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Tag: North East Screen

Lore, a Sea &Sky Pictures production, to premiere in August

Posted on by North East Screen

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment has announced that horror film Lore, produced by Hartlepool-based Sea & Sky Pictures, will premiere exclusively on the Icon Film Channel on Amazon Prime from the 26th of August.

A gripping and gruesome anthology horror, this highly acclaimed film, which premiered at FrightFest 2023, stars Richard Brake (Doom, Hannibal Rising), Andrew Lee Potts (The Witcher, Primeval), Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso, Lady Macbeth), and Rufus Hound (Hounded, Queens of Mystery).

Four young thrill-seeking friends book a horror-themed camping excursion led by Darwin, a strange and eccentric guide. One night around the campfire, Darwin encourages them to tell the scariest and most twisted story they can think of. As they recount tales of sinister spirits and malevolent demons, the group soon realises that these stories will have very real consequences for them all.

A love letter to classic horror, Lore is premiering exclusively on the Icon Film Channel from the 26th of August. Lore will also be available in select UK cinemas from the 27th of September and then on Digital Download from the 21st of October.

Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson to return for new Murder, They Hope special co-produced by Schnoobert Productions

Posted on by North East Screen

UKTV have today (23rd of July) announced a new Murder, They Hope special entitled Apocalypse Slough, to be produced by Newcastle-based Schnoobert Productions alongside Tiger Aspect. The special will air on Gold this Autumn and follows the success of Christmas special, Blood Actually.

Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson return asTerry and Gemma Bremmeralongside Sarah Hadland as Gemma’s wannabe influencer sister, Monica. The Bremmers were last seen in the Christmas special Blood Actually, which launched to 863K* viewers in December and starred Jane Horrocks, Martin Kemp, Robert Webb, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Sherrie Hewson.

Writer, creator, and executive producer, Jason Cook, said: “It’s so good to be back with Gemma and Terry, and this time Monica’s tagging along to increase the chaos! What an amazing cast we managed to get for this one, with some really fantastic performances. I can’t wait for everyone to see.”

Apocalypse Slough sees Gemma achieve her dreams of becoming an official, ball busting, kick ass investigator at the Serious Crimes Agency (SCA), whilst Terry is denied the dream thanks to his colourful criminal history. With this new strain on their relationship, they’re thrown in headfirst to crack a curious double murder at a local rugby club – whose members seem to have dark and disturbing secrets of their own. As Gemma leads them closer into the complex case, questions begin to arise about their partnership and the mysteries they uncover. If Gemma doesn’t pick up the pace, it could be game over for everyone; her and Terry included!

The standalone specialhas been commissioned for UKTV by Sarah Asante, commissioning editor for scripted comedy and ordered by Gerald Casey, channel director for Gold and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning.

Sarah Asante said: “Following the success of Blood Actually, I am thrilled to bring back Sian, Johnny, and Sarah for yet another uproarious one-off instalment alongside the additional fresh and exceptional ensemble cast. Brace yourself, as Apocalypse Slough is set to take us on another intriguing romp, full of laughs and surprises delivered by Jason Cook and the Tiger Aspect team.”

Gerald Casey added: “I’m incredibly overwhelmed by the positive response viewers have shown for Blood Actually, allowing us to continue to deliver more killer comedy with an outstanding line-up of talent. I can promise that this one-off special will bring a guarantee of laughter and a murderously good time!”

Apocalypse Slough will air on Gold this September. Catch up on the previous series of Murder, They Hope on Sky, Virgin and NOW.

Major boost for North East TV & Film as post-production studio lands in Newcastle

Posted on by North East Screen

Leeds-based post-production company, True North Post, has chosen Newcastle for their next studio with the potential of bringing more creative jobs to the city over the coming years.

True North Post is known throughout the industry as a specialist in post-production, having delivered thousands of hours of content for the most prestigious broadcasters in the world.

Post-production facilities are where the editing, visual effects, sound design, colour grading and rendering processes can be completed and True North Post’s decision to bring this capability to Newcastle is regarded as one of the final pieces of the jigsaw puzzle for the North East screen sector.

