Smoggie Queens, an uproarious new BBC comedy series that celebrates the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Middlesbrough, will have a star-studded premiere at the Town Hall on the 27th of November.
Written by Middlesbrough native, Phil Dunning, Smoggie Queens tells the story of volatile Dickie (Dunning) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young) as they navigate love, life and their pride for a town that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK. It’s an underdog story on two fronts, so expect a few passionate scraps that may send your wig flying!
The main cast are all set to attend the exclusive premiere, which will preview two episodes from the series ahead of its broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer followed by the chance to quiz the cast in a Q&A after the screening.
If you would like to attend the premiere, you can enter a free ticket ballot on the BBC website.
Tickets will be allocated by random draw with 80% of the tickets going to Middlesborough postcodes and 20% going to the rest of the UK.
You can register for a maximum of two tickets before 11.59pm on Monday 18 November.
Smoggie Queens (6 x 30) is a Hat Trick production (Derry Girls, Outnumbered, Have I Got News For You and Episodes) for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen with worldwide distribution by Hat Trick International. The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The producer is Chris Jones (Kate & Koji, Whistle Through The Shamrocks) and the director is Andrew Chaplin (Alma’s Not Normal, The Full Monty). The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.
Middlesbrough-based Wander Films have produced a documentary film for the eighth series of the BBC One series, Our Lives that is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer..
The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge, offers a compelling look at free solo climbing in the Lake District, following climbers Anna and Mat as they undertake a challenging 100-mile journey across some of the UK’s most difficult peaks.
Our Lives is celebrated for its unique, intimate portrayals of extraordinary individuals and their incredible journeys. In this new season, Wander Films joins the ranks with a documentary that highlights the awe-inspiring and emotionally charged story of climbers Anna and Mat. The film follows their ambitious 100-mile challenge across the rugged Lake District, climbing without ropes and confronting some of the UK’s most daunting peaks.
The team at Wander Films has pushed the boundaries of content creation using cutting-edge technology. From high-resolution drones to 360-degree cameras and advanced audio equipment, they captured every exhilarating moment of Anna and Mat’s journey. The documentary not only showcases the breath-taking landscapes but also the raw intensity of free solo climbing, all while navigating the challenges of unpredictable weather and rugged terrain.
Earlier this year, Wander Films were one of four North East production companies selected to benefit from the £1.5m BBC Small Indie Fund, receiving strategic investment and regular mentoring from a BBC commissioning editor. They have also been supported by North East Screen through REACH grants and business development support.
Chloë Clover, CEO and Co-Founder of Wander Films, said:
“Filming The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge was an incredible adventure for our team. The chance to capture Anna and Mat’s story in the Lake District was deeply rewarding. Their determination and love for climbing are inspiring, and we’re thrilled for audiences to experience this journey.”
Lou Tonner, Co-Founder and COO of Wander Films, said:
“This documentary perfectly represents what Wander Films is all about—bold, impactful content that tells extraordinary stories. Working on this project has been a dream come true.”
BBC England TV Commissioner, Diana Hare, said:
“Our Lives continues to be a showcase of diverse and compelling stories across the UK. Wander Films’ contribution this year exemplifies their innovative approach and storytelling excellence.”
The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge will be available to stream on iPlayerfrom today (August 16th) and will air on BBC One on November 1st.
Gateshead based, Candle and Bell’s first comedy series for BBC Radio 4, “Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!”, premieres today (Wednesday 14 August, 2024, at 11.15PM). The show stars the dynamic duo Lauren Pattison and Tom Machell, who also penned the series, promising a delightful blend of wit, humour, and charm.
“Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!” follows the misadventures of Tom and Lauren, a millennial couple from Newcastle upon Tyne, as they navigate one of life’s greatest challenges – leaving the house on time. Known for their sharp comedic timing and relatable humour, Pattison and Machell bring their unique voices to this refreshing new series that promises to leave listeners in stitches.
The show will feature special guest appearances from the hilarious Louise Young and the iconic Julian Clary, adding an extra layer of comedy and star power to the series. Listeners can expect laugh out loud moments, a barnstorming performance from Julian Clary, and plenty of Geordie humour.
