Tag: North East

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

Posted on 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 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.”

ITV commissions Torvill & Dean: The Last Dance by North-East based FilmNova

Posted on by Jo Macleod

ITV has announced a one-off documentary Torvill & Dean: The Last Dance, made by Gateshead-based FilmNova.

The 60-minute programme will follow ice skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean as they embark on their last ever tour, ‘Our Last Dance’.

The film explores Torvill and Dean’s career, looking back on their professional highlights, and follows the skating duo as they train and prepare to say goodbye to their fans and dance on ice together one last time.

From from their preparations and last ever television performance on Dancing on Ice; the early gruelling training sessions and first rehearsals for their farewell tour in Aberdeen; through to the iconic first performance of the live tour at Wembley Arena and throughout their shows across the UK – viewers will be with them every step of the way, gaining an intimate insight into what it’s been like to live life as the UK’s greatest ever ice skaters, their 50-year relationship and their desire to leave a lasting legacy.

Jayne Torvill & Christopher Dean said: “We’re delighted that our farewell tour will be the subject of an ITV documentary. The programme will be filled with poignant and joyful moments as we plan, rehearse and perform our final skating journey together – all caught on camera by a film crew following us over many months as we bid farewell to our 50 year ice skating partnership. It’s fitting that this documentary will be broadcast on ITV, our TV home for the last two decades. We hope fans will enjoy this final opportunity to see us skate together.”

FilmNova Executive Producer, Lucy Cutler said: “It is an honour for FilmNova to add to our growing Originals portfolio with this prestigious documentary for ITV and a privilege for us to film with two of British sports greatest ever Olympians as they embark on this extraordinary final tour. Jayne and Chris have allowed our cameras unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to capture every moment as they strive to recreate some of their most memorable routines, supported by an
ensemble cast of world class skaters. ‘Perfection’ is a word often attributed to their iconic performances, and with good reason, but this film will also illustrate the painstaking path necessary to remain the very best, 50 years after it all began. We are thrilled to be working alongside the talented team at Phil McIntyre Entertainments in order to bring to the screen a story for the ages
.”

Commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime ITV, Katie said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our long working relationship with Torvill and Dean as they embark on their most iconic tour to celebrate their astonishing life, both on and off the ice, a treat for their fans and the ITV audience.”

Have your say on Hartlepool Screen Industries Production Village plans

Posted on by Jo Macleod

Members of the public are being asked to help shape transformational plans for Hartlepool’s growing film and TV industry at a two-day event.

Work is being developed on multi-million pound projects to develop the town as a centre for film and TV production, including a significant expansion of the Northern Studios complex in Lynn Street.

The studio expansion will complement plans led by Hartlepool Borough Council to create a Production Village in the Lynn Street and Whitby Street area and build on the town’s burgeoning film-making pedigree.

Members of the public can find out more about the proposals at a consultation event in Hartlepool on Tuesday 15th April, at The Northern Studios, on Lynn Street, from 12noon until 7pm, and Wednesday 16th April from 12noon to 7pm, at the former H&M unit in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

It will be led by consultants Pegasus Planning and Leonard Design, who are working in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation, and project leaders will be on hand to explain the plans, answer questions and listen to views.

Hartlepool Borough Council Leader Councillor Brenda Harrison said:

“Creating jobs, driving investment in Hartlepool and delivering regeneration are all key aims of our council and this project delivers all three in an abundance. We are proud to be leading the way with this transformational project for Hartlepool.

“The film and TV industry has been one of Hartlepool’s fastest growing sectors in recent years and we are building on that success and creating more jobs for local people in a wide range of careers.

“We are excited for work to begin but before we get to that point, we are keen to engage with a range of stakeholders including members of the public to get views on the proposals so please do take up this opportunity to get involved and have your say.”

Tees Valley Mayor and Hartlepool Development Corporation Chairman Ben Houchen said:

“We are dedicated to developing Hartlepool as a powerhouse for TV and film production and have made excellent progress so far.

“However we want to go much further to deliver this significant investment, which will bring international productions to the town and create well-paid skilled jobs in Hartlepool.

“It’s vital that local people directly benefit from these projects – which is why we want their involvement in this process, to hear what is planned and help shape these developments.”

Funding for the Northern Studios expansion would be provided under a proposed £15million allocation from the Tees Valley Investment Zone. Tees Valley secured Investment Zone status in 2023, with a total of £160million allocated to drive the creative and digital sectors.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s is leading on the Production Village project, supported by £16.5million from the Levelling Up Fund.