With 20 years of experience delivering award-winning programmes, including Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes and Help! We Bought A Village, True North Post’s commissioning clients include BBC, MTV, Discovery, Channel 4 and Sky.

Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, has supported the company’s decision to locate in Newcastle, which was based on the potential for future growth and the presence of North East Screen, which is focused on building a sustainable infrastructure that can supply to global industry all year round, creating more jobs and providing more opportunities for people in the region to work on global content.

True North Post has been working closely with Invest Newcastle and North East Screen throughout the process and will be based in the city centre Collingwood Buildings to maintain close proximity to regional and national transport links.

Gemma Ackerley, Business Consultant, True North Post, said:

“The team are thrilled to be opening their doors in Newcastle, bringing top-tier post-production services to the region. Our focus on training and development aims to nurture local talent and create new opportunities within the vibrant North East creative community.

“We are excited to work closely with and support North East productions, providing comprehensive post-production services tailored to their unique needs. Our commitment is to enhance the region’s creative output and help bring local stories to life with exceptional quality and expertise.

“It has been fantastic partnering with North East Screen and Invest Newcastle. Their support and collaboration have been instrumental in helping us establish a strong presence in the region, and we look forward to many more successful ventures together.”

True North Post’s arrival in Newcastle comes at an exciting time for the creative industries across North East England, with the announcement of a £450 million film studio development in Sunderland, Crown Works Studios, and a three-fold increase in production over the past 12 months.

Jennifer Hartley, Director of Investment, NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), said:

“It’s been a pleasure working with True North Post helping them find the right home in Newcastle and bringing with them much-needed post-production capabilities that will enrich the creative industries ecosystem.

“Following the establishment of North East Screen Industries Partnership, and working alongside North East Screen, we now have a thriving sector and are seeing more and more TV and film productions being shot in the stunning locations our region has to offer.

“With True North Post joining us, those productions can now be brought to life locally and used to promote the outstanding natural beauty we have across the North East.”

Lisa Laws, Director of Development, North East Screen, said:

“With studio developments in the region on the horizon and an ever-increasing number of productions filming in the North East, True North Post’s arrival is a great addition to our wider post-production and supply chain network.

“It’s been a pleasure to support them with the recruitment of posts to their Newcastle office, especially given how committed they are to investing in skills development. We are thrilled to welcome them to the region.”

Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, said:

“This is great news for the city and the region, coming on the back of the announcement of Crown Works film studios setting up in Sunderland, we are committed to growing the sector and the investment from True North Post is testimony to the skills, the sector, and the ambition we have here.

“The new combined authority has set out a bold ambition for the region and will unlock further opportunities for us to grow our region as a creative hub growing our reputation as an international player in the film and TV industry.”

Cabinet Member for a Thriving City at Newcastle City Council, Cllr Alex Hay, said:

“I am delighted that True North Post have decided to locate right here in our city centre.

“This vote of confidence in Newcastle as a city will create new job opportunities for our residents which complements our ambition to create an inclusive economy where everyone can have a stake in the city’s growth and success.”

Sunderland documentary to premiere at prestigious film festival in New Zealand

Posted on by North East Screen

Poised, a documentary directed by North East native Toby Robson and filmed in the region, will premiere at the Academy Awards-qualifying Doc Edge International Film Festival in New Zealand later this month.


The film immerses viewers in the captivating realm of a mixed martial arts (MMA) club in North East England, dedicated to empowering youth. At its helm is protagonist Steven, who haunted by his stepfather’s tragic suicide, resolves to effect meaningful change in both his world and the community he calls home.


On being selected for the festival, director Toby Robson said: “We are delighted to be having the world premiere of Poised at Doc Edge International Film Festival in New Zealand. That the film has struck an accord with a judging panel as far from North East England as actually possible, besides the moon, is very grounding indeed. Furthermore, for it to be in competition at such a festival of prestige.


“North East Screen have kindly helped support my trip out to New Zealand through their Open Horizons scheme. We hope this is just the start, that Poised will go from strength to strength and highlight the capacity for storytelling in the factual space within the region.”


