Section: Crew

The North East’s much loved Vera to end after season 14

Posted on by Jo Macleod

ITV has today announced that much loved North East drama series, Vera, will come to an end after its next season (14).

Despite the sad news today that this will be the final season of the much-loved Vera series, North East Screen is keen to celebrate what the team at Silverprint and ITV has accomplished across its 13 seasons, soon to be 14. From award nominations to ratings successes both in the UK and abroad; Vera has been an integral part of the growth of the screen industries in the North East. The impact the series has had not just on the North East screen sector, but on our region as a whole, is a true testament to everyone working on the show and at ITV to bring Ann Cleeve’s story of DCI Vera Stanhope to life.

Vera will bow out at a time when production has tripled in the region with 12 productions already confirmed to be filming in 2024 and the North East Production Fund setting its sights firmly on attracting a high-end returning drama series. North East Screen’s Film Office is currently supporting the production team at Silverprint with their production needs as they begin to film season 14. We are sure this final season will be another incredible hit with viewers across the globe.

We are hiring – come work for the North East Screen family!

Posted on by North East Screen

We are looking for two people to join us as Development Coordinator and Skills Coordinator and continue to develop and support the North East’s film and TV industry.

If you love film and TV, have solid admin skills, a creative eye and want to make an impact then the Development Coordinator role may be just right for you. You’ll be part of the Talent and Business Development team helping to support North East companies and talent to land opportunities and thrive.

There’ll be a number of administrative duties you’ll have to do and be first port of call for all development related enquiries, as well as assisting the wider team with events and content creation.

Apply now for the Development Coordinator role.

If you fancy helping people get work in film and TV and supporting them on their journey, then apply to be our Skills Coordinator? You will be part of the Film Office team, reporting to the Skills Manager.

Your role will see you support North East based crew and those looking to get into the industry, offering insights on work opportunities, and give our Crew Academy members support and advice that will lead to them landing that next role. You’ll also look after our Crew Academy database, ensuring it is up-to-date and explore ways to grow and maintain it.

Apply now for the Skills Coordinator role.

You have until Midnight, Sunday 8th October to apply.

North East Screen appoints industry specialist as new Skills Manager

Posted on by North East Screen

North East Screen, the region’s screen agency, has appointed Lisa Davidson, a highly experienced screen industry professional, to their latest new role as they continue to build the organisation to serve the growing TV and film industry.

Production Designer Lisa, is the latest recruit to the growing workforce of the organisation who is tasked with finding, growing and championing talent and skills in the North East region.

An experienced Art Director and Production Designer who has worked in the industry on long running TV series’ such as Coronation Street and Heartbeat and more local productions, The Dumping Ground and Wolfblood, Lisa is delighted to be joining the organisation to play a part in helping local people find their career path in the region.

Lisa said; “Working as a freelancer I’ve been offered work in Liverpool, Manchester, London, Cypress and even the Caribbean but now that I have a family I’m firmly rooted in the North East. Working at North East Screen gives me the opportunity to still work in the industry, be with my children and help crew get work and develop talent in the North East. It’s important that people in the region can have a chance of working in this industry but not having move away from home.

I have knowledge and experience of working on sets from Coronation Street and Heartbeat to Sam Fender’s 17 Going Under and The 1975’s Settle Down music videos, and I feel these will be useful to help people get on in the industry. I want to encourage productions to film here by creating a sustainable workforce in this region to meet the demand of TV and film productions coming to film in our fabulous region.”

The Skills Manager position was created to develop North East Screen’s Crew Academy, grow the existing crew database and create trainee and shadowing opportunities on productions through North East Screen’s Access initiative.

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen explained;

“As well as encouraging North East people to consider the film and TV industry as a viable career option we are also supporting existing professional industry crew to achieve their ambitions. We’re keen to reach out to those from the region wanting to return to work in the North East. Lisa will help identify career pathways as well as considering skills shortages and gaps to help support the growing number of productions.

Lisa brings with her a wealth of industry experience and knowledge of 15 years working at a high level in TV drama productions across the North. She will play a part in growing the industry, inspiring, engaging and advising the talent we have here now and the next generation of North East Crew. We are very pleased to have her join the team.”

Crew Events

Crew
Events

19/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
CV Advice with Sara Putt
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14/02/2025 – 2:00 pm
Smoggie Queens: From Script to Screen
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12/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
Interview techniques and exploring the need for an Agent with Sara Putt
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05/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
Negotiating contracts in the screen industry by Sara Putt
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31/01/2025
Screenwriting Weekender
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21/01/2025
Introduction to Production Accounting
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19/12/2024 – 7:00 pm
North East Screen and Generator End of Year Social
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29/11/2024 – 4:00 pm
Film Generator: Directors in Conversation
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13/11/2024 – 4:00 pm
It’s Grin Up North! Comedy Talent Event
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12/11/2024 – 10:00 am
Supplying to the film and TV industry – Hartlepool
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18/07/2024 – 6:00 pm
Women in Film and TV Summer Networking
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11/07/2024 – 3:30 pm
New Entrant Careers and Networking Event
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Crew Academy

2 men looking at camera

Inspired
Engaged
& Hired

Want to work in film and TV?

