Tag: TVCA

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 will be asked to agree 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

Campaign to showcase Tees Barrage as film and TV location

Posted on by North East Screen

As Lance Corporal William Schofield, alias actor George MacKay, is swept down a fast-flowing river while fleeing from German soldiers in the blockbuster war film, 1917, audiences are transported to the Western Front during the dark days of the First World War.

In reality, MacKay was filmed in the safety of a controlled environment at the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre, just off the A66 at Stockton.

The 2019 film, directed by Sir Sam Mendes CBE and filmed by legendary cinematographer, Sir Roger Deakins CBE, received ten Oscar nominations, winning Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Mixing. It also won Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama, and Best Director.

And, though the Tees Valley may be more than 5,000 miles from Hollywood, it can take pride in the important role it played in the making of that award-winning movie.

Now, a promotional campaign is being launched by community leisure trust, Tees Active, to cement the Tees Barrage’s claim to fame as the UK’s number one choice for film and TV production companies looking for locations for scenes involving water.

“We have something unique to offer the world of film and TV right here in Stockton,” says Tees Active’s Managing Director, Leon Jones.

“No one else in the UK is offering what we can provide in terms of a safe, controlled and flexible location for scenes involving floods, or anything to do with water.”

1917 is just one example in a growing list of film and TV productions that have used Tees Barrage as the setting for dramas and documentaries. So far, Tees Active has worked with Universal, DreamWorks, the BBC, ITV, ITVX, CITV, and Sky Atlantic – and the portfolio is impressive.

The hit ITV drama After The Flood featured the Tees Barrage during flooding sequences, in which drivers got stuck in cars and a baby was swept away.

“We chose Tees Barrage because it gave us a man-made bowl, meaning we could have actors and crew entirely safe in the water,” says the show’s producer Juliette Charlesworth.

In Emmerdale, the ITV soap’s ‘biggest stunt’ saw cast members plummeting down a waterfall following a bridge collapse.

And in Sky’s Storm City, starring Ben Fogel, Tees Barrage was used to demonstrate the destructive force of a tsunami, with more than a million gallons of freezing water used to replicate the brutality of nature.

Vera, Countryfile, Geordie Shore, and Antique’s Roadtrip are among other television programmes to make use of the facilities and expertise Tees Barrage can offer.

They are all featured in a new glossy brochure that will be made available to North East Screen, an agency working across the TV and film industry in the North East. From there, it will be sent to location managers, and used to promote Tees Barrage at trade shows and national events.

“Tees Barrage works amazingly well as a filming location,” says Katie Strachan, North East Screen’s Film Office Manager. “The team is well versed and experienced with the TV and film industry, working alongside productions to offer the most creative filming solutions whilst being extremely flexible.”

For Chris Gibbens, Tees Barrage Centre Manager, it’s an exciting part of his job to liaise with production companies, often under the cloak of secrecy.

“The key is the control we have over the flow of the water,” explains Chris. “We have a great team of certified, highly experienced watersport professionals, so we can continually replicate scenes, giving the producers and directors precisely what they want, while keeping everyone safe.”

And confidentiality is a vital part of the process because the companies need to know that storylines won’t be leaked. The audience doesn’t need to know whether Lance Corporal Schofield drowns or survives until they buy a cinema ticket.

“It’s incredible when you see people of the calibre of Sir Sam Mendes and Sir Roger Deakins at the site, working out what they want, before we produce the water conditions they need,” adds Chris.

“But it’s not just big budget productions we’re working with – it’s productions of all sizes. We’re proud to be working with independent filmmakers and supporting new talent.”

Tees Barrage was created nearly 30 years ago and reopened by The Queen on July 18 2012, after being taken over by Tees Active and undergoing a £4.5m investment to redevelop the long white water course and add a short course with the UK’s steepest drop.

It’s well established as being an international venue for water sports and leisure activities, but it now also part of an emerging North East hub for film and TV production.

As well as North East Screen, the Northern Film and TV Studios is 20 minutes away at Hartlepool, providing nearly 30,000 sq ft of dedicated studio and production space. And the Crown Works Project, set to create one of Europe’s biggest film studios, is underway at Sunderland.

“We have a fantastic opportunity to work together and really sell the region as a place for film and TV companies to consider,” says Leon.