The film was produced by ‘Two Yanks and a Brit’, with Newcastle-based producers Jenny Dinwoodie and Katie Elliott. North East based supplier, Focus Canning, provided equipment for the shoot, and the production also received support from North East Screen’s award-winning Film Office.


Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen said: “The North East is briming with exceptional talent capable of making engaging content that relates to global audiences. Toby is one of those exceptional talents and we are delighted to be supporting him with an Open Horizons award to attend the Doc Edge International Festival in New Zealand. We wish him and the film all the best at the festival.”


Doc Edge International Festival is New Zealand’s Academy Awards-qualifying international documentary festival, showcasing the best films and immersive projects from New Zealand and around the world. Last year’s winner of the Best Documentary Academy Award, 20 Days in Mariupol, also premiered at the festival in 2023.


Poised will premiere at the Doc Edge on 24th June, followed by a Q&A with director Toby Robson. The awards night follows on 27th June, of which Poised is competing in.


To learn more about how the North East Screen Talent and Business Development team support both above the line talent (writers, producers and directors), and businesses (production companies and supply chain companies), with bespoke development and growth programmes, visit www.northeastscreen.org/talent-and-business-development

Newcastle based production company ‘J6 Films’ Produces Mark Warmington’s Feature Film ‘Harder Than the Rock

Posted on by North East Screen

J6 Films is proud to announce the release of Mark Warmington’s feature film, Harder Than the
Rock: The Cimarons Story. It made its world premiere at the prestigious Sheffield Documentary
Festival on the 15th of June at the Crucible Theatre. The night was hosted by renowned film
maker and DJ, Don Letts and received a standing ovation from the crowd.


Harder Than the Rock chronicles the incredible journey of Britain’s first reggae band, the
Cimarons. Formed by teenage Jamaican immigrants in a London bus shelter in 1967, the
Cimarons were at the forefront of the reggae explosion in the 1970s. Thousands of miles from
Jamaica, they brought excitement, experimentation, and sheer anticipation to Black British
youth, connecting them to their roots and identity through powerful music.


The Cimarons collaborated with industry legends such as Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals,
Jimmy Cliff, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and even Paul McCartney. Despite their significant
contributions, the band has been largely under-recognised for their music, impact, and legacy.
The film poignantly captures their history and follows their final chapter as they dream of
performing live one last time even after losing their drummer, Maurice Ellis, to cancer.


Mark Warmington, the director of Harder Than the Rock, expressed his excitement about the
film’s premiere: “I can’t quite believe my first feature film is being picked up by Sheffield Doc
Fest. I want to say a huge thank you to all who have supported the film in many different ways.”
James Baxter, the producer, added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working on this with Mark.
His passion and commitment to get this film over the line has been unwavering. It received an
incredible reception in Sheffield. We hope the film will now shine a spotlight on the band and
help them get the recognition they deserve .”


The post production was completed at The Church Post house based in Byker. Mark Lediard
was the main editor and Nathan Burns and Rich McCoull worked on the main mix.


The film will now be released to a global audience.


For more information, press inquiries, or interview requests, please contact: J6 Films Email:
james@j6films.co.uk

BBC Comedy orders new show Smoggie Queens set in Middlesbrough

Posted on 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.

Written by Middlesbrough native, Phil Dunning, Smoggie Queens tells the story of volatile Dickie (Dunning) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young) as they navigate love, life and their pride for a town that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK. It’s an underdog story on two fronts, so expect a few passionate scraps that may send your wig flying!

Phil Dunning, writer and cast says: “I’m absolutely buzzing that the BBC are taking Smoggie Queens to series and I’m so grateful to them for allowing me to write such stupid and weird characters. It’s been a beautiful dream working with Hat Trick, and the incredible cast already feel like my new chosen family. I can’t wait to introduce the sights, sounds and smells of Middlesbrough to the world.”

Chris Jones, Producer at Hat Trick Productions says: “Phil has a brilliantly funny, energetic and well-observed style to his writing. It’s been extremely special to develop this fiercely proud chosen family sitcom with him along with exceptional support from BBC Comedy. We’re so excited to bring these characters to life through our very talented cast and crew.”

Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy says: “Smoggie Queens is a show bursting with jokes and heart. Phil Dunning has concocted a brilliant ensemble piece that we know will refuse to go unnoticed!.”

Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions, says: “Smoggie Queens is a joy. Phil has created and stars in a show which is introducing us to our new best friends. They‘re the kind of people who look adversity in the eye and laugh! It’s just the tonic we need right now.”

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director of North East Screen, says: “Hat Trick Productions have a brilliant record of producing quality, award-winning TV shows with global appeal such as Derry Girls, Trigger Point and Mastermind. We’re thrilled to be supporting their new BBC sitcom, Smoggie Queens, through the North East Production Fund, our Film Office and Skills team, to shine a light on the North East’s LGBTQ+ community, and provide opportunities for our talented local crew, actors and businesses.”

Smoggie Queens (6 x 30) is a Hat Trick production (Derry Girls, Outnumbered, Have I Got News For You and Episodes) for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen with worldwide distribution by Hat Trick International. The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The producer is Chris Jones (Kate & Koji, Whistle Through The Shamrocks) and the director is Andrew Chaplin (Alma’s Not Normal, The Full Monty). The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.

TX details will be announced in due course.

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

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

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

The BBC Comedy Collective is a commitment to nurture the next generation of comedy talent. Previous recipients have gone on to make BAFTA award-winning TV series, win script commissions via new production relationships, land agents and received broadcast credits for work gained via the placements.

Zahra is an award-winning producer who started her career as a stage manager in various theatres in her hometown of Newcastle.

After getting tired of carrying heavy things, she started producing comedy shorts, then three micro budget features including the raucous comedy The Stagg Do – which featured Lost Voice Guy in his first screen role.

In 2019, after a detour in documentary with the RTS award-winning feature We Are The Geordies, she moved into producing comedy sketches for Channel 4’s Sparks. One of which – If Boobs Were Like Balls – won a commendation at the RTS Awards (February 2020), and to date has amassed over 3 million views online.

She currently heads up the comedy slate for Candle & Bell and has projects in development with BBC Comedy and BBC Studios, and she’s producing their first BBC Radio 4 commission Tom & Lauren are Going OOT! (TX August 2024).

On being named as a recipient of the BBC Comedy Collective, Zahra said: “I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to be part of the BBC Comedy Collective. This is a great opportunity for me to learn more about producing scripted comedy for network television and to improve my craft. And of course, as a producer, the better I am at my job the more opportunities I can create to get regional and underrepresented voices onto the nation’s screens. Being selected to be part of the 2024 cohort is a real honour and I can’t wait to get started.”

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, said: “I am so pleased that Zahra has been selected for the incredibly competitive BBC Comedy Collective, following on from the success of North East writer Benjamin Bee last year. 

“Zahra brings experience of producing content for a range of platforms and is a true collaborator and team player. Since joining forces with Candle and Bell as Comedy Development Producer last year, together they have already won their first audio commission for BBC Radio 4 and a range of paid script developments with BBC Comedy.

“Supporting our best regional talent through national initiatives like this is crucial, it creates real opportunities to get our stories on screen.

“We can’t wait to see what Zahra will do with the added boost from the BBC Comedy Collective.”

The 10 recipients of this year’s BBC Comedy Collective: Producers: Laura Ferguson (Scotland), Leah Draws (NW England / London) & Zahra Zomorrodian (NE England). Directors: James Button (Wales), Rian Lennon (Northern Ireland) & Sophie Worger (London). Writers: Caitlin Magnell-Kearns (Northern Ireland), Ethan Harvey (East Midlands / London) and writing duo Zak Torbadi & Kate Reid (Wales). Finally, Editor: Donya Majidi-Maguire (London).

Last year’s delegates attended the BBC Comedy Festival in Cardiff, the Belfast Media Festival, a directing session with Christine Gernon, an ‘Editing for Comedy’ session with Gareth Heal, and a private round table with Jesse Armstrong, with more tailored sessions and exclusive events to come.

Speaking at the BBC Comedy Festival, in Glasgow, Jon says: “BBC Comedy is committed to supporting the next wave of comedy talent, both on-screen and behind the camera. Our new Comedy Collective cohort promises a bright future for the genre and we look forward to working with them.”

