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Section: Crew

Screen Alliance North launches industry wide working group to improve sustainability across productions in the North

Posted on by Jo Macleod

Screen Alliance North, the northern screen industry skills cluster, (thanks to support from the BFI awarding National Lottery funding), is working closely with sustainability consultants Picture Zero to establish a new Sustainability Working Group.

Made up of members representing a cross section of industry professionals who are interested in improving sustainable practices, the north-wide peer group will be run by Picture Zero on behalf of Screen Alliance North and is sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals.

Representatives from ITV, BBC, Channel 4, 5, BFI and Heads of Department in the industry will implement sustainable working practices across production companies, freelance crew, new entrants and on all types of productions shooting in the North.

Penny Hall, Skills Cluster Lead at Screen Alliance North, said;

“We continue to work towards our aim of becoming a beacon of sustainable good practice and are establishing this group to allow us to communicate sustainability messages across the industry. Members of the group are at a senior level with significant experience of working on productions in the North. They will be sharing best practice, advocate for sustainable practices and aim to positively influence productions and crew.

The group will meet four times a year to workshop solutions, share resources and use their network to drive change ultimately feeding into a joined-up set of criteria for productions to adhere to when filming anywhere in the North.”

Eve Stollery, Picture Zero, added;

“Reducing the environmental impact of production and putting climate messaging on screen requires action right from the start. The earlier sustainability is considered, the bigger the difference the production can make. We hope through working closely with Screen Alliance North and members of the Sustainability Working Group we can find ways to affect change early in the production process, communicate best practice and share new sustainable ways of working.

We are delighted to be collaborating with Screen Alliance North and I look forward to meeting with members and working towards a greener and more sustainable northern screen industry.”

Jenny Clark, Partnerships and Development Manager at Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland, said;

“We are proud to support the Sustainability Working Group in their mission to create a more sustainable future for the screen industry. By partnering with innovators and leaders, we can drive meaningful change that reduces environmental impact and sets new standards for sustainability across the sector. Together, we’re committed to a greener, more responsible future for production, and we look forward to being part of this transformative journey.”

Screen Alliance North are looking for sponsors for various elements of the Sustainability Working Group – meetings, a suppliers list, newsletter and programme of activity. If this is something your company would be interested in, please contact eve@picturezero.com.

Have your say on Hartlepool Screen Industries Production Village plans

Posted on by Jo Macleod

Members of the public are being asked to help shape transformational plans for Hartlepool’s growing film and TV industry at a two-day event.

Work is being developed on multi-million pound projects to develop the town as a centre for film and TV production, including a significant expansion of the Northern Studios complex in Lynn Street.

The studio expansion will complement plans led by Hartlepool Borough Council to create a Production Village in the Lynn Street and Whitby Street area and build on the town’s burgeoning film-making pedigree.

Members of the public can find out more about the proposals at a consultation event in Hartlepool on Tuesday 15th April, at The Northern Studios, on Lynn Street, from 12noon until 7pm, and Wednesday 16th April from 12noon to 7pm, at the former H&M unit in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

It will be led by consultants Pegasus Planning and Leonard Design, who are working in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation, and project leaders will be on hand to explain the plans, answer questions and listen to views.

Hartlepool Borough Council Leader Councillor Brenda Harrison said:

“Creating jobs, driving investment in Hartlepool and delivering regeneration are all key aims of our council and this project delivers all three in an abundance. We are proud to be leading the way with this transformational project for Hartlepool.

“The film and TV industry has been one of Hartlepool’s fastest growing sectors in recent years and we are building on that success and creating more jobs for local people in a wide range of careers.

“We are excited for work to begin but before we get to that point, we are keen to engage with a range of stakeholders including members of the public to get views on the proposals so please do take up this opportunity to get involved and have your say.”

Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Development Corporation Chairman Ben Houchen said:

“We are dedicated to developing Hartlepool as a powerhouse for TV and film production and have made excellent progress so far.

“However we want to go much further to deliver this significant investment, which will bring international productions to the town and create well-paid skilled jobs in Hartlepool.

“It’s vital that local people directly benefit from these projects – which is why we want their involvement in this process, to hear what is planned and help shape these developments.”