Earlier this year, Candle and Bell were one of four North East production companies selected to benefit from the £1.5m BBC Small Indie Fund, receiving strategic investment and regular mentoring from a BBC commissioning editor.
Candle and Bell have also been supported by North East Screen through REACH and Open Horizons grants.
About the Stars:
Lauren Pattison has established herself as a breakout star of the comedy scene and has been nominated twice at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival.
Tom Machell is an award-winning writer and actor known for his work on Vera, Hullraisers and The Emily Atack Show.
Guest Stars:
Louise Young, nominated for best newcomer show at the Edinburgh Festival in 2023, Louise is fast becoming one of the rising stars of comedy in the country. Louise plays Becca, Lauren’s cousin.
Julian Clary, a beloved comedian and entertainer, Julian has been recognised for his work on stage and screen collecting multiple awards and accolades. He stars as Tom and Lauren’s nosey neighbour Neil.
Producer, Maria Caruana Galizia, said of the show, “Working with Tom and Lauren has been an absolute pleasure. We all wanted to produce something that listeners would find hilarious. It is really important that woven into the comedy is a sense of modern-day Newcastle, the people and sense of humour that is so prevalent throughout the city.”
Producer, Zahra Zomorrodian, added, “The Geordie sense of humour is legendary. It’s an honour to be able to share it with Radio 4 listeners.”
Writer and performer Tom Machell is equally passionate about working in his native Newcastle. He said, “It’s just the best thing in the world to finally be able to write something for Newcastle, record it in Newcastle with a bunch of Geordies (+ a couple of honoury.). Our city is a melting pot of talent, and this will hopefully pave the way for more people to invest in North East creatives.”
Of his special guest starring appearance, Julian Clary said, “The scripts were brilliant, and I can now understand a Geordie accent. Happy Days.”
The series was recorded at the Pride Media Centre in Gateshead, with Katherine Armitage directing, Tom Glenwright as studio engineer and edited by Philip Quinton. Steve Doherty of Giddy Goat Productions was executive producer. The episodes will broadcast weekly on Wednesdays: 14th August, 21st August, 28th August, and the final episode on 4th September.
Don’t miss episode 1 of “Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!”, BBC Radio 4, Wednesday 14th August, at 11.15PM.
Director-General Tim Davie met with local leaders Kim McGuinness and Ben Houchen at the Darlington Hippodrome today (1 August 2024), to discuss the region’s future. The event marked three years since the BBC first signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the North East Screen Industry Partnership (NESIP) as part of it’s Across the UK plan.
Since the MOU was signed in 2021, the BBC has worked closely with its North East partners to boost world class “homegrown storytelling” from the region – providing key funding for production, employment, and the development of the area’s media industry. This included additional funding for North East Screen, and was part of the BBC’s Across the UK programme – to better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the UK.
The BBC and the North East Screen Partnership (NESIP) has created 293 local jobs to date, contributing £18.6m of value to the region, and is on track to create a £50m a year production sector in the area by 2027.
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, said: “The landmark BBC partnership was a substantial catalyst for the growth the screen industry in the North East. Over the past two years production has grown by 86% making our region the fastest growing in the UK. We have welcomed home grown and inward productions from the BBC, ITV, C4, Sky, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as major feature films. To date the NESIP programme has generated £40.2m of GVA and secured regional jobs equivalent to 650 FTEs.
“The BBC partnership has played a key role in driving industry confidence in our production and supply chain companies, talent, regional-based crew and our world-class locations.
With growing strength in our local production companies and infrastructure, and studio developments already underway, we will continue the delivering alongside our partners to ensure the North East has a sustainable screen industry that will see global content produced in the region all year long.”
On Wednesday, Tim Davie also visited the set of CBBC’s The Dumping Ground – which is filmed in Hexham, Northumberland, and employs local talent at all levels of production. The Dumping Ground’s award winning trainee scheme has seen over 80 participants take part from the region, securing a pipeline of local creative talent.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “The BBC is proud to play a part in this landmark commitment to the North East. By boosting investment, allocating the right resources, and moving people outside of London – we’re making sure that authentic, home-grown stories from this amazing region are being told. It is our mission to bring people together and make sure the BBC continues to serve and reflect audiences from across the UK. We’re committed to our vision of supporting the North East’s vibrant media industry for the future.”