Not only does it present a valuable new revenue stream for Tees Active, enabling it to reinvest in facilities and subsidise activities for local people, there are significant economic benefits for the wider area.

“If you take productions such as 1917 or After The Flood, there might be 250 people on site, using local hotels, and spending money in the area,” Chris points out. “And the production companies also like to use local tradesmen – joiners and electricians – because it’s cost-effective.”

As well as lots of still or fast-flowing water, the site also offers everything a production company might need: no working height or backlot limit, ample parking, scope for set-building, backstage and crew facilities, office space, storage, and catering.

The new brochure also highlights the site’s excellent transport links, including Teesside International Airport, ten minutes away, and the mainline railway service at Darlington, 25 minutes away.

Click here to view the full brochure

Wynyard Hall stars in Love is Blind UK on Netflix

Posted on by North East Screen

Wynyard Hall, an historic country house, already well known as an exclusive wedding venue in Stockton-on-Tees, is to become a global screen star when it features as the backdrop for the wedding ceremonies in the hit Netflix show Love is Blind UK. 

Love Is Blind introduces singles seeking love who date, sight unseen. A journey which for some culminates in a wedding.  

The series premiered on the 7th August, with the final batch of episodes being released today (21st of August). These last episodes will feature the high-octane drama from the couples’ wedding days which all took place within Wynyard Hall. 

The North East Screen Film Office supported the production team when they filmed in the region, connecting them with our filming friendly local authorities  and helping them find some amazing crew from the north east. 

Wynyard Hall, built in 1822 and known for its rich history, has long been a beloved venue and is now available for weddings and special events. . The hall’s grand interiors and picturesque surroundings offer a unique and luxurious setting that has made it a favourite among couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience. 

Katie Strachan, Film Office Manager at North East Screen, said: 

“It was great to work with Netflix and the team at Wynyard Hall on this production. Seeing this stunning Tees Valley location showcased on screens worldwide on one of the world’s biggest unscripted TV franchises, Love is Blind, is testament to the versatility of Wynyard Hall and the way they are able to work and support international productions.” 

Sarah Irons, CEO of Wynyard Hall, said: 

“We are thrilled to have Wynyard Hall featured in the UK premier of ‘Love is Blind. This incredible opportunity showcases our venue’s beauty and historical significance on a global stage. We are excited to invite fans and prospective couples to experience the allure of Wynyard Hall as seen on Netflix.” 

Our Film Office supports productions that are filming in the North East with locations, crew, facilities, local information or contacts with local authorities. The Film Office team are committed to making filming in the North East as efficient and enjoyable as possible. You can contact them by emailing filmoffice@northeastscreen.org. 

You can stream Love is Blind UK on Netflix.

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

Posted on by North East Screen

Middlesbrough-based Wander Films have produced a documentary film for the eighth series of the BBC One series, Our Lives that is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer..

The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge, offers a compelling look at free solo climbing in the Lake District, following climbers Anna and Mat as they undertake a challenging 100-mile journey across some of the UK’s most difficult peaks.

Our Lives is celebrated for its unique, intimate portrayals of extraordinary individuals and their incredible journeys. In this new season, Wander Films joins the ranks with a documentary that highlights the awe-inspiring and emotionally charged story of climbers Anna and Mat. The film follows their ambitious 100-mile challenge across the rugged Lake District, climbing without ropes and confronting some of the UK’s most daunting peaks.

The team at Wander Films has pushed the boundaries of content creation using cutting-edge technology. From high-resolution drones to 360-degree cameras and advanced audio equipment, they captured every exhilarating moment of Anna and Mat’s journey. The documentary not only showcases the breath-taking landscapes but also the raw intensity of free solo climbing, all while navigating the challenges of unpredictable weather and rugged terrain.

Earlier this year, Wander Films were one of four North East production companies selected to benefit from the £1.5m BBC Small Indie Fund, receiving strategic investment and regular mentoring from a BBC commissioning editor. They have also been supported by North East Screen through REACH grants and business development support.

Chloë Clover, CEO and Co-Founder of Wander Films, said:

“Filming The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge was an incredible adventure for our team. The chance to capture Anna and Mat’s story in the Lake District was deeply rewarding. Their determination and love for climbing are inspiring, and we’re thrilled for audiences to experience this journey.”

