5 Archives - North East Screen

5 to follow Ben Fogle on high stakes mission as he takes over iconic clothing brand

5 have announced an ambitious new two-part documentary series – co-produced by Daisybeck Studios and Middlesbrough-based Wander Films – which follows adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle as he embarks on his most formidable challenge yet: taking over an iconic British business.

Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) (2x 60’), will chart Ben’s gamble into the unknown as he risks his life savings, reputation, and family’s financial future to invest in and nurture Buffalo, a legendary British brand. The Sheffield-based cult outdoor brand is known for its old-school, indestructible kit and is beloved by mountain rescue teams and military folk.

All eyes are on Ben as we follow him from factory floor to shop launch party as he tries to bring a cult brand into the modern era.

The commission follows 5’s commissioning team visiting the North East earlier this year to meet emerging production companies in the region as part of an event organised by North East Screen.

Ben Fogle commented: “I’ve taken on some big adventures in my life, but this might be the boldest yet. Buying a Sheffield factory and investing in Buffalo is a huge leap – financially and emotionally. I’ve put everything into it because I believe in the brand, the people, and the power of British manufacturing. It’s a challenge, no doubt, but I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5 added: “I believe this new series will offer a fresh perspective on Ben – one our audience hasn’t seen before. It’s a bold and risky personal challenge that promises both heart and grit. I’m genuinely excited to be working with the small North Eastern company Wander, based in Middlesbrough, alongside Daisybeck. I believe they’ll craft a compelling and emotional series as Ben trades the wild for the workshop in his mission to revive a British iconic brand.”

Mark McMullen, Executive Producer for Daisybeck Studios said “We’re thrilled to be part of Ben’s boldest adventure yet. This series will showcase the vision, resilience, and sheer determination needed to revive a much-loved Yorkshire brand. We’ll be following Ben from the factory floor through to his ambitious relaunch and can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with the audience.”

Chloë Clover Executive Producer, Wander Films noted: “This is exactly the kind of story we love; bold, full of personality, real people taking risks. Buffalo is a Sheffield icon with a cult following and Ben’s mission to bring it into the modern era is packed with heart and high stakes. We’re buzzing to co-produce and can’t wait for audiences to see how it plays out.”

Ben Fogle: Made in Sheffield (w/t) is a 2 x 60’ series commissioned by Denise Seneviratne Commissioning Editor, Factual at 5. The series will be co-produced by Daisybeck Studios and Wander Films and directed by Adam Caldow. Mark McMullen serves as Executive Producer for Daisybeck Studios and Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner are Executive Producers for Wander Films.

The series is expected to air in 2026 on 5.

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 14^th 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 14^th April, 9pm, on 5.

Tag: 5

Middlesbrough’s Wander Films to co-produce two-part series with Daisybeck Studios for 5

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