Each bursary winner will receive up to £10k worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5k development grant to put towards new material at the end of their placement. They will also have a dedicated point of contact within the BBC Comedy Commissioning team to help guide them through their year, as well as access to the Comedy Collective representatives.

The BBC Comedy Collective comprises of estate representatives, Geoff Schuman and Paul Whitehouse (for Felix Dexter), Tessa Le Bars and the Galton Family (for Galton & Simpson), Lucy Ansbro (for Caroline Aherne) plus the producer and director representatives; Ash Atalla and Christine Gernon, and our new editing ambassador Gareth Heal alongside the alumni of previous BBC bursary winners.

The Comedy Collective works in partnership with BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Scotland and BBC Wales, with the support of BBC Writers, BBC History, BBC Academy, BAFTA, Picture Shop, Fifty Fifty Post Production, Pinewood Studios and a range of screen agencies including Screen Scotland, North East Screen and Creative Wales.

Zahra Zomorrodian

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

Posted on 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.

FilmNation TV UK partners with BBC and North East Screen to drive production in the region

Posted on by North East Screen

FilmNation TV UK, a division of award-winning entertainment studio FilmNation Entertainment, has today announced a partnership with BBC and North East Screen to attract and nurture on and off-screen talent from the region, accelerate development, diversify the pipeline of productions from the region, and produce returning, high-end productions that will be filmed locally.

The BBC and North East Screen are supporting FilmNation with the recruitment of a part-time Development Producer to be based in the region. To maximize the partnership opportunity and broaden the skill base for the region, the Development Producer will be responsible for strengthening relationships, seeking out bold and fresh voices from all backgrounds and driving development activity. FilmNation will commence the hiring of this role immediately.

FilmNation TV UK develops, produces and finances premium scripted television content for global audiences. The company, led by Creative Director Kirstie Macdonald, works with a wide variety of UK broadcasters, creative talent and studios. The UK production house’s parent company, FilmNation Entertainment, is the studio behind critically acclaimed entertainment across all mediums including: films (Academy Award winning ARRIVAL, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN), US television (Emmy winning I Know This Much Is True for HBO, Chris O’Dowd’s upcoming Small Town, Big Story for Sky), theater (Olivier and Tony Award winning Prima Facie and The Band’s Visit), and podcasts (Signal Award winning SNAFU hosted by Ed Helms).

Kirstie Macdonald, Creative Director of FilmNation TV UK says: “Having had to leave the region myself to find work in TV, I’m keenly aware how underrepresented the North East is on screen. We are thrilled to collaborate with local talent who share our vision of amplifying original voices and stories whilst helping to build a sustainable industry in the region.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen says: “This partnership with Film Nation and the BBC is part of North East Screen’s drive to ensure our ambitious talent and outstanding homegrown stories are at the heart of the North East’s future growth, showcasing fresh perspectives of what the region can offer to global audiences. The North East’s market share of production has been a small percentage for too long. Thanks to the recent interventions by the North East Screen Industries Partnership, including the North East Production Fund, we are now finally seeing some big changes with incoming productions set to increase filming days three-fold in 2024. We hope to see more of our talent bringing us commission opportunities.”

The North East’s much loved Vera to end after season 14

Posted on by Jo Macleod

ITV has today announced that much loved North East drama series, Vera, will come to an end after its next season (14).

Despite the sad news today that this will be the final season of the much-loved Vera series, North East Screen is keen to celebrate what the team at Silverprint and ITV has accomplished across its 13 seasons, soon to be 14. From award nominations to ratings successes both in the UK and abroad; Vera has been an integral part of the growth of the screen industries in the North East. The impact the series has had not just on the North East screen sector, but on our region as a whole, is a true testament to everyone working on the show and at ITV to bring Ann Cleeve’s story of DCI Vera Stanhope to life.

Vera will bow out at a time when production has tripled in the region with 12 productions already confirmed to be filming in 2024 and the North East Production Fund setting its sights firmly on attracting a high-end returning drama series. North East Screen’s Film Office is currently supporting the production team at Silverprint with their production needs as they begin to film season 14. We are sure this final season will be another incredible hit with viewers across the globe.