Tag: BBC

North East Screen Celebrates 3 Years of Big Impacts and Bigger Ambitions

Posted on 25 September 202529 September 2025 by Jo Macleod

North East Screen is proud to unveil its 3 Years of Big Impacts Report (2022–2025), showcasing a remarkable period of growth in a difficult global climate.

North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) investments across the North East is creating opportunities for the resilient world class talent based in the region to innovate and pivot to new ways of working across an ever changing creative industry.

The report highlights a 131% surge in regional production spend, driven by strategic investment, the impactful work of the North East Screen Film Office, and the growth of a vibrant creative ecosystem fostered through collaboration with regional and national partners, including the BBC. With over £65 million in GVA, the North East has firmly established itself as the fastest-growing region in the UK for screen industries.

Other key achievements over the three years include:

The equivalent of 1,046 FTE jobs created across the screen sector, according to the EIA Saffrey report
An impressive £6.70 return on every £1 invested in projects via the North East Production Fund (NEPF)
£2.37 million invested in 10 productions through the NEPF
65% of crew members employed on NEPF productions are from the North East
A 90% increase in filming days with productions staying and filming for longer in the region thanks to alternative studio spaces
6,422 paid training days on production delivered to support lifelong workforce development
8 regularly commissioned companies – up from just one prior to 2022
50 investments in slate and business development for regional companies and talent

North East Screen Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn said,

“Not only is the North East the fastest growing region in the UK for screen industries, it’s also a region bursting with untapped potential, despite the challenges the global screen industry has faced.

“This report is a testament to the power of our unique public sector and industry collaboration. Everything achieved here is thanks to the incredible talent, crew, businesses and world class stories that are rooted in our region.

“Productions come to the North East for our world class locations, which are vibrant, diverse and really accessible, and stay because they find all they need via our welcoming front door to the industry in the region.

“This is just the beginning. As we enter the next phase of our delivery, we will ensure that our activity reflects the diversity of the region, backs innovation, and has sustainable and inclusive practices embedded across all of it.”

North East Screen is the delivery programme of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), driving growth across the screen industries and wider creative industries in the North East and Tees Valley with funding support from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Combined Authority. NESIP is committed to unlocking the full creative potential of the region, with the aim to more than double its share of the UK film and TV production market, generating an economic impact of £88 million over the initial five year period.

In collaboration with the BBC and alongside regional education institutions, NESIP is building a sustainable, inclusive screen ecosystem that nurtures local talent, supports production, and attracts national and international projects.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said,

“We are a region full of creative talent and that is why we’re investing £6,252,944 to support the groundbreaking work North East Screen is doing to bring major film and TV productions to our region.

“Our iconic landmarks and locations have been beamed across the world and featured in leading film and TV productions, including the Harry Potter films and more recently 28 Years Later.

“Bringing more productions to the region means hundreds of new creative jobs and opportunities, right from starring roles to those supporting behind the scenes.

“We’re setting the stage to become a real powerhouse of UK film and TV production, and as our plans for leading studios right here in our region progress, it’s an incredibly exciting time for the creative industries and talent located here in the Noth East.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said,

“It’s outstanding that our region’s vibrant TV and film production industry is going from strength to strength as the fastest-growing in the UK – supporting hugely successful shows such as the powerful Teesside story told in ‘I Fought The Law‘.

“Our support – in collaboration with the work of North East Screen – is helping this area establish itself as creative powerhouse and become a place where local people can build exciting, skilled careers.

“Through the Tees Valley Investment Zone, we’re putting a real focus on supporting our fast-growing creative and digital sectors – driving forward with the £33.5m expansion of The Northern Studios and an exciting new production village in Hartlepool.

“These developments are creating well-paid jobs, attracting investment, and making our region the go-to place for world-class productions. We’re proud to be playing our part in this success story.”

As the region continues to grow, North East Screen remains committed to backing homegrown talent and championing the crews and businesses that bring global content to the region. With the North East, Crown Works Studios and the Tees Valley Investment Zone – focused on growing creative and digital industries – highlighted in the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the region is in a good place to continue its growth, enhancing why the North East is considered one of the best places to live, work and play in the UK.