The BBC partnership has played a key role in driving industry confidence in our production and supply chain companies, talent, regional-based crew and our world-class locations. With growing strength in our talent, infrastructure, and studio developments already underway, we will continue the delivering alongside our partners to ensure the North East has a sustainable screen industry that will see global content produced in the region all year long.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness says: “Our North East has been the backdrop for iconic TV shows and films, and talent and creativity runs through our DNA as a region. Work by the BBC and North East Screen has helped kick start a renaissance in local production, job creation and investment in the North East’s screen industry. However, this is just the start. As Mayor I want to go further – so our region and talent is seen on screens across the globe. Just this week, I approved £25 million investment to begin work on the Crown Works Studios, which will create world-class film and TV production facilities in Sunderland. This will help make our area the home of real opportunity, ending the days where people have to leave the North East to pursue a career in creative industries.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says: “Our region has fantastic locations, amazing talent, and huge potential as a centre for TV and film making – so it has been great to see the development of new shows in our area as part of this growing partnership with the BBC.
“We are building a growing reputation as a place where opportunities in the creative and digital sectors are thriving. This is why the expansion of the BBC in places such as Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool is so important as it not only shows off the best of our area but provides long-term careers for local people in well-paid skilled industries.”
Sara Davies says: “Having just finished filming The Big Idea Works with TwentySix03, I can tell you first-hand that the creative and production power of the North East is second to none. The BBC’s commitment to the region is a reflection of this wealth of talent, and long may it continue. We have much more to offer and, thanks to relationships with people like North East Screen, the viewers will see this in action. We all know that television is a challenging industry, but my goodness – there is a great deal to recognise in the region, and we need to make sure that production talent is preserved, nurtured and supported.”
By celebrating the MOU’s three-year anniversary and its current achievements, the BBC and its partners are ensuring that the North East’s growing legacy as a major entertainment producer is safeguarded for years to come
BBC Comedy has commissioned Smoggie Queens, an out and out comedy centred around a gang of friends who are fiercely proud of their North Eastern town of Middlesbrough and their small pocket of the LGBTQ+ community.
Written by Middlesbrough native, Phil Dunning, Smoggie Queens tells the story of volatile Dickie (Dunning) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young) as they navigate love, life and their pride for a town that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK. It’s an underdog story on two fronts, so expect a few passionate scraps that may send your wig flying!
Phil Dunning, writer and cast says: “I’m absolutely buzzing that the BBC are taking Smoggie Queens to series and I’m so grateful to them for allowing me to write such stupid and weird characters. It’s been a beautiful dream working with Hat Trick, and the incredible cast already feel like my new chosen family. I can’t wait to introduce the sights, sounds and smells of Middlesbrough to the world.”
Chris Jones, Producer at Hat Trick Productions says: “Phil has a brilliantly funny, energetic and well-observed style to his writing. It’s been extremely special to develop this fiercely proud chosen family sitcom with him along with exceptional support from BBC Comedy. We’re so excited to bring these characters to life through our very talented cast and crew.”
Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy says: “Smoggie Queens is a show bursting with jokes and heart. Phil Dunning has concocted a brilliant ensemble piece that we know will refuse to go unnoticed!.”
Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions, says: “Smoggie Queens is a joy. Phil has created and stars in a show which is introducing us to our new best friends. They‘re the kind of people who look adversity in the eye and laugh! It’s just the tonic we need right now.”
Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director of North East Screen, says: “Hat Trick Productions have a brilliant record of producing quality, award-winning TV shows with global appeal such as Derry Girls, Trigger Point and Mastermind. We’re thrilled to be supporting their new BBC sitcom, Smoggie Queens, through the North East Production Fund, our Film Office and Skills team, to shine a light on the North East’s LGBTQ+ community, and provide opportunities for our talented local crew, actors and businesses.”
