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

18/07/2024 – 6:00 pm
Women in Film and TV Summer Networking
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11/07/2024 – 7:00 pm
North East Screen and Focus Canning Summer Social
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11/07/2024 – 3:30 pm
New Entrant Careers and Networking Event
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08/05/2024 – 9:30 am
Crew Academy Bootcamp – North Shields
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30/04/2024 – 1:00 pm
Good Working Practices
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23/04/2024 – 9:00 am
BBC Production Unlocked – Newcastle
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18/04/2024 – 11:00 am
Audio Network Webinar
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20/03/2024 – 6:00 pm
Crossing over into Directing Comedy with Comedy 50:50
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14/03/2024 – 1:00 pm
Overcoming Barriers in film and TV – Connected Communities
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22/02/2024 – 9:00 am
Crew Academy Scripted Bootcamp – Durham
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07/02/2024 – 9:00 am
Post-Production Masterclass with True North Post
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26/01/2024 – 12:00 pm
Jackdaw Screening and Q&A
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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
Screen Alliance North launches Connected Communities events as part of the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival
1st March 2024
Screen Alliance North launches Connected Communities events as part of the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival
This March, Screen Alliance North will be hosting its first series of Connected Communities events, with the support of BFI National Lottery funding, and partners the BBC.
Learn more

Crew Opportunities

Crew
North East
Industry
Opportunities

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

Summer Studio Assistant
Role Summer Studio Assistant
Salary Information provided upon application
Location Newcastle
Reporting to The Church Post
Closing Date 24th of June
Interviews N/A
Background To Post

The Church is a collective of post-production specialists from the North East, based in Kingsland Church Studios, Newcastle.

Who Are We Looking For?

Our friends at The Church Post are seeking a Studio Assistant for their audio department for the summer.

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Duration: July – September

The successful applicant should have previous experience using ProTools and a passion for Audio Post Production.

How To Apply

Send your CV and portfolio to Kenya@thechurchpost.co.uk with “Summer Studio Assistant” as the subject. Deadline: 24th June

Gaffer
Role Gaffer
Salary Information provided upon application
Location North East
Reporting to Hat Trick Productions
Closing Date N/A
Interviews N/A
Background To Post

Hat Trick Productions is an independent production and distribution company co‑founded and led by Jimmy Mulville.

Who Are We Looking For?

They are looking for an experienced Gaffer to work with them on a 6-part scripted comedy series filming in the North East.

Dates: 24th of June until the 18th of August.

How To Apply

Please send a copy of your CV with the subject line ‘Hat Trick Gaffer – Your Name’ to david@northeastscreen.org

DIT
Role DIT
Salary Information provided upon application
Location North East
Reporting to Hat Trick Productions
Closing Date N/A
Interviews N/A
Background To Post

Hat Trick Productions is an independent production and distribution company co‑founded and led by Jimmy Mulville.

Who Are We Looking For?

Hat Trick are looking an experienced DIT for a 6-part scripted comedy series filming in the North East.

Dates: 8th of July until the 18th of August and 1 day of prep ahead of this.

How To Apply

Please send a copy of your CV with the subject line ‘Hat Trick DIT– Your Name’ to david@northeastscreen.org

Production Runner
Role Production Runner
Salary Information provided upon application
Location North East
Reporting to Hat Trick Productions
Closing Date N/A
Interviews N/A
Background To Post

Hat Trick Productions is an independent production and distribution company co‑founded and led by Jimmy Mulville.

Who Are We Looking For?

Hattrick are looking for a Production Runner for a 6-part scripted comedy series filming in the North East.

Dates:

Monday 10th – 17th June (4 or 3 weeks prep)

Monday 8th July – 16th August 2024 ( 6 weeks)

19th August 2024 – 23rd August 2024 (1 week)

(must drive – and Ideally have own car)

How To Apply

If you are interested and have previous experience in this role, then please send a copy of your CV with the subject line ‘Hattrick Production Runner– Your Name’ to david@northeastscreen.org

Crew News & Events

Crew
News
& Events

19th September 2024
Michelle Visage and Charlotte Riley among supporting cast for Smoggie Queens
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18th September 2024
Campaign to showcase Tees Barrage as film and TV location
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9th September 2024
North East Screen set to showcase the region to locations experts
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3rd September 2024
Harder Than The Rock set for UK cinema release this October
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29th August 2024
Gateshead-based indie MOTIF to release first scripted comedy series on BBC Radio 4
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21st August 2024
Wynyard Hall stars in Love is Blind UK on Netflix
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16th August 2024
Wander Films Produce The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge doc for BBC
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14th August 2024
New BBC radio comedy show “Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!” produced by Candle and Bell airs
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8th August 2024
Screen Alliance North and Women in Film and TV announce partnership to support industry professionals across the North
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1st August 2024
BBC and North East working together to boost the screen industry
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31st July 2024
Award-winning skills initiative on Dumping Ground boosts North East crew
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31st July 2024
North East Mayor approves £25m film and TV industry investment 
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