Funding for the Northern Studios expansion would be provided under a proposed £15million allocation from the Tees Valley Investment Zone. Tees Valley secured Investment Zone status in 2023, with a total of £160million allocated to drive the creative and digital sectors.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s is leading on the Production Village project, supported by £16.5million from the Levelling Up Fund.

Working with North East Screen, Northern Studios opened in 2022 supported by funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

It is the only large-scale film and TV studio facility in the North East. Recent productions filmed at the studios include feature film Jackdaw alongside Sky true crime documentaries, ITV drama and comedy productions. It has also been used as a unit base for productions filming on location in Hartlepool.

BBC Comedy’s Smoggie Queens, ITV drama I Fought the Law, and ITV comedy Transaction were also created with the help of the facility.

Northern Studios is based next to the Northern School of Art which provides training and education courses for the creative industries.

North East Screen Chief Executive Alison Gwynn said:

“The North East has been the fastest growing region in the UK for the film and TV industry which has seen an increase in production by 89%.

“The development of the Northern Studios and Production Village in Hartlepool will see the town and surrounding areas become a real hotbed for world class film, digital and TV productions as well as suppliers to the wider creative industries businesses.

“It’ll also provide opportunities for local people who have previously had to leave the region to work in the industry.”

The Northern School of Art Principal, Dr Martin Raby, said:

“This is an important step in the development of The Northern Studios. The Studios have been operating successfully, which is testament to the initial backing from Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority, but the requirements of the sector are progressing.

“The creation of the Production Village and the enhancement of the Studios, supported by the sterling efforts of North East Screen to attract productions, will facilitate much greater screen industry activity in Hartlepool, the Tees Valley and the wider North East, bringing further economic benefits to the town and the region. In addition, it will provide work experience opportunities for students and will boost employment prospects for our graduates.”

North East Screen hosts exclusive screening for new 5 drama by North East-based Lonesome Pine

Posted on by Jo Macleod

Stars Jill Halfpenny and Larry Lamb joined 5 commissioner Paul Testar, writer Ash Ditta and North East Production crew for an exclusive screening of domestic drama The Feud at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle, ahead of its transmission on Monday 14th April.

Filmed last year in and around Newcastle, the new 6-part series starring local actor Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones, was produced by Newcastle-based Lonesome Pine Productions and supported by the North East Production Fund.

The fund, administered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership is attracting more productions to film in the region bringing jobs and inward investment. £2.5 million has been invested so far into scripted projects. 5 is the first broadcaster in over 15 years to commission a North East based company for a drama filmed in the region.  

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen, said;

“The Feud is one of 10 productions to shoot in the region with North East Production Fund investment so far. Each production hires regional crew, and actors, uses regional supply chain companies as well as providing training opportunities which helps to build regional infrastructure.

“Lonesome Pine is a great example of a regionally based production company bringing stories of global appeal to the screen. We were delighted to support the series and are looking forward to what comes next.”

As well as investment, the production received assistance from North East Screen’s Film Office to find crew, facilities and locations; the skills team to give trainees the opportunity to work on a scripted drama, and the business development team to support their growing business. North East Screen are continuing to build a vibrant and sustainable global screen sector in the region. The North East is the fastest growing region in the UK for screen industries.

Lesley Douglas, Executive Producer and Managing Director of Lonesome Pine said;

“Making The Feud in the North East is exactly why we moved Lonesome Pine here. The crew who worked on the show were exceptional and made the filming an absolute joy, come rain or shine. We received nothing but really positive feedback about the crew from all of our amazing cast – including of course Jill Halfpenny, someone else who made the decision to head back home!

“North East Screen has been holding our hand since we arrived here 3 years ago, and not only did they invest in the project at a critical point, but they also helped us access the region’s full potential. We are so proud of The Feud, and it is only through the support of 5, North East Screen and Banijay that we were given the opportunity to make it. We look forward to working further with North East Screen and playing our part in building the North East’s presence on and off screen.”

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Scripted, 5, adds:

“Working with North East Screen has been a pleasure, and their support has been invaluable in bringing The Feud to life. The collaboration allowed us to tap into local talent and resources, providing access to the wealth of experience and knowledge in the North East that really brought the series together. We look forward to working with North East Screen again, and sharing this compelling drama with our audience on 5.”

Jill Halfpenny plays lead Emma Barnett in the series and was excited to be back in her home city to film.

