Tag: NEPF

Sunderland studio plans move to final investment stage

Posted on 1 July 20251 July 2025 by Jo Macleod

PLANS for a world-class film studio complex are being presented to the investment market, with the aim to put in place a final funder and developer later this year.

Sunderland City Council as land-owner and project lead is moving to test the appetite of the wider investment market for the Crown Works Film Studios opportunity, and is appointing a specialist agent who will be engaging investors, including the likes of Fulwell Entertainment who were part of the joint venture which first tabled proposals for a North East studio and continue to champion the project.

The council have confirmed that – as is necessary in public sector projects – they will be testing the investment market, to ensure that they secure the best partner to push ahead with the studio plans. The process, which will take place over the coming months, gives interested parties a window of opportunity to commit to develop the first phase of the studios. A final decision will then be made by Sunderland City Council on who will progress with the studios.

As the development of Crown Works Studios, which has been backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, will involve considerable public sector support in both grant and the disposal 30 hectares of land on the banks of the Wear – market testing is required to ensure the proposed developer(s) plans represent the best opportunity for the project to demonstrate the return required on the public investment.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “These studios represent a game-changing opportunity for the city and we cannot wait to see them progress.

“There’s an absolute commitment to deliver the best possible delivery partner to move this forward and we expect that we will have funding confirmed and ready to progress the first phase of the studios by the time remediation works complete later this year.”

A programme of remediation work is now on-site, instructed by Sunderland City Council using funding from UK Government unlocked through the North East Combined Authority, to prepare the former Crown Works site for development.

Planning permission has been secured for Crown Works Studios and a total funding package worth £120m to support its development is available, thanks partly to the efforts of the local authority in lobbying Government to support the development of a film studios on the site.

The Government’s support for Crown Works – which was channelled via the North East Combined Authority – represents a significant incentive that underpins the commercial viability of the scheme for investors looking to get involved in the first phase of its development.

Fulwell Entertainment remains a committed champion of the scheme. Other key supporters include North East Screen, the region’s screen agency, which is headquartered in Sunderland.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We have big ambitions to grow the North East’s creative sector and Crown Works Studios in Sunderland is a key element of our vision, alongside opening the first major label recording studio in the region and opening a national centre for new writing.

“We’re supporting Sunderland City Council in the job of preparing the site, which can eventually be the largest film and TV production complex in the UK outside of London and the South East.

“In the process we’ll create thousands of new jobs for local people and end the days where people have to leave the North East to pursue a career in creative industries. This is why the project has to date secured a public sector funding package worth £120m including £25m which we have put in to begin preparation of the site at Pallion on Sunderland Riverside. We remain confident that this will be a flagship site in a thriving industry for years to come.”

The studios will provide infrastructure that North East Screen Chief Executive Alison Gwynn said will underpin the region’s success in the sector.

She said: “The region is 100% committed to studio development as part of their support for the wider creative industry.

“Film and TV production in the North East is up 131% over the last three years and we recently saw one of the most eagerly anticipated blockbusters, 28 Years Later, showcase not only some outstanding locations, but also some epic scenes created here in our alternative studio space. Not only did they shoot more than 80% of the film in the region, but they also were based here for over nine months.”

“We are now excited to be looking for the right investor for the next stage of our regions growth. The North East have never been in a better position to make the most of these exciting opportunities.”

Creative Industries are at the heart of Government’s priorities in its Industrial Strategy. It is one of eight key growth sectors identified in the Strategy, with a published Sector Plan demonstrating a commitment to investment, IP protection and enhanced R&D for the sector.

Screen Alliance North launches industry wide working group to improve sustainability across productions in the North

Posted on 7 May 20257 May 2025 by Jo Macleod

Screen Alliance North, the northern screen industry skills cluster, (thanks to support from the BFI awarding National Lottery funding), is working closely with sustainability consultants Picture Zero to establish a new Sustainability Working Group.

Made up of members representing a cross section of industry professionals who are interested in improving sustainable practices, the north-wide peer group will be run by Picture Zero on behalf of Screen Alliance North and is sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals.

Representatives from ITV, BBC, Channel 4, 5, BFI and Heads of Department in the industry will implement sustainable working practices across production companies, freelance crew, new entrants and on all types of productions shooting in the North.

