Section: Crew

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

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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 – 7:00 pm
North East Screen and Focus Canning Summer Social
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11/07/2024 – 3:30 pm
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08/05/2024 – 9:30 am
Crew Academy Bootcamp – North Shields
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Good Working Practices
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23/04/2024 – 9:00 am
BBC Production Unlocked – Newcastle
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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 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

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