Watch the Impact Video

BBC and North East Screen Launch First-of-its-Kind Digital Accelerator

Posted on 20 August 202515 September 2025 by Jo Macleod

The BBC Digital Accelerator, delivered in partnership with North East Screen, is designed to elevate the next wave of world-class digital content creators right here in the North East of England.

Who’s it for?

We’re looking for bold, ambitious production companies ready to develop standout content for online platforms that can generate future revenue. If you’re passionate about reaching audiences with innovative, platform-native video – think vertical formats, livestreams, creator-led collaborations, and social-first storytelling – we want to hear from you.

But it’s not just about companies. We’re also actively seeking digital creators who champion the North East, both on-screen and behind the scenes. If you’re producing content that resonates across TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, or other platforms – or if you’re eager to partner with companies shaping the future of digital storytelling – this is your chance to connect.

Why get involved?

This is more than just an accelerator. It’s an opportunity to:

• Apply as a company and access support to scale your content.

• Connect as a creator and find future collaborators in the region.

• Network with both companies and talent who share your ambition to supercharge the North East’s digital scene.

Let’s talk

Whether you’re a company hoping to apply, a creator looking to collaborate, or simply curious about how the BBC Digital Accelerator could help you grow, complete our expression of interest today.

All details and guidance will soon be available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/.

Three North East Companies Selected for BBC Small Indie Fund 2025

Posted on 13 March 202513 March 2025 by North East Screen

Three independent production companies based in the North East have been chosen as recipients of the BBC’s Small Indie Fund for 2025.

Candle and Bell (Gateshead), Northern Child, and Schnoobert Productions (both Newcastle) have all secured support through the prestigious fund, which provides mentorship, strategic investment, and networking opportunities to help small production companies grow. Additionally, Candle and Bell has also been selected for the BBC Radio & Music Indie Development Fund, receiving support from the entire BBC audio division.

Launched in 2020, the BBC’s TV Small Indie Fund supports production companies across Drama, Comedy, Film, Entertainment, Factual, Daytime, and Children’s content. This year, the BBC has invested approximately £1.3m into 33 companies across the UK, with 76% based outside London, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent in the Nations and Regions.

The BBC Radio & Music Indie Development Fund, worth £250k, helps independent audio production companies by providing mentoring and access to commissioning teams across BBC Music and Speech.

The selected companies will receive direct mentorship from BBC commissioning teams, investment to support their growth, and networking opportunities with key BBC stakeholders, helping them build sustainable futures in the industry.

Maria Caruana Galizia, Managing Director at Candle and Bell, said:

“We are proud to have been awarded both the BBC TV Small Indie Fund and the Radio & Music Indie Development Fund. Working with the BBC over the past two years has been transformative for the company. The funding and mentoring support has allowed us to grow and develop our comedy offering and resulted in us producing ‘Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!’ a radio sitcom developed for BBC Radio 4. Receiving this ongoing support will enable us to continue to develop homegrown stories, represent North East talent on and off screen, and begin to grow in the international market.”

Andrew Eastle, Managing Director of Northern Child, said:

“We are extremely grateful to the BBC for selecting us as a recipient of the Small Indie Fund. We are determined to sustain and grow Northern Child’s presence in the North East. We will invest this money into local talent who can help us win new commissions and create more opportunities for people working in TV in the region.”

Jason Cook, Chief Executive of Schnoobert Productions, said:

“We are over the moon to be working with the BBC again with help from the Small Indie Fund. As we grow as a company this will be invaluable to us and furthers our commitment to becoming a commissionable, go-to production house right here in the North East.”

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen said:

“The BBC Small Indie Fund is an increasingly competitive award, and we’re thrilled to see three North East companies selected this year. Their inclusion in the fund is testament to both the BBC’s commitment to diversify their suppliers and potential of the North East’s screen sector. With tailored mentoring and investment from the BBC, these companies will be able to scale up, secure new commissions, and continue to put our region’s talent on the national and international stage.”