Penny Hall, Skills Cluster Lead at Screen Alliance North, said;

“We continue to work towards our aim of becoming a beacon of sustainable good practice and are establishing this group to allow us to communicate sustainability messages across the industry. Members of the group are at a senior level with significant experience of working on productions in the North. They will be sharing best practice, advocate for sustainable practices and aim to positively influence productions and crew.

The group will meet four times a year to workshop solutions, share resources and use their network to drive change ultimately feeding into a joined-up set of criteria for productions to adhere to when filming anywhere in the North.”

Eve Stollery, Picture Zero, added;

“Reducing the environmental impact of production and putting climate messaging on screen requires action right from the start. The earlier sustainability is considered, the bigger the difference the production can make. We hope through working closely with Screen Alliance North and members of the Sustainability Working Group we can find ways to affect change early in the production process, communicate best practice and share new sustainable ways of working.

We are delighted to be collaborating with Screen Alliance North and I look forward to meeting with members and working towards a greener and more sustainable northern screen industry.”

Jenny Clark, Partnerships and Development Manager at Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland, said;

“We are proud to support the Sustainability Working Group in their mission to create a more sustainable future for the screen industry. By partnering with innovators and leaders, we can drive meaningful change that reduces environmental impact and sets new standards for sustainability across the sector. Together, we’re committed to a greener, more responsible future for production, and we look forward to being part of this transformative journey.”

Screen Alliance North are looking for sponsors for various elements of the Sustainability Working Group – meetings, a suppliers list, newsletter and programme of activity. If this is something your company would be interested in, please contact eve@picturezero.com.

International tourism campaigns make North East the star of the show

Posted on 1 May 20251 May 2025 by Jo Macleod

North East England is set to benefit from an influx of international tourists thanks to a number of international marketing campaigns, as summer tourism season approaches.

Destination North East England is leading on multiple international marketing campaigns alongside partners including DFDS, Expedia Group, Newcastle International Airport and tourism body VisitBritain.

The campaigns, which represent hundreds of thousands of pounds of marketing investment are aligned with VisitBritain’s international #StarringGREATBritain programme which focusses on the ‘set jetting’ trend, encouraging tourists to explore famous filming locations and delve into the movies and TV shows filmed in the region.

Throughout the spring, the campaign activity has been showcasing the region around the world, contributing significantly to Destination North East England’s goal of doubling the value of the visitor economy over the next ten years.

The campaigns aim to showcase all corners of the region, from our breathtaking coastlines, tranquil countryside and our vibrant towns and cities to eager tourists – especially those who are keen to explore some of the region’s iconic film and TV locations, that have lit up the box office in recent years.

The region’s burgeoning screen industry continues to be a huge asset for the tourism sector, with TV shows like ITV’s Vera and blockbusters like premium horror, 28 Years Later (released 20th June 2025), showcasing some of our most iconic landscapes and locations to audiences around the world. As work continues on the landmark Crown Works Studios development on Wearside and more productions seek to point their cameras in the North East’s direction, tourism leaders hope this will inspire more visitors to walk in the footsteps of their favourite TV and film stars.

Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said: “Telling the North East’s story around the world is key to our ambition to double the value of the visitor economy over the next ten years. By aligning with the Starring GREAT Britain programme to shine a light on our incredible screen sector and through the power of strong partnerships with Visit Britain, DFDS, Expedia and Newcastle International Airport, we look forward to welcoming more visitors to our special part of the world.”

Chief Executive of North East Screen, Alison Gwynn, said:

“The North East has some of the best filming locations in the world and a rich history of iconic films and TV shows that have attracted tourists to the region.”

“Production in the region is already up 89% in the past two years, and our ambition is to see the North East become one of the leading destinations for world class film and TV production in the next 10 years.”

“Aligning our ambition to brilliant initiatives curated by those rock star filming destinations like Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral and Cragside, will not only attract more global productions, but also introduce new audiences to some of the hidden gems the region has to offer.”