Lou Tonner, Co-Founder and COO of Wander Films, said:

“This documentary perfectly represents what Wander Films is all about—bold, impactful content that tells extraordinary stories. Working on this project has been a dream come true.”

BBC England TV Commissioner, Diana Hare, said:

“Our Lives continues to be a showcase of diverse and compelling stories across the UK. Wander Films’ contribution this year exemplifies their innovative approach and storytelling excellence.”

The Lakes: Our Life on the Edge will be available to stream on iPlayer from today (August 16th) and will air on BBC One on November 1st.

BBC and North East working together to boost the screen industry

Posted on by North East Screen

Director-General Tim Davie met with local leaders Kim McGuinness and Ben Houchen at the Darlington Hippodrome today (1 August 2024), to discuss the region’s future.  The event marked three years since the BBC first signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the North East Screen Industry Partnership (NESIP) as part of it’s Across the UK plan.

Since the MOU was signed in 2021, the BBC has worked closely with its North East partners to boost world class “homegrown storytelling” from the region – providing key funding for production, employment, and the development of the area’s media industry. This included additional funding for North East Screen, and was part of the BBC’s Across the UK programme – to better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the UK.

The BBC and the North East Screen Partnership (NESIP) has created 293 local jobs to date, contributing £18.6m of value to the region, and is on track to create a £50m a year production sector in the area by 2027.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, said: “The landmark BBC partnership was a substantial catalyst for the growth the screen industry in the North East. Over the past two years production has grown by 86% making our region the fastest growing in the UK. We have welcomed home grown and inward productions from the BBC, ITV, C4, Sky, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as major feature films. To date the NESIP programme has generated £40.2m of GVA  and secured regional jobs equivalent to 650 FTEs. 

“The BBC partnership has played a key role in driving industry confidence in our production and supply chain companies, talent, regional-based crew and our world-class locations. 

With growing strength in our local production companies and infrastructure, and studio developments already underway, we will continue the delivering alongside our partners to ensure the North East has a sustainable screen industry that will see global content produced in the region all year long.”

On Wednesday, Tim Davie also visited the set of CBBC’s The Dumping Ground – which is filmed in Hexham, Northumberland, and employs local talent at all levels of production. The Dumping Ground’s award winning trainee scheme has seen over 80 participants take part from the region, securing a pipeline of local creative talent.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “The BBC is proud to play a part in this landmark commitment to the North East. By boosting investment, allocating the right resources, and moving people outside of London – we’re making sure that authentic, home-grown stories from this amazing region are being told. It is our mission to bring people together and make sure the BBC continues to serve and reflect audiences from across the UK. We’re committed to our vision of supporting the North East’s vibrant media industry for the future.”

The BBC partnership has played a key role in driving industry confidence in our production and supply chain companies, talent, regional-based crew and our world-class locations. With growing strength in our talent, infrastructure, and studio developments already underway, we will continue the delivering alongside our partners to ensure the North East has a sustainable screen industry that will see global content produced in the region all year long.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness says: “Our North East has been the backdrop for iconic TV shows and films, and talent and creativity runs through our DNA as a region. Work by the BBC and North East Screen has helped kick start a renaissance in local production, job creation and investment in the North East’s screen industry. However, this is just the start. As Mayor I want to go further – so our region and talent is seen on screens across the globe. Just this week, I approved £25 million investment to begin work on the Crown Works Studios, which will create world-class film and TV production facilities in Sunderland. This will help make our area the home of real opportunity, ending the days where people have to leave the North East to pursue a career in creative industries.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says: “Our region has fantastic locations, amazing talent, and huge potential as a centre for TV and film making – so it has been great to see the development of new shows in our area as part of this growing partnership with the BBC.

“We are building a growing reputation as a place where opportunities in the creative and digital sectors are thriving. This is why the expansion of the BBC in places such as Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool is so important as it not only shows off the best of our area but provides long-term careers for local people in well-paid skilled industries.”