If you would like to work in the screen industry in the North East, our NE Screen Crew Academy can make a career in Film and TV more accessible for you.

The Academy supports new entrants to the industry by running bootcamps, masterclasses, workshops, CV surgeries, on-set open days and shadow placements.

Perhaps most significantly, we also incentivise productions in the region to hire Academy Members by subsidising rates through our Production Fund and Access funding initiatives. Put simply, if you are on our Academy, your cost to a production may be halved. In a competitive field, this gives you a real advantage as productions are for more likely to offer our Crew Academy Members that invaluable first opportunity.

North East Screen is dedicated to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusivity in the screen industries and providing opportunities to support the creation of a workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK.

How do I join the Academy?

If you’re in the first two years of working in the screen industry, the Crew Academy can offer you valuable early career support. To become a Crew Academy member, you must:

– Have a North East post code
– Be over 18
– Have finished full time education
– Be available to work on production
– Be registered on the North East Screen Crew Database
– Have attended a NE Screen Crew Academy Bootcamp

We aim to run Bootcamps every two to three months and they tend to be in high demand. If you would like to receive priority access to sign-up to our next event, please fill out this Expression of Interest form and we will notify you before the event goes public.

After attending a Bootcamp, you will receive final instructions and an Academy Application Form.

I have professional credits already. Can I join the academy?

If you are within the first 2 years of working in the industry, then you are still eligible to join the Academy as we recognise you may still benefit from our support.

Depending on the level of your professional experience, you may also be exempt from the requirement to attend a Bootcamp.

If you feel this may be the case for you, then ensure you are registered on the North East Screen Crew Database before emailing crewacademy@northeastscreen.org to request an Academy Application Form.

Sign up to our mailing list.

If you want to be kept up to date with North East Screen events and opportunities, then you can sign-up to our mailing list here.

Crew Academy Bootcamp

The North East Screen Crew Academy held a Bootcamp for new entrants who want a career in the screen industry. The Bootcamp was held at the Northern Film and TV Studios in Hartlepool and was led by Jude Winstanley and Matt Gallagher. Those who attended learnt more about working in feature film and TV drama production. Sessions included information on what to expect when working in the industry, and how to perfect your CV, as well as insights from experienced crew giving their top tips for getting into and getting on in the industry.

It was great to see how all the departments collaborated in order to make the finished product, ensuring it all runs smoothly, and that the doors aren’t necessarily closed if you want to work in other departments. I’ve learnt that putting yourself out there, networking and getting involved are so valuable. You don’t have to go to uni or work/move down south for opportunities in this field.

–  Joseph Crooks on The Dumping Ground open day

Joseph Crooks

It was really interesting to see, meet and hear from everyone about their journeys, their different roles, and what they do. The advice was invaluable.

–  Emma Tilney on The Dumping Ground open day

Emma Tilney

I was unsure how today would turn out, but it’s been amazing! All departments were so interesting to listen to and all really knowledgeable and interesting. I’m so glad I came as I enjoyed it thoroughly.

–  Sophie Turner on The Dumping Ground open day

Sophie Turner

Crew News
We are hiring – Finance Director
8th January 2025
We are hiring – Finance Director
North East Screen are currently looking for a Finance Director to join the team as it transitions into a new phase of delivery. This role will be key to the success and implementation of this next phase, and showing the economic impact our organisation and industry is having on the region.
Learn more

Crew Opportunities

Crew
North East
Industry
Opportunities

View the jobs below or click here to register on our Crew Database

Finance Manager
Role Finance Manager
Salary £35,175 pro rata, per annum
Location Sunderland with time in Hartlepool.
Reporting to Finance Director
Closing Date Midnight, 23rd of February
Interviews w/c Monday 3rd March
Background To Post

Join us at a most exciting time for Film and TV in North East England. Here at North East Screen, we develop and champion the North East as one of the UK’s leading film and TV production hubs where exceptional screen industry talent can live, work and create.

We are working to build a vibrant and sustainable screen industry that will drive inward investment, create jobs and raise the regions profile nationally and internationally. 

Who Are We Looking For?

To support our team and vision we’re looking for an experienced Finance Manager to work with our Financial Director and provide financial management, including responsibility for the administration and management of accounting records.