Pete Akerman, Marketing Director, DFDS said:

“We are excited to be part of this initiative to promote North East England as a premier international tourist destination and to showcase the region’s unique attractions in collaboration with NewcastleGateshead Initiative and VisitBritain. Our Amsterdam-Newcastle route is a vital link between mainland Europe and North East England, providing travellers with a convenient way to explore this beautiful region.”

“This initiative highlights the unique offerings of the North East and strengthens our commitment to enhancing the visitor experience for our northbound passengers. We look forward to welcoming travellers to explore the breathtaking coastlines, charming towns, and iconic film and TV locations that make the North East truly special.”

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

Posted on 7 April 20257 April 2025 by Jo Macleod

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.

North East Screen backs RTS North East and Border Awards winners

Posted on 17 February 202525 February 2025 by North East Screen

Nine of the winners at the 2025 RTS North East and Border Awards were supported by North East Screen initiatives. The North East Production Fund were behind the big winners of the night, Smoggie Queens (Hat Trick Productions) and The Red King (Quay Street Productions) who took home Newcomer, Best Comedy and Drama awards respectively.

A room full of some 500 figures from the TV and film industry gathered to celebrate the nominees and winners at the glittering annual Awards night on Saturday 15^th February held at Newcastle Gateshead Hilton.

David Parfitt, Chair of North East Screen said:

“It’s been a brilliant year for production in the North East, which is now the fastest growing region in the UK, despite the commissioning downturn. Whilst we’ve waved goodbye to the legendary Vera, we’ve welcomed the excellent Smoggie Queens and The Red King – who we can now say are RTS North East and Border Award winners! The series have delivered ratings success for their channels, and we hope that both will return to the region at some point.

“50% of winners have been supported by the initiatives North East Screen run, including the North East Production Fund, Reach and Open Horizons.

“The success of this year’s Awards further demonstrates how the North East Production Fund is already delivering inward investment, creating jobs and increasing visibility of our region as a place for global production.”

The North East’s TV and film industry has seen a massive rise over the past two years since the inception of the North East Screen Industries Partnership. There has been an 89% increase in production, with an estimated £40.2million in GVA. The partnership is also creating new and diverse pipelines to industry with over 1500 paid training days on set for new entrants and experienced crew stepping up and across.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive for North East Screen, said;

“The RTS North East and Borders Awards are a moment for us all to come together and celebrate the amazing achievements of the whole industry in our region.

And what a year it’s been! Over 40 productions have filmed across the North East, and talent from the region have earned global recognition for their work.

I’m really proud to see the North East Screen team and our North East Production Fund not only backing winners and welcoming international productions, but also offering experienced crew in the region opportunities to take their next step, providing real opportunities in the industry for new, diverse companies and new entrants.

“This will ensure the North East has a vibrant and sustainable screen industry for years to come.”

New Comedy Series Transaction, Starring Jordan Gray and Nick Frost, Begins Filming in Tees Valley

Posted on 19 November 2024 by North East Screen

ITVX has commissioned Transaction, a 6×30 comedy from Big Talk Studios, created by and starring award-winning comedy performer Jordan Gray.

Filming in Hartlepool, the workplace comedy also stars Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, How To Train Your Dragon, Get Away), Doon Mackichan (Two Doors Down, Good Omens), Thomas Gray (Peacock, A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder), and Francesca Mills (The Witcher, Boat Story).

Jordan Gray stars as Liv, a transgender egomaniac, causing havoc in the strange world of the supermarket nightshift.

Having been hired to work there by Pellocks boss Simon (Frost) after he inadvertently offended the LGBTQ+ community with an ill-conceived marketing campaign, Liv soon realises she’s unsackable and sets about turning the store into her own personal playground, unleashing chaos on everyone and everything around her.

Transaction promises to be a colourful and noisy comedy from writer-performer Gray.
ITV’s Head of Comedy, Nana Hughes, said: “Jordan Gray’s unique blend of humour and creativity certainly make Transaction an exciting and engaging comedy. We cannot wait to see Jordan Gray and Nick Frost in action.”

Big Talk Studios CEO and Executive Producer, Kenton Allen, said: “Transaction promises to be a very eye-catching contemporary comedy, with Jordan Gray, Nick Frost and Thomas Gray forming an unlikely but electric three-some. Jordan’s razor-sharp writing and timing paired with Nick’s legendary comedic presence is comedy dynamite. And of course, it’s always a thrill to work with Mr Frost, a Big Talk OG of the finest vintage.”