Smoggie Queens (6 x 30) is a Hat Trick production (Derry Girls, Outnumbered, Have I Got News For You and Episodes) for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen with worldwide distribution by Hat Trick International. The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The producer is Chris Jones (Kate & Koji, Whistle Through The Shamrocks) and the director is Andrew Chaplin (Alma’s Not Normal, The Full Monty). The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.
TX details will be announced in due course.
The cast of Smoggie Queens (Image: Hat Trick Productions/Matt Crockett)
North East-based Zahra Zomorrodian has been named as one of the 10 recipients of the supercharged bursary scheme – the BBC Comedy Collective – as announced by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie today [Thursday 23rd May] at the BBC Comedy Festival in Glasgow.
The BBC Comedy Collective is a commitment to nurture the next generation of comedy talent. Previous recipients have gone on to make BAFTA award-winning TV series, win script commissions via new production relationships, land agents and received broadcast credits for work gained via the placements.
Zahra is an award-winning producer who started her career as a stage manager in various theatres in her hometown of Newcastle.
After getting tired of carrying heavy things, she started producing comedy shorts, then three micro budget features including the raucous comedy The Stagg Do – which featured Lost Voice Guy in his first screen role.
In 2019, after a detour in documentary with the RTS award-winning feature We Are The Geordies, she moved into producing comedy sketches for Channel 4’s Sparks. One of which – If Boobs Were Like Balls – won a commendation at the RTS Awards (February 2020), and to date has amassed over 3 million views online.
She currently heads up the comedy slate for Candle & Bell and has projects in development with BBC Comedy and BBC Studios, and she’s producing their first BBC Radio 4 commission Tom & Lauren are Going OOT! (TX August 2024).
On being named as a recipient of the BBC Comedy Collective, Zahra said: “I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to be part of the BBC Comedy Collective. This is a great opportunity for me to learn more about producing scripted comedy for network television and to improve my craft. And of course, as a producer, the better I am at my job the more opportunities I can create to get regional and underrepresented voices onto the nation’s screens. Being selected to be part of the 2024 cohort is a real honour and I can’t wait to get started.”
Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, said: “I am so pleased that Zahra has been selected for the incredibly competitive BBC Comedy Collective, following on from the success of North East writer Benjamin Bee last year.
“Zahra brings experience of producing content for a range of platforms and is a true collaborator and team player. Since joining forces with Candle and Bell as Comedy Development Producer last year, together they have already won their first audio commission for BBC Radio 4 and a range of paid script developments with BBC Comedy.
“Supporting our best regional talent through national initiatives like this is crucial, it creates real opportunities to get our stories on screen.
“We can’t wait to see what Zahra will do with the added boost from the BBC Comedy Collective.”
The 10 recipients of this year’s BBC Comedy Collective: Producers: Laura Ferguson (Scotland), Leah Draws (NW England / London) & Zahra Zomorrodian (NE England). Directors: James Button (Wales), Rian Lennon (Northern Ireland) & Sophie Worger (London). Writers: Caitlin Magnell-Kearns (Northern Ireland), Ethan Harvey (East Midlands / London) and writing duo Zak Torbadi & Kate Reid (Wales). Finally, Editor: Donya Majidi-Maguire (London).
Last year’s delegates attended the BBC Comedy Festival in Cardiff, the Belfast Media Festival, a directing session with Christine Gernon, an ‘Editing for Comedy’ session with Gareth Heal, and a private round table with Jesse Armstrong, with more tailored sessions and exclusive events to come.
Speaking at the BBC Comedy Festival, in Glasgow, Jon says: “BBC Comedy is committed to supporting the next wave of comedy talent, both on-screen and behind the camera. Our new Comedy Collective cohort promises a bright future for the genre and we look forward to working with them.”
Each bursary winner will receive up to £10k worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5k development grant to put towards new material at the end of their placement. They will also have a dedicated point of contact within the BBC Comedy Commissioning team to help guide them through their year, as well as access to the Comedy Collective representatives.
