Tag: North East

North East Screen backs RTS North East and Border Awards winners

Posted on by Jo Macleod

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.

We are hiring – Finance Director

Posted on by North East Screen

The North East is seeing huge growth in the film and TV industry, with production already up 89% in the past two years and with studio developments on the horizon, it’s an exciting time to join the industry.

North East Screen are currently looking for a Finance Director to join the team as it transitions into a new phase of delivery. This role will be key to the success and implementation of this next phase, and showing the economic impact our organisation and industry is having on the region.

We’re looking for an experienced Head/Director of Finance who has in-depth understanding of financial business planning and budget management who has experience of managing seven-figure budgets and is looking for a new challenge.  

Opportunities like this role don’t come around very often. If you think this may be the job for you, then please check out the job description and apply by sending your CV and cover letter (detailing how your skills and experience match the job description) to work@northeastscreen.org.

The deadline to apply is midnight, Sunday 26th January.

For more information about the role, including salary, working hours and job description, please visit our careers page.

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

Posted on 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 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 20th century. 

Woolf is considered one of the most important 20th 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.

North East Screen awards free WFTV memberships in the North East

Posted on by North East Screen

North East Screen has awarded 20 talented women and non-binary people working in the film and TV industry in the region with free memberships to Women in Film and TV (WFTV). WFTV is an organisation who provide valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These memberships will support their career development, enabling them to forge connections and access training relevant to their role within the industry.

Samantha Neale, an actor and screenwriter with a TV show in development with Channel 4, said:

“As a working-class parent of two, this opportunity comes at a crucial time as I take the next steps towards building a successful and enduring writing career. I am incredibly grateful to North East Screen for this offer, and I look forward to accessing the many benefits of WFTV membership. I hope to use this time to connect with agents, producers, filmmakers and fellow writers with the goal of forging lasting relationships and future creative collaborations.”

Sarah Howie, a Line Producer who has previously worked on The Red King which filmed in the North East in 2023, said:

“My first job in the Television industry was on Byker Grove and all these years later very lucky to still be working the industry in the North East.  I’m currently stepping up from Production Manager to Line Producer on the next production.  I’m looking forward to being part of the WFTV and being involved in events and networking and hopefully being able to contribute.”

See the full list of recipients below:

Alice Pargiter

Bridget Deane

Emily McNally

Francesca Sardone

Hannah McParlin

Harriet Parvin

Josephine Key

Karol Iwan

Katie Elliot

Kerry Ward

Laura Moscrop

Lou Brannon

Maddy Williamson

Maria McNally

Rachael Bradley

Rachel Crawford

Roos James

Sam Claypole

Samantha Neale

Sarah Howie

Click here to learn more about the recipients.

Laura Moscrop, a camera trainee who has worked on a number of shows filming in the North East including Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes and The Big Idea Works, said:

“I am thrilled to have been selected to receive a WFTV membership from North East Screen. I look forward to becoming a part of the WFTV community enabling me to expand my network and experience within the film and TV industry. I hope to connect and learn from other women within the camera department as well as meet others from across the industry. I also look forward to participating in WFTV events through the membership.”

As part of WFTV, members will be able to access a range of resources throughout the year, including events, bursaries, mentoring and professional development schemes.

This opportunity was announced earlier this year at a networking event organised by North East Screen, in partnership with WFTV at the Black Swan in Newcastle.

At the event, Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, said: “Seeing so many women involved in the North East screen industry in one room is extraordinary! WFTV is a brilliant organisation, and we are thrilled to be working with them and offering 20 WFTV memberships for above and below-the-line talent. We hope to provide more opportunities via WFTV to North East-based women and non-binary people in the near future.”

North East Screen is proud to support these individuals and their career progression, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to fostering diversity and talent in the region’s film and TV industry.

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

Posted on 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 27th of November.

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

The main cast are all set to attend the exclusive premiere, which will preview two episodes from the series ahead of its broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer followed by the chance to quiz the cast in a Q&A after the screening.

If you would like to attend the premiere, you can enter a free ticket ballot on the BBC website.

Tickets will be allocated by random draw with 80% of the tickets going to Middlesborough postcodes and 20% going to the rest of the UK.

You can register for a maximum of two tickets before 11.59pm on Monday 18 November.

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

Sky Arts Picks Up Mark Warmington’s ‘Harder Than The Rock’

Posted on by North East Screen

Sky Arts have picked up Mark Warmington’s feature documentary, Harder Than the Rock: The Cimarons Story. It will air on Sky Arts on Friday the 18th of October at 10pm.

The film made its world premiere at the prestigious Sheffield Documentary Festival this year on the 15th of June at the Crucible Theatre. A Margot Films/J6 Films production, the film was theatrically released this Autumn nationwide via distribution from J6 & Source Entertainment, to acclaimed reviews and national press coverage.

Mark Kermode described it as “An infectiously engaging and very moving rhapsody for the groundbreaking rebels dubbed ‘the backbone of British reggae’.”

Daniel Dylan Wray wrote in the Guardian “As the documentary captures with real warmth, tenderness and humour, the band are lovingly back together.”