Transaction Creator and cast member, Jordan Gray, said: “My one true goal with this show is to create something as timeless as my implants.”

Transaction (6×30) is a Big Talk Studios production, which is part of ITV Studios, for ITVX. It was commissioned by Nana Hughes, Head of Comedy, ITV. The series is written and created by Jordan Gray. The Executive Producers are Kenton Allen, Lucy Robinson, Jordan Gray, and Nick Frost, and the Producer is Lara Singer (Peacock). The Director is Ollie Parsons (Breeders, Man Like Mobeen). The series is produced in association with and will be distributed by ITV Studios. Additional funding support comes from the North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen.

Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day Begins Filming in the North East with Timothy Spall, Jennifer Saunders, and Haley Bennett

Posted on 19 November 202419 November 2024 by North East Screen

Production is underway in Newcastle, UK on Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day, adapted for the screen by Justine Waddell (Janine Jensen Falling for Stradivari, Force of Nature Natalia) and directed by BAFTA nominee Tina Gharavi (I Am Nasrine, Queen Cleopatra).

Jack Whitehall (Jungle Cruise, Decline & Fall, Good Omens), Jennifer Saunders (Death on the Nile, Sumotherhood, Allelujia), and Sally Phillips (Love at First Sight, Bridget Jones Diary) have joined the ensemble cast. Other cast members include Misia Butler (Kaos), Alex Macqueen (Downton Abbey), Simon Phillips (The Witcher) and Frances Barber (Goal!).

Haley Bennett (Widow Cliquot, Cyrano, Girl on a Train) will play the lead, as previously announced, with BAFTA-winner Timothy Spall (The Sixth Commandment, The King’s Speech, Harry Potter franchise), British singerLily Allen (How to Build a Girl) and German superstar Elyas M’Barek (Fack ju Göhte, This Crazy Heart, The Collini Case).

Set in an era when glass ceilings were made of concrete, Bennett will play Katharine Hilbery — one woman who insisted on reaching for the stars. Based on what has been called Woolf’s funniest novel, Night and Day is described as an “unromantic comedy” about a passionate astronomer who does everything she can to avoid romantic love and marriage. Contemporary in tone, the story of Katharine’s bold challenge to the Edwardian patriarchy is set against the backdrop of the suffragette movement and advances in science and technology, at the turn of the 20^thcentury.

Woolf is considered one of the most important 20^th century modernist authors. Her novels have been translated into over 50 languages. Night and Day, one of her early novels, examines the relationships between love, marriage, happiness and success.

The picture is produced by Justine Waddell (Janine Jensen Falling for Stradivari, Force of Nature Natalia), Christopher Figg (Golda, Silk Road, Mandy), Meg Thomson (Freud’s Last Session, Siren, Dot The I), Stephen Julius, Philipp Steffens (God You’re Such A Prick, Racing Hearts), Julie Link (Misfit) and Marc Grewe (The Queen’s Gambit, Babylon Berlin). Annegret Weitkämper–Krug, Egor Noskov, Margarethe Baillou, Lara Ta, Nadya Gorshkova and Konstantin Korenchuk will Executive Produce. Sebastian Leutner will Co-Produce.

WestEnd is handling international sales, and US Domestic will be co-repped by WestEnd and WME Independent. The film is financed by Sandylands Developments Ltd., M.Y.R.A. Entertainment, Tsavorite Films, Ciara Filmproduction, and Star Mountain Pictures with funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen, the Film-und Medienstiftung NRW, the MFG Baden-Württemberg, German Federal Film Fund (DFFF) and development financing from the BFI (awarding National Lottery Funding). The film is a UK-German co-production, between Asterisk Films, Piccadilly Pictures, and GLISK a Federation Studios company. Co-production partners are Gretchenfilm, Senator Film, and German Film Partners, with filming taking place in Newcastle and in the areas around Cologne. WildBunch will distribute the film in GAS.

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.

