teessider Phil Dunning was shot in and around the town with a screening event for 1000 people – cast, crew, suppliers and locals – taking place at the Town Hall. We were delighted to welcome back Hat Trick Productions to the region in 2025 to shoot series two!
Both productions were attracted to the region with help of The North East Production Fund, managed on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership by North East Screen. The fund is helping to drive growth in the industry, providing better jobs and opportunities for North East people and businesses.
This year the showcase of locally produced productions continues with four local productions battling out for top spot. I Fought the Law by Hera Productions for ITV, The Feud by Lonesome Pine for 5, Transaction by Big Talk Studios for ITV and Vera by Silver Pictures for ITV. A really tough category and we can’t wait to find out who lifts the trophy!
In the North East region there has been an 131% increase in production spend and a 90% increase in filming days, thanks to productions like these. We may have said a fond farewell to Vera but the other three productions were attracted to the region by The North East Production Fund with 65% of North East Crew employed on the shoots.
Our region is proving we have the talent, highly skilled crews, exceptional locations and local businesses who are capable of winning more work. Bring on the RTS awards for a celebration of this important industry growth!
If you’re thinking of filming in the region we would love to hear from you. Speak to our Film Office about your next production and the many benefits our region has to offer.