Harder Than the Rock chronicles the incredible journey of Britain’s first reggae band, Cimarons. Formed by teenage Jamaican immigrants in a London bus shelter in 1967. 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, one last time.

Mark Warmington, the director of Harder Than the Rock said: “I’m thrilled that the film has been acquired by Sky Arts, the UK’s leading platform dedicated to arts programming. I want to say a huge thank you to all who have supported the film and Cimarons for entrusting me to tell their story; I’m delighted that they are finally receiving some long overdue recognition.”

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. We feel Sky Arts is its perfect home for the film and can’t wait for the UK audience to the discover this untold story of Cimarons.’’

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

Production village in heart of Hartlepool takes another step forward

Posted on by North East Screen

A partnership to boost progress at a growing cultural media zone in Hartlepool is taking another step forward.

Led by Hartlepool Borough Council, the aim of creating a Production Village in the Lynn Street and Whitby Street areas of Hartlepool is to build on the town’s burgeoning screen industries sector and film-making pedigree.

Tees Valley Combined Authority is putting almost £2million towards the project – and now the Hartlepool Development Corporation is joining forces with Hartlepool Council to fund the next stage of efforts to review and expand the town’s film studios.

The Development Corporation board approved the move to jointly fund the next stage of work at a meeting on Tuesday, 15 October.

The TV and Film Industry in the North East is expanding rapidly.

The Northern School of Art (NSoA) converted the former bus sheds on Lynn Street in Hartlepool into film studios with help of the Council and Combined Authority.

Working with North East Screen, the region’s Screen Agency, The Northern Studios have now housed several high profile productions, with a string of productions seeing filming take place on location across our region.

Now rising investment and demand means there is a need to expand the offer – while also boosting the growth of Hartlepool town centre to create more jobs.

Tees Valley Mayor and chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation Ben Houchen said: “Our region is fast becoming one of the go-to places for film production. We want to build on this success, work even closer together, and attract the brightest and best to Hartlepool through the Production Village.

“Not only will this vision bring more jobs to the town, it will inspire our next generation of talent and ensure the great young minds we have can stay in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and go far in their careers.”

Hartlepool Council’s successful £16.5million Levelling Up Fund bid in 2023 is central to the vision  with the authority leading on the Production Village & Northern Studios project.

Cllr Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Culture, added: “We are delighted to be working with the Hartlepool Development Corporation on this fantastic project which is set to have a truly transformative effect on the town.

“This reflects our on-going commitment to create high-quality job opportunities for local people, whilst also encouraging graduates from the Northern School of Art to stay in the town and to develop their careers here.”

The £11.4million North East Screen Industries Partnership has been backed by £4.5million of investment from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, and is being delivered by North East Screen.

The partnership was established to build on the BBC’s huge commitment to invest £25million in the region to help fund TV production and talent development across our creative sectors.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, said: “”Film and TV production in the region has increased 89% in the past two years and we are already seeing the impact of that with £40.2million in GVA and 650 full time equivalent jobs created. The development of the Production Village in Hartlepool will strengthen our region’s ability to welcome incoming productions all year round and provide more opportunities for the brilliant companies and talent here.

“The Production Village will create a creative cluster that can provide world-class accessible and sustainable services to the industry, pipelines for local talent and ensure our region is a great place to live and work.”

The Development Corporation, Council and Northern School of Art are currently exploring the creation of a non-profit special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the Screen Industries Production Village project. The idea of this is to boost investment in the project and bring organisations together.

Michelle Visage and Charlotte Riley among supporting cast for Smoggie Queens

Posted on by North East Screen

The supporting cast for Smoggie Queens, a brand new BBC Comedy that was shot on location in Teesside and supported by the North East Production Fund, has been revealed ahead of the series’ release on BBC Three and iPlayer.

Smoggie Queens is 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!

The supporting cast of the new series features a plethora of talent, including Drag Race royalty, Michelle Visage and actor Charlotte Riley, who is most known for her role in Peaky Blinders.

Also joining the cast is actor Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso), presenter Steph McGovern, actors Lauryn Redding (Standing At The Sky’s Edge), Peter McPherson (In From the Side), Neil Grainger (Hebburn) and Michael Mather (It’s A Sin).

Michelle Visage says “Filming Smoggie Queens was an absolute joy, and I am so excited for everyone to meet Elaine, an uptight office assistant, who I had so much fun playing – wait until you meet her! The script is brilliant, the costumes are amazing, and I loved being amongst Middlesbrough royalty for the day! I’m an official Smoggie now!”

Charlotte Riley says “Being back in Teesside working with Phil and the team on this incredible project has been the most awesome experience. Not sure I’ve met a more funny and fabulous cast. We had the best laugh ever making this show and I can’t wait to watch it. Just so, so grateful I got to be a part of it.”

Writer and actor, Phil Dunning says “I feel so stupidly lucky that such an incredibly talented cast agreed to come and be part of Smoggie Queens. They were an absolute dream to work with and I’m in awe and adulation of every single one of them.”

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.

L-R clockwise: Michelle Visage; Charlotte Riley (Image: Greg Williams); Bill Fellows; Steph McGovern (Image: Carolyn Mendelsohn); Peter McPherson; Neil Grainger; Michael Mather; Lauryn Redding