The BBC Comedy Collective comprises of estate representatives, Geoff Schuman and Paul Whitehouse (for Felix Dexter), Tessa Le Bars and the Galton Family (for Galton & Simpson), Lucy Ansbro (for Caroline Aherne) plus the producer and director representatives; Ash Atalla and Christine Gernon, and our new editing ambassador Gareth Heal alongside the alumni of previous BBC bursary winners.
The Comedy Collective works in partnership with BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Scotland and BBC Wales, with the support of BBC Writers, BBC History, BBC Academy, BAFTA, Picture Shop, Fifty Fifty Post Production, Pinewood Studios and a range of screen agencies including Screen Scotland, North East Screen and Creative Wales.
FilmNation TV UK, a division of award-winning entertainment studio FilmNation Entertainment, has today announced a partnership with BBC and North East Screen to attract and nurture on and off-screen talent from the region, accelerate development, diversify the pipeline of productions from the region, and produce returning, high-end productions that will be filmed locally.
The BBC and North East Screen are supporting FilmNation with the recruitment of a part-time Development Producerto be based in the region. To maximize the partnership opportunity and broaden the skill base for the region, the Development Producer will be responsible for strengthening relationships, seeking out bold and fresh voices from all backgrounds and driving development activity. FilmNation will commence the hiring of this role immediately.
FilmNation TV UK develops, produces and finances premium scripted television content for global audiences. The company, led by Creative Director Kirstie Macdonald, works with a wide variety of UK broadcasters, creative talent and studios. The UK production house’s parent company, FilmNation Entertainment, is the studio behind critically acclaimed entertainment across all mediums including: films (Academy Award winning ARRIVAL, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN), US television (Emmy winning I Know This Much Is True for HBO, Chris O’Dowd’s upcoming Small Town, Big Story for Sky), theater (Olivier and Tony Award winning Prima Facie and The Band’s Visit), and podcasts (Signal Award winning SNAFU hosted by Ed Helms).
Kirstie Macdonald, Creative Director of FilmNation TV UK says: “Having had to leave the region myself to find work in TV, I’m keenly aware how underrepresented the North East is on screen. We are thrilled to collaborate with local talent who share our vision of amplifying original voices and stories whilst helping to build a sustainable industry in the region.”
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen says: “This partnership with Film Nation and the BBC is part of North East Screen’s drive to ensure our ambitious talent and outstanding homegrown stories are at the heart of the North East’s future growth, showcasing fresh perspectives of what the region can offer to global audiences. The North East’s market share of production has been a small percentage for too long. Thanks to the recent interventions by the North East Screen Industries Partnership, including the North East Production Fund, we are now finally seeing some big changes with incoming productions set to increase filming days three-fold in 2024. We hope to see more of our talent bringing us commission opportunities.”
Jordan North: The Truth About Vaping, a production from Newcastle based production company Northern Child, will air on BBC Three at 9pm on Wednesday the 20th of March.
As the UK Government moves to ban disposable vapes, Jordan North sets out to uncover the truth about vaping, and decide if it’s time he packed it in.
Along his journey, Jordan meets young vapers similarly confused about the impact of vaping on their health. He visits his old university in Sunderland to find out how vapes work, joins Newcastle Trading Standards as they conduct raids on shops selling illegal vapes, and heads to Manchester to meet the scientist behind one of the first long term studies into the impact of vapes on our cardiovascular system.
The documentary will be repeated on Monday 25th March, 8:30pm on BBC One.
Jordan North will also be on The One Show on Wednesday to promote the documentary.
This is another fantastic commissioning win from Northern Child who, since opening their base in the region two years ago, have gone from strength to strength. Northern Child is the sister company to Middle Child who have been creating content for all the major British broadcasters as well as global platform for fifteen years.
Middlechild also have recently delivered The Tube:Keep London Moving! to Channel 5 which airs Sunday 24th March at 8pm. Though this was made under the Brighton based Middlechild, the four-part series was fully produced by our very own Katie Elliot – a North East Producer at Northern Child.
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. These events aim to increase accessibility to the screen industry and help improve working practices, encouraging a more diverse and inclusive workforce. They form part of the BBC’s wider Bring The Drama festival which is running across the UK throughout March.