You’ll handle everything from reconciliations, payroll, VAT returns and funding claims, to assessing budgets, improving financial processes, and contributing to key funding applications. Your attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities will be essential as you work with managers and funders to maintain financial accuracy and compliance. 

If you have at least 3 years of experience maintaining financial control in an organisation of a similar size and scale – ideally in a public sector or arts organisation – then we’d love to hear from you.

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing industry in the North East at a critical time.

Contract terms – Part/Full time (22.5-37.5hrs to be discussed), permanent.

Salary – £35,175 pro rata per annum (dependent on contracted hours).

Click here to view the full job description.

How To Apply

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter aligning your skills and experience to those in the Job Description to work@northeastscreen.org by midnight on Sunday 23rd February. Interviews will be held in Sunderland week commencing Monday 3rd March 2025.

Please complete this EDI form

Skills Manager
Role Skills Manager
Salary £35,175 pro rata, per annum
Location Sunderland with time in Hartlepool
Reporting to Operations Director
Closing Date Midnight, Sunday 23rd February
Interviews w/c 3rd March
Background To Post

Join us at the most exciting time for the film and TV industry in North East England! Here at North East Screen, we develop and champion the North East as one of the UK’s leading film and TV production hubs where exceptional screen industry talent can live, work and create.  

We are working to build a vibrant and sustainable screen industry that will drive inward investment, create jobs, and raise the region’s profile nationally and internationally. 

Who Are We Looking For?

We’re looking for someone who understands what it takes to get into the industry and/or take their next step up the career ladder, to join our team to manage and develop our Crew Academy and award-winning skills initiatives. 

If you’ve worked in film and TV production and you’re keen to help the next generation find their way into the industry, then we’d love to hear from you.

Contract terms – Part/Full time (22.5-37.5hrs to be discussed), permanent.

Salary – £35,175 pro rata per annum (dependent on contracted hours).

Based at The Beam in Sunderland with some work in our Hartlepool office, The Bis, and covering the whole of the North East.

Click here to view the full job description.

How To Apply

Interested? To apply please send your CV along with a cover letter aligning your skills and experience to those in the Job Description to work@northeastscreen.org by midnight on Sunday 23rd February 2025.

Interviews will be held in Sunderland week commencing 3rd March 2025.

Please complete this EDI form.

Development Producer / AP – TV (Freelance)
Role Development Producer / AP – TV (Freelance)
Salary Information provided upon application
Location North East
Reporting to WANDER Films
Closing Date 31st of January
Interviews TBD
Background To Post

Wander Films is looking for a Development Producer / AP to join their fast growing, multi award winning team. If you love to come up with original ideas for factual and digital content and want to be part of an exciting and inclusive team, they would love to hear from you!

Who Are We Looking For?

They’re looking for someone with proven experience in developing and pitching original factual ideas. You’ll need to thrive in a fast paced environment, juggling multiple projects at different stages of development. This freelance role is up to 30 hours a week for an initial 4-month contract.

What You’ll Be Doing
  • Generating, researching, and developing standout ideas for factual and fact ent TV projects.

  • Creating pitch materials and working on submissions for broadcasters and platforms.

  • Collaborating closely with our in-house team to bring fresh, bold concepts to life.

  • Pitching to commissioners and repping Wander at industry events.

Click here to read the full job description.

How To Apply
  1. Send your CV to apply@welovewander.com

  2. Film a 90-second video telling them why they should reach out to YOU and only you. Show them your vibe and what makes you stand out.

 

Crew News & Events

Crew
News
& Events

31st January 2025
Sara Davies’ new North East produced BBC show premieres in Newcastle
Learn more
30th January 2025
Sara Davies helps aspiring inventors in new BBC One series
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28th January 2025
TV drama and comedy funded by North East Production Fund lead the RTS NE and the Borders Awards nominations 
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22nd January 2025
Women in Film and TV (UK) Launches 2025 Four Nations Mentoring Scheme
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15th January 2025
North East Screen supports Indielab TV Accelerator programme in it’s 10th year
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8th January 2025
We are hiring – Finance Director
Learn more
17th December 2024
Documentary produced by Northern Child for Channel 4 available to stream
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13th December 2024
North East Screen backs global business
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3rd December 2024
Smoggie Queens turns Middlesbrough Town Hall pink with glizty premiere
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19th November 2024
New Comedy Series Transaction, Starring Jordan Gray and Nick Frost, Begins Filming in Tees Valley
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19th November 2024
Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day Begins Filming in the North East with Timothy Spall, Jennifer Saunders, and Haley Bennett
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14th November 2024
North East Screen awards free WFTV memberships in the North East
Learn more