Working with North East Screen, Northern Studios opened in 2022 supported by funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

It is the only large-scale film and TV studio facility in the North East. Recent productions filmed at the studios include feature film Jackdaw alongside Sky true crime documentaries, ITV drama and comedy productions. It has also been used as a unit base for productions filming on location in Hartlepool.

BBC Comedy’s Smoggie Queens, ITV drama I Fought the Law, and ITV comedy Transaction were also created with the help of the facility.

Northern Studios is based next to the Northern School of Art which provides training and education courses for the creative industries.

North East Screen Chief Executive Alison Gwynn said:

“The North East has been the fastest growing region in the UK for the film and TV industry which has seen an increase in production by 89%.

“The development of the Northern Studios and Production Village in Hartlepool will see the town and surrounding areas become a real hotbed for world class film, digital and TV productions as well as suppliers to the wider creative industries businesses.

“It’ll also provide opportunities for local people who have previously had to leave the region to work in the industry.”

The Northern School of Art Principal, Dr Martin Raby, said:

“This is an important step in the development of The Northern Studios. The Studios have been operating successfully, which is testament to the initial backing from Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority, but the requirements of the sector are progressing.

“The creation of the Production Village and the enhancement of the Studios, supported by the sterling efforts of North East Screen to attract productions, will facilitate much greater screen industry activity in Hartlepool, the Tees Valley and the wider North East, bringing further economic benefits to the town and the region. In addition, it will provide work experience opportunities for students and will boost employment prospects for our graduates.”

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

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

Three North East Companies Selected for BBC Small Indie Fund 2025 

Posted on 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.” 

North East talent shines at the Oscars

Posted on by North East Screen

Some friends of the North East had a fantastic evening at the 97th Academy Awards last night (2nd March), with Gateshead-born writer Peter Straughan and Northumbria University graduate Lol Crawley earning top honours. 

Peter Straughan received the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, an adaptation of Robert Harris’s papal thriller. This accolade adds to his previous awards, including a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice award for the same work.

Lol Crawley was honoured with the Oscar for Best Cinematography for his work on The Brutalist. This marks his first Oscar nomination and win. Originally from Shrewsbury, Lol came to the North East to study and earned a BA Hons in Film and Television Production at Northumbria University. 

Peter and Lol’s success is a true inspiration for writers, cinematographers and creatives in our region. Whether you’re born in the North East or come here to learn your craft, you too could one day be taking home one of the highest honours in film. 

Here’s to many more years of North East talent winning top accolades on a global stage! 

North East Screen welcomes Ben Frow and Channel 5 to the region

Posted on by North East Screen

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 joined commissioners and production company Daisybeck Studios at an event in Newcastle to speak with developing production companies from across the North East.

The event, organised by North East Screen, was to introduce Channel 5 to the region’s emerging production companies and producers to build relationships and foster opportunities to produce more unscripted programming in the North East.

With TV and film production continuing to grow in the region, North East Screen are working closely with emerging companies to ensure they are ready to make commissionable programmes for broadcasters and streamers. At the same time, they are growing relationships with TV commissioners who are keen for new programme ideas and concepts.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5 said:

“As a public service broadcaster we are passionate about representing the UK on and off-screen.  We spend over 40% of our commissioning budget in the UK’s Nations and regions but the North East is an area which has been underserved and where we would like to do more production. 

“We’re particularly focused on working with smaller indies and I was incredibly impressed with the passion and creativity on show from everyone we met had.  We look forward to doing more and supporting the growth of the North East as a production hub.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive at North East Screen said;

“We were delighted to welcome the senior broadcast team from Channel 5, alongside established multi-award winning northern indie, Daisybeck, to the North East.  Channel 5 already commission content from some of the experienced indies in the region, but it’s been a breath of fresh air to see them taking the time to get to know our emerging indie talent.

“Channel 5 attracts more northern audiences than any other broadcaster and there is a real opportunity to work together to grow our regional companies and develop more content here.

We are keen to work with broadcasters and commissioners who want to build genuine relationships and make a real and long-lasting difference in our region – that’s something we certainly see with Channel 5.”

The North East has a talented entrepreneurial pool of production companies and individuals who all have high-growth potential working in the wider screen industry. North East Screen’s Talent and Business Development team work closely with these companies providing industry led advice and guidance, championing a culture that will attract and retain outstanding talent.

North East Screen backs RTS North East and Border Awards winners

Posted on 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 15th 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.”

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

Posted on 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 3rd February at 2pm or watch all episodes on BBC iPlayer.