Sara Davies says: “Having just finished filming The Big Idea Works with TwentySix03, I can tell you first-hand that the creative and production power of the North East is second to none. The BBC’s commitment to the region is a reflection of this wealth of talent, and long may it continue. We have much more to offer and, thanks to relationships with people like North East Screen, the viewers will see this in action. We all know that television is a challenging industry, but my goodness – there is a great deal to recognise in the region, and we need to make sure that production talent is preserved, nurtured and supported.”

By celebrating the MOU’s three-year anniversary and its current achievements, the BBC and its partners are ensuring that the North East’s growing legacy as a major entertainment producer is safeguarded for years to come

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.

Teesside to Stateside – Airport doubles as NYC in new romantic comedy feature film  

Posted on by North East Screen

A romantic comedy which sees Teesside International Airport stand in for New York International Airport will hit screens on Friday (February 9). 

Upgraded is the latest movie to be filmed in Tees Valley and comes to Prime Video this week.  

Secret shooting took place at the airport in August 2022, and saw Teesside transformed into “New York International Airport”. 

Upgraded sees Camila Mendes star as Ana – an ambitious intern dreaming of a career in the art world while trying to impress her demanding boss Claire (Marisa Tomei).  

When she’s upgraded to first class on a work trip, she meets handsome Will (Archie Renaux), who mistakes Ana for her boss – a white lie that sets off a glamorous chain of events, romance and opportunity, until her fib threatens to surface. 

The Amazon Original movie is directed by Carlson Young. Lead Camila Mendes and Spider-man: Homecoming actress Marisa Tomei were among the cast who filmed at Teesside Airport. 

Filming took place in just a day and saw the airport terminal signs and luggage trolleys changed to black and yellow “New York International Airport” while famous yellow New York taxis pulled up outside the entrance. 

Check-in desks and digital displays were also converted to the fictional “Sovereign Air” airline which appears in the movie. 

The shooting followed weeks of negotiations between the film’s production team and Teesside Airport staff to ensure filming went off without a hitch while the airport continued to fully operate. 

Teesside International Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “We were delighted to welcome the cast and crew of Upgraded to Teesside Airport and it’s fantastic to see our airport in the finished film. 

“We know our airport is a great location for our passengers and the fact that we can stand in as New York in a major Hollywood film shows how far we have come in transforming our terminal building into a modern and vibrant place from which even the stars want to travel.” 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We know we have superb locations for filming across Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington and it’s great that Teesside Airport is now also firmly on that list. 

“Our airport was once a crumbling, failing business but in just the past year we have enjoyed the best passenger numbers in more than a decade, been named UK and Ireland Airport of the Year and are now starring in major movies.” 

Upgraded is the latest feature film shot in the Tees Valley and comes as major drive to grow the thriving local film and TV industry continues. 

Filming was supported by the North East England screen agency North East Screen. 

North East Screen Operations Director Gayle Woodruffe said: The North East is home to a diverse array of world-class locations, all of which have their own unique versatility which can be easily adapted to the needs of the production filming.  

 “Seeing Teesside Airport transform into New York International Airport shows this at its best, and it is a real asset in our North East locations portfolio.” 

North East film and TV production increased 28% in 2023, and Upgraded is the fourth time in 2024 that Tees Valley locations have appeared on screen, following feature film JACKDAW and ITV dramas, After the Flood and Vera, with further in the pipeline for the rest of the year. 

Upgraded is available to watch on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide from Friday, 9 February. The trailer is available here.

For filming opportunities at Teesside International Airport contact enquiries@teessideinternational.com.

Tees Valley location plays pivotal role in new ITV drama

Posted on by North East Screen

After the Flood, a new series produced by Quay Street Productions, that filmed in Teesside last summer, airs on ITV1 tonight (10th of January) at 9pm.

After the Flood is a mystery thriller set in a town hit by a devastating flood. When an unidentified man is found dead in a lift in an underground car park, police assume he became trapped as the waters rose. As the investigation unfolds PC Joanna Marshall, played by Sophie Rundle, becomes obsessed with discovering what happened to him and why.

The mystery unfolds across the series while we also see the real impact of climate change on the lives of residents in this small town. The floods threaten to expose secrets, and fortunes and reputations are at stake.

The Tees Barrage in Teesside was used to film the opening flood sequence which is a pivotal plot point of the series. Filming of the series in the region was supported by the North East Screen Film Office.