Channel 5 Greenlights 6-Part Drama ‘The Feud’, Starring Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones, from Lonesome Pine Productions

Posted on 22 May 202422 May 2024 by North East Screen

Channel 5 has announced a brand-new domestic thriller, The Feud (6×60’), starring Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones. Produced by Lonesome Pine Productions, in association with Banijay Rights and North East Screen.

The Feud introduces Emma and John Barnett, played by Jill Halfpenny (The Cuckoo, The Long Shadow, Everything I Know About Love) and Rupert Penry-Jones (Spooks, Our House, The Drowning), who, along with their teenage daughter Beth, played by newcomer Megan Trower, appear to live an idyllic life on Shelbury Drive. They’re close friends with their neighbours, Sonia and Alan, played by Amy Nuttall (Downton Abbey, Chemistry of Death, Mr Bates vs The Post Office) and Ray Fearon (Fleabag, Barbie, Harry Potter), and despite their foibles, are also fond of older couple, Derek and Barbara, played by James Fleet (Unforgotten, Bridgerton, Vicar of Dibley) and Tessa Peake-Jones (Grantchester, Only Fools and Horses, Unforgotten).

The close friendships in this seemingly peaceful street prove to be not quite as harmonious as they seem. When Emma and John decide to add a kitchen extension to their house, things quickly start to spin drastically out of control. As objections to the plans are raised, unexpected skeletons and life-threatening secrets begin to rise to the surface. Laced with menace, The Feud reveals how Emma’s aspirational dream turns sharply into obsession, paranoia, and fear. One decision sets in motion events that have unforeseeable consequences for both her and the people living on her street.

Further cast include Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (Derry Girls, Screw, Unwelcome) as scorned police officer PC Gallagher, Larry Lamb (The Inheritance, Gavin and Stacey, EastEnders) as Emma’s wheeler-dealer father Terry, Alex Macqueen (The Inbetweeners, The Thick of It, Hijack) as oddball neighbour Nick, and Chris Gascoyne (Coronation Street, New Street Law, Moving On) as intimidating builder Lee. Judith Alexander (The Crown, Coronation Street, Walk Like a Panther), Joel Beckett (The Office, EastEnders, Casualty), and newcomers Luke Hammond and Joel Kai Ali round off The Feud’s cast.

The Feud has been ordered for Channel 5 by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5.

Written and created by Aschlin Ditta (The Inheritance, The Catherine Tate Show, Doc Martin), the series will be directed by Andy de Emmony (Vigil, Lucky Man, The Nest) with Lesley Douglas producing for Lonesome Pine Productions. Aschlin Ditta and Andy de Emmony will also executive produce the series, with Banijay Rights onboard for international distribution and funding by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen.

On supporting The Feud via the North East Production Fund, Gayle Woodruffe, Operation Director, North East Screen, said: “Lonesome Pine Productions have already successfully delivered a must-watch drama for Channel 5 with 2023’s The Inheritance, and are a great example of a North East-based production company bringing stories of global appeal to the screen. The Feud is a fascinating story with an exceptionally strong cast which will bring more opportunities for talented local crew and wrap around supply chain businesses to contribute to making content for global audiences without having to leave the region.”

On filming The Feud, Jill Halfpenny comments: “The spiral that we see Emma’s world take in The Feud, from one seemingly innocent situation to life altering revelations, is something I can’t wait to dive into! Getting to work in the Northeast with the teams at Channel 5 and Lonesome Pine, along with the rest of this brilliant cast, is a joy.”

On adding the series to Channel 5’s critically acclaimed drama slate, Paul Testar says: “Neighbourly disputes happen every day. The Feud takes that premise and runs with it to its extreme limit. What starts as an innocuous renovation triggers an extraordinary sequence of events. We’re excited to work with the wonderful team at Lonesome Pine again to bring this great story and stellar cast to the Channel 5 audience.”

Does Emma know the people around her as well as she thinks? Who is hiding behind facades, who is manipulating events, and who is simply exactly who they appear to be? A drama full of paranoia, The Feud has started filming in Newcastle and is set to air on Channel 5 in 2025.

North East Production Fund to support ITV and Hera Pictures ‘I Fought The Law’

Posted on 8 May 20248 May 2024 by North East Screen

ITV and Hera Pictures have announced I Fought the Law starring Sheridan Smith, which will begin filming in Teesside in summer of 2024, with support from the North East Production Fund, delivered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership.