David Pembrey, Chief Operating Officer, BBC Content, added:

“In a global market which continues to see production consolidation, we remain committed to investing in new and smaller independent businesses and the UK’s creative industries. We want to ensure our audiences get to enjoy the very best homegrown storytelling, for which investment in the roots of production across the UK is vital.”

Sara Davies’ new North East produced BBC show premieres in Newcastle

Posted on 31 January 2025 by North East Screen

Sara Davies, North East entrepreneur and TV personality joined local dignitaries, the production team and crew to celebrate the launch of The Big Idea Works at a special screening last night at the Tyneside Cinema.

Filmed last year in Newcastle, the new 16 part series, fronted by the Dragon’s Den star was produced by Gateshead based Twenty Six 03 and supported by regional screen agency, North East Screen.

Sara spent six weeks filming in the region with experts and contributors from all over the country to complete 16, 30 minute episodes for the BBC.

Sara said; “I’m so thrilled we’re sharing this fascinating and heart-warming series with the world. The Big Idea Works shows you how connecting the right ideas with the right expertise can lead to something wonderful. That’s why today is also about sharing how rewarding it is to work with the brilliant Twenty Six 03 – a local production company – and local crew here in the North East.

There is huge value in nurturing and supporting all this incredible talent in the region. So I’m delighted that North East Screen and the BBC are providing opportunities like these, which I hope will help secure creative and production futures for the area.”

The development of the film and TV sector in the region is ramping up rapidly with the support from the regions combined authorities and the North East Production Fund. Projects such as this bring jobs for North East crew and facilities and show the impact that North East Screen’s wrap-around business support is having on content being created and made in the region.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen said;

“The North East has brilliant on-screen talent who audiences adore. It’s vital to us that our talent not only work on shows, but also lead them. Sara Davies is a fan-favourite with an abundance of passion not only for what she does and the people she works with, but for driving growth within the screen industry in the region. 

As part of our commitment to develop and nurture relationships between outstanding North East talent and experienced production companies, we have welcomed the opportunity to provide film office, funding and business development support to Twenty Six 03. As an experienced relocated company now based in Gateshead, they were the perfect match for Sara.”

Twenty Six 03 relocated from Brighton, established themselves in the region and have been creating programmes in the North East for the past 5 years.

Duncan Gray, Executive Producer on the new series and MD of Twenty Six 03 said;

“We are thrilled North East Screen are putting on this event to showcase The Big Idea Works after helping us bring the idea to life with development and production funding. It shows just how supportive North East Screen is to Twenty Six 03 and other companies in the region.

We hope that The Big Idea Works returns in bigger volume for further series so that we can keep working with the incredible production team and provide new opportunities to all the incredible production talent here in the region.”

You can watch the 16 part series on BBC One from 3^rd February at 2pm or watch all episodes on BBC iPlayer.

Smoggie Queens to have star-studded pink carpet premiere in Middlesbrough

Posted on 11 November 202415 November 2024 by North East Screen

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 27^th 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.

Wander Films Produce The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge doc for BBC

Posted on 16 August 202416 August 2024 by North East Screen

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 iPlayer from today (August 16^th) and will air on BBC One on November 1^st.

New BBC radio comedy show “Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!” produced by Candle and Bell airs

Posted on 14 August 2024 by North East Screen

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.

BBC and North East working together to boost the screen industry

Posted on 1 August 20242 August 2024 by North East Screen

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 orders new show Smoggie Queens set in Middlesbrough

Posted on 23 May 202424 May 2024 by North East Screen

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.

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.”

TX details will be announced in due course.

The cast of Smoggie Queens (Image: Hat Trick Productions/Matt Crockett)

Zahra Zomorrodian named as a recipient of the BBC Comedy Collective bursary scheme

Posted on 23 May 202423 May 2024 by North East Screen

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 23^rd 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.

Zahra Zomorrodian

Watch the Impact Video

Sara Davies, North East entrepreneur and TV personality joined local dignitaries, the production team and crew to celebrate the launch of The Big Idea Works at a special screening last night at the Tyneside Cinema.

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.

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.

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 23^rd May] at the BBC Comedy Festival in Glasgow.