Sea & Sky Pictures, Wander Films and North Star Productions were all commissioned to produce films for the flagship BBC One programme after successfully pitching ideas to the show’s editorial team, bringing stories from the Tees Valley and wider North East to audiences across the UK.
Ahead of the pitching process, North East Screen hosted a briefing event in Newcastle in partnership with the BBC Daytime team, giving regional production companies the opportunity to hear directly from commissioners and gain insight into what The One Show was looking for from prospective suppliers.
The commissions saw Sea & Sky produce a film hosted by Charlotte Crosby exploring the growing popularity of pre-loved wedding dresses, Wander Films deliver a segment fronted by Sara Davies, and North Star Productions create a feature on the Turner Prize exhibition at MIMA.
For North Star Productions, the commission marks the company’s first for The One Show. Sea & Sky Pictures and Wander Films had previously secured network broadcast commissions with support from North East Screen.
Since 2021, North East Screen has supported 36 commission pitch opportunities, helping production companies across the region build relationships with broadcasters, develop new skills and secure network experience.
Helen Munson, BBC Daytime Commissioner based in the North East, said:
The One Show VT initiative is a fantastic opportunity that has allowed three companies from the region to either win their first commission, or build on previous commissions, to deliver content for a flagship show on the BBC watched by millions of people.
The great news is that all three companies have delivered fantastic VTs, showcasing the region. The editorial and business skills learned and the contacts made across the BBC make this hands on, practical opportunity a real win for smaller companies.
For North Star Films founder Paula Hughes, the commission represented an opportunity not only for her business, but also to showcase one of the region’s leading cultural institutions to a national audience.
Paula Hughes, North Star Films, said:
This commission has been an extraordinary opportunity, not just for my company, but for MIMA and the region at large. Drawing an audience of two million to show the culture and arts scene in this region, and the hard work so many people are doing to improve people’s lives, is phenomenal.
I’ve been back in the North East for almost a year and a half now, and I’ve had access to more opportunities as a result of being in the region than in the whole of my twenty-year career in London.
Lou Tonner of Wander Films said:
Access to commissioning opportunities like this is hugely valuable for regional indies. It’s enabled us to build a direct relationship with the team, strengthen our broadcast slate and tell stories that genuinely mean something to us and to the North East, for a national BBC One audience.
For Wander, it’s another important step in growing our broadcast work and hopefully the beginning of a long-term relationship with The One Show.
Louise Brannon of Sea & Sky Pictures said:
We were thrilled to be given the opportunity to pitch for and ultimately produce three films for The One Show. The pitching process was incredibly rewarding, and having the commissioner and execs from The One Show visit the region and provide face-to-face guidance at the event in Newcastle was particularly encouraging.
“Having access to commissioning opportunities like this is hugely valuable for an independent company like Sea & Sky. It has allowed us to work closely with The One Show team, learn from the experience and build relationships across the industry.
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said:
It’s brilliant to see these fantastic local businesses showcasing the quality of our region’s creative talent on a national platform.
Our film and TV sector has huge potential to create high quality jobs, develop new skills and give talented local people the chance to build exciting careers right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
This is yet another great example of how the support we’re putting into the industry, alongside partners including North East Screen and the BBC, is opening doors for local companies and helping us build a creative sector that can compete and succeed nationally.