The heart-breaking, real-life story of a mother’s love, courage and determination to change the Double Jeopardy Law, and see her daughter’s murderer brought to justice, is to be dramatised by ITV starring Sheridan Smith as the woman who took on the Criminal Justice System.

Written by screenwriter Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) the series recounts how tenacious mother of three, Ann Ming, battled for 15 years so that her daughter’s murderer could finally face justice, having been controversially acquitted following two mistrials.

Ann Ming, who will act as consultant throughout the production process, said of the television adaptation:

“I am very pleased that Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law. I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie. I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me. Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.”

Sheridan Smith, who will play Ann Ming, said:

“I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed. She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.”

The four-part series has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama, Polly Hill and Senior Drama Commissioner Helen Ziegler, who will oversee production of the drama on behalf of the channel. I Fought The Law will air on ITV1 and ITVX. Helen Ziegler said:

“Ann Ming’s extraordinary and unwavering determination to get justice for her daughter took on the establishment and changed the law. We are thrilled to be working with Sheridan, Jamie and Hera Pictures to bring this tale of the power of one voice to our screens.”

Hera Pictures (Mary & George, What It Feels Like For A Girl, Hamnet, Temple, Honour) will produce the series with Executive Producers Liza Marshall and Charlotte Webber at the helm. Liza Marshall said:

“Ann’s refusal to give up and her tireless devotion to seeing justice is an inspiring story that deserves to be more widely known. We are honoured to work with Sheridan, Ann, Jamie and ITV to highlight this incredible true story.”

Screenwriter Jamie Crichton, who will bring Ann’s story to life said:

“As soon as I heard Ann’s story, of her iron resolve and unbelievable courage to see justice done in the face of adversity, I knew this was one that had to be told. Ann is a shining beacon of what can be achieved if you stop at nothing to make your voice heard. In an age when it’s all too easy to feel helpless, we need more Ann Mings in the world.”

Jamie’s scripts are based on Ann’s book For The Love of Julie which tells how Ann and her family dealt with Julie’s disappearance in Billingham, Cleveland in November 1989 after working her late shift at a local pizza parlour.

Mother to three-year-old, Kevin, and married to husband, Andrew, Julie was only 22 when she died. Raised in a loving home, she was incredibly close to her parents, Ann and Charlie. Tragically, Ann found Julie’s body concealed in the bathroom of her modest terraced house in January 1990, 80 days after it was hidden behind the bath panel by her killer. This was in spite of extensive searches of the property by police forensics teams in the days after her disappearance, who failed to detect her body.

Dissatisfied with Cleveland Constabulary and their investigation, Ann challenged senior officers and applied pressure on the police to discover what had happened to her daughter and to prosecute the man who was guilty of her murder. The drama follows Ann and her family, as they campaign tirelessly in Julie’s name. In her steadfast and indomitable style and despite her grief, Ann took on the Criminal Justice System, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Law Commission, eminent Defence Barristers in television debates, the Government, the Lord Chancellor, the Attorney General, and two Home Secretaries as she ‘fought the law.’

Filming is due to commence in August 2024 in Teesside and surrounding areas, with support coming from the North East Production Fund, delivered by North East Screen. The screen agency’s award-winning Film Office will also provide assistance to the production team with locations, provide opportunities for talented regional-based crew and via the region’s filming friendly network.

Commented Gayle Woodruffe, North East Screen’s Operations Director, said:

“Supporting I Fought the Law via the North East Production Fund reaffirms our commitment to ensuring more North East stories of global appeal appear on screen.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the team at Hera Pictures and are looking forward to seeing Jamie’s scripts bring Ann’s incredible story of courage in the face of adversity to life.”

The North East Production Fund is a multi-million pound aiming to catalyse the sustainable growth of the North East’s film and TV production sector by investing in a portfolio of distinctive, high-quality projects that will collectively contribute to the region, increasing the on-screen visibility and actively contribute to employment of locally-based crew, increasing the spend in the region and improving equality, diversity and sustainability. The North East Production Fund is delivered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership. Expressions of interest are actively sort from both local and national companies and those interested should visit www.northeastscreen.org/project/production-fund