On filming the flash flood at Tees Barrage, lead actress Sophie Rundle said, “It was like being on a school trip. Before that we had been filming in and around Manchester, so this was the only time we all went away somewhere. We were all giddy and excited. It is where they train all the emergency services. There’s this water course and they have control of the speed and the scale of the water. They had all these big strapping six-foot lifeguards in all their emergency gear stationed along the water course who were lovely. They said, ‘If you fall the water is going to take you but don’t worry, we’re going to save you.’ Luckily, I didn’t ever stack it, so they didn’t have to save me. It was a really exciting moment as an actress and as a woman in this industry to be the hero reaching out for the baby dressed in all my police gear with the rain going. The water was really strong, and we were in and out of it all the time. On the last day I realised my hand was shaking because I hadn’t eaten anything. I was so pumped from the adrenalin. It wasn’t a normal day at work where you do your lines, and you go home. It really made the job for me.”

On the logistics of filming the flash flood that takes place in the opening sequence of the series, Producer Juliet Charlesworth said, “When Az Saleem came on board as Director, he decided we wanted real water. We talked about using the massive wave machine in Blackpool and the water tank at Pinewood Studios. Then it was the white-water rafting centres that we’ve seen in the Olympics. We then chose Tees Barrage International White Water Centre. That gave us a man-made bowl, meaning we could have actors and crew entirely safe in the water. I had filmed there before with Wolfblood, Vera, Emmerdale and 1917 had also filmed there. You can switch the water off with four Archimedes screws, going from zero to as high as 14, creating white water rapids which you can’t stand up in. We operated on between 6 and 8 which meant you could stand in it, and it will make enough water.”

Katie Strachan, the Film Office Manager for North East Screen, who worked closely with the production, said “The Tees Barrage works amazingly well as a filming location. They have worked with a whole range of productions over the years from Hollywood blockbuster 1917 to Emmerdale and more recently After the Flood. As a location they are well versed and experienced with the TV and Film Industry, working alongside productions to offer the most creative filming solutions whilst being extremely flexible.”

UK Premiere of Jackdaw to take place in the North East

Posted on by North East Screen

The star-studded UK premiere of British action thriller JACKDAW, the feature film debut of North East-born writer-director Jamie Childs (The Sandman, Willow, His Dark Materials), will take place at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Teesside in Stockton-on-Tees on 24 January 2024.

Childs will be joined on the red carpet by the film’s stars including Oliver Jackson-Cohen (The Invisible Man, Emily, The Haunting of Hill House) Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who, The Sandman, Victoria), Thomas Turgoose (Creation Stories, The Gallows Pole, This is England) and North East actor Joe Blakemore (The Third Day).

In addition to the premiere, there will also be a special paid public preview screening of the film in tandem with the premiere screening so members of the public in the region can come along and be part of the evening. Tickets for this unique premiere preview can be booked HERE, audiences are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. 

JACKDAW was shot on location in the North East of England in Hartlepool and the Tees Valley, around sites including Seal Sands, Nunthorpe, Redcar and the North Sea, filming against the backdrop of the region’s breathtaking coastlines and dramatic industrial landscapes. It also utilised The Northern Film and TV Studios, the North East’s only large-scale film and TV production facility. The film has seen significant investment from The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the North East Production Fund, delivered by regional screen agency North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), as part of their ambitious plans to make the region one of the UK’s leading film and TV production hubs.

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director for North East Screen, said: “We’re delighted to support the UK premiere of Jackdaw at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Teesside. It’s right on the doorstep of all the amazing Tees Valley locations that were used in the film, so is very fitting.

“Supporting ambitious, world-class local talent like Jamie Childs is integral to the work we are doing to make the North East one of the leading UK film hubs where regional folk can live, create and work.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’ll be fantastic to welcome the cast and crew of Jackdaw to Teesside for the star-studded premiere this month and I’m certain this event will be a great celebration of our growing local film industry. 

“We know our area has superb locations for TV and film productions and the success of Jackdaw shows how our investment in the North East Screen Industries Partnership is paying dividends in creating jobs and developing skills.”  

Writer/Director Jamie Childs said: “I can’t wait to bring Jackdaw up to the North East for its UK premiere, and celebrate it with the rambunctious Northern souls who made it all possible.”