These learning and networking events will be hosted at key Northern Studios and facilities, including Space Studios in Manchester, The Northern Studios in Hartlepool, and FACT in Liverpool.
Open to all northern crew and those interested in working in the industry, the free events, which will take place in person, and can be accessed online, will focus on themes such as environmental and social sustainability, wellbeing and good working practices and inclusion and diversity, all aimed at encouraging access to the screen industry across the North of England.
Penny Hall, Skills Cluster Partnership Lead at Screen Alliance North said; “Connected Communities is a new strand of flagship, annual Screen Alliance North events which aim to connect our underrepresented communities in the North through learning and networking, and to help grow and sustain a well balanced, forward thinking workforce. The free events are for anyone currently working in the screen industry as crew, in production companies as well as those interested in a career in the industry.
We hope the events will encourage local camaraderie and provide opportunities for learning, upskilling and making new contacts. For those new to the industry it will give that all important foot in the door providing a new network for helping to access future work. We are thrilled to be working with the BBC on these events, and a number of other fantastic partner organisations will be participating in our panel discussions.”
Each event will consist of a panel discussion with the BBC and other industry experts, a workshop designed to inform, educate and inspire and a networking event encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing and contact making.
Dawn Beresford, Director of Talent and Skills, BBC Commissioning, said:
“I am delighted that Screen Alliance North have created these three events in Liverpool, Hartlepool and Manchester as part of our Bring the Drama Festival. The BBC are committed to investing in and supporting local creative economies across the UK and the Connected Communities events are one of the important partnerships to help build skills and develop talent across the creative landscape.”
Screen Alliance North Connected Communities events:
Three North East Indies are entering 2024 with a bang having won their first BBC daytime commission that will see them create inserts for BBC’s popular daytime show, Morning Live.
Wander Films (Middlesbrough), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool), and Second Draft (Sunderland), were all successful with their pitch ideas and will now have their northern stories shown to a national audience. All three indies have been working closely with North East Screen over the last four years through a range of programmes and activities to support them becoming reputable broadcast-winning companies.
North East Screen’s Development Director, Lisa Laws, believes this is just the beginning of the broadcast journey for these indies. She said,
“It’s great to see the hard work of Wander, Sea & Sky and Second Draft paying dividends at last given the challenging commissioning climate we are in. So this is a real win not only for them, but for the North East.
“This shows that our North East-based indies have built strong relationships with commissioners to really understand what audiences want and expect from a show like Morning Live.
“This first step into broadcast is crucial for company growth, and I can’t wait to see what they deliver! Exciting times ahead!”
The commission opportunity has been led by BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning Editor, Helen Munson, who is based in the North East. She said,
“This is a really exciting opportunity to build on and develop key relationships with indies based in the North East. I know there is such a wealth of talent here and I’m really looking forward to working with them more.”
Chloe Clover, Co Founder and CEO of Wander Films said,
“We presented five topical stories with positive messages. It was crucial that the ideas were unique yet in line with the Morning Live house style. We’re buzzing that the commissioners loved our angles, and we are now in production for TV!”
Lou Brannon, Development Co-Ordinator at Sea & Sky Pictures said,
“We’re over the moon to have been chosen for this opportunity to contribute to Morning Live on BBC One. We’d like to thank North East Screen and the BBC for allowing us to build on our previous successes with The BBC’s Small Indie Fund 2023 and North East Voices initiatives.
“Our films will cover varied topics such as ways to combat loneliness and litter picking, and will give advice, inspiration and hopefully start conversations across the nation.”
Mark Stuart Bell, Producer/Director at Second Draft said,
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the BBC’s flagship morning programme. We have a real affection for the warmth and optimism that Morning Live creates, and we hope that our film brings attention to the concerning issue of malnutrition in the UK, but also leaves the audience feeling inspired by the story of one ordinary woman’s mission to solve this crisis.”
Morning Live is BBC One’s flagship daytime magazine show broadcast live from their Manchester-based studio, averaging over 1.2 million viewers. Since the new year, the show has been extended to 75 minutes from 45 minutes and strengthened its pool of on-screen presenters to include Cumbrian Helen Skelton.