“It was a joy to work in the North East again, being surrounded by local crew and knowing we could all go home to our families at night meant a lot and is something which I hope we can all do more of. Lonesome Pine were an absolute pleasure. Lesley and Ash made the job feel so collaborative. I loved every minute.”

The Feud begins Monday 14th April, 9pm, on 5.

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

17/05/2025 – 12:00 pm
Channel 4 Northern Talent Network: Breaking into Scripted TV – in partnership with New Writing North
Learn more
03/03/2025 – 1:00 pm
Indielab TV Accelerator 2025: lunchtime briefing
Learn more
19/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
CV Advice with Sara Putt
Learn more
14/02/2025 – 2:00 pm
Smoggie Queens: From Script to Screen
Learn more
12/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
Interview techniques and exploring the need for an Agent with Sara Putt
Learn more
05/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
Negotiating contracts in the screen industry by Sara Putt
Learn more
31/01/2025
Screenwriting Weekender
Learn more
21/01/2025
Introduction to Production Accounting
Learn more
19/12/2024 – 7:00 pm
North East Screen and Generator End of Year Social
Learn more
29/11/2024 – 4:00 pm
Film Generator: Directors in Conversation
Learn more
13/11/2024 – 4:00 pm
It’s Grin Up North! Comedy Talent Event
Learn more
12/11/2024 – 10:00 am
Supplying to the film and TV industry – Hartlepool
Learn more

Crew Academy

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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 Events
17/05/2025 – 12:00 pm
Channel 4 Northern Talent Network: Breaking into Scripted TV – in partnership with New Writing North
Learn more
03/03/2025 – 1:00 pm
Indielab TV Accelerator 2025: lunchtime briefing
Learn more
19/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
CV Advice with Sara Putt
Learn more
14/02/2025 – 2:00 pm
Smoggie Queens: From Script to Screen
Learn more
12/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
Interview techniques and exploring the need for an Agent with Sara Putt
Learn more
05/02/2025 – 12:00 pm
Negotiating contracts in the screen industry by Sara Putt
Learn more
31/01/2025
Screenwriting Weekender
Learn more
21/01/2025
Introduction to Production Accounting
Learn more
19/12/2024 – 7:00 pm
North East Screen and Generator End of Year Social
Learn more
29/11/2024 – 4:00 pm
Film Generator: Directors in Conversation
Learn more
13/11/2024 – 4:00 pm
It’s Grin Up North! Comedy Talent Event
Learn more
12/11/2024 – 10:00 am
Supplying to the film and TV industry – Hartlepool
Learn more
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
Screen Alliance North launches industry wide working group to improve sustainability across productions in the North
7th May 2025
Screen Alliance North launches industry wide working group to improve sustainability across productions in the North
Screen Alliance North, the northern screen industry skills cluster, (thanks to support from the BFI awarding National Lottery funding), is working closely with sustainability consultants Picture Zero to establish a new Sustainability Working Group. Made up of members representing a cross section of industry professionals who are interested in improving sustainable practices, the north-wide peer […]
Learn more
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Crew Opportunities

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Opportunities

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

Crew News & Events

Crew
News
& Events

7th May 2025
Screen Alliance North launches industry wide working group to improve sustainability across productions in the North
Learn more
1st May 2025
International tourism campaigns make North East the star of the show
Learn more
1st May 2025
ITV commissions Torvill & Dean: The Last Dance by North-East based FilmNova
Learn more
10th April 2025
Have your say on Hartlepool Screen Industries Production Village plans
Learn more
7th April 2025
North East Screen hosts exclusive screening for new 5 drama by North East-based Lonesome Pine
Learn more
24th March 2025
Hit BBC Comedy Smoggie Queens is back for a second series
Learn more
13th March 2025
Three North East Companies Selected for BBC Small Indie Fund 2025 
Learn more
3rd March 2025
North East talent shines at the Oscars
Learn more
19th February 2025
North East Screen welcomes Ben Frow and Channel 5 to the region
Learn more
17th February 2025
North East Screen backs RTS North East and Border Awards winners
Learn more
12th February 2025
Channel 4 Digital’s ‘Plastic, Printed and Deadly’, Sparks Legislative Change on 3D-Printed Firearms  
Learn more
31st January 2025
Sara Davies’ new North East produced BBC show premieres in Newcastle
Learn more