Newcastle-based Shudder Films, are set to light up the international film market as they premiere their latest feature film at the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival, which begins 18th January.
Regional screen agency, North East Screen, have supported Shudder Films through their Reach programme to employ a development producer who will scout for talent and drive their activity in the North East, with the team also heading stateside to Sundance Film Festival, a key launch pad for some of the world’s best breakthrough feature films.
KNEECAP, which shot in Ireland last year, is the story of the hip and naughty Irish language rap group, Kneecap. The film features the rap trio in lead roles, with Simone Kirby (His Dark Materials, Hidden Assets, Peaky Blinders, Jimmy’s Hall) and Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class, Inglorious Basterds, Shame, Steve Jobs) co-staring.
Shudder Films is an acclaimed independent film company, led by BAFTA-nominated and BIFA winning producer Jack Tarling, that has had previous success with critically acclaimed films such as Gods Own Country.
Jack has a long-term affinity with the North East, having studied at Northumbria University and regularly speaks at regional NFTS and broadcast events. He said,
“We’re excited to be working with Dermot O’Dempsey as our first point of contact for North East talent and stories. I lived in Newcastle for 12 years and look forward to further strengthening our links and bringing new productions to the region and doing more work with local talent.”
Lisa Laws, North East Screen’s Development Director said,
“It’s great to be able to support an award-winning company like Shudder Films to strengthen their base in the North East. They have an outstanding track record at major international festivals.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how Jack and his team bring their ambitious energy to the North East, providing another home for our local talent to develop creative and ground-breaking content.”
North East Screen supported Shudder Films to both strengthen their marketing and distribution strategy, and create a new development post through the Reach programme. Reach is aimed at commercially and critically acclaimed companies (both production and supply chain) wishing to develop and diversify their products and services in order to win investment and create jobs within the region. So far, almost £120,000 has been invested in regional companies, with the latest round of funding currently accepting applications. To find out how you and your business can be supported in the North East screen industry, contact the Business Development team: talent@northeastscreen.org.
