North East Screen launches multi-million pound production fund
North East Screen has launched a multi-million pound production fund to attract more production companies and filmmakers to the region.
North East Screen will deliver the funding on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP).
It aims to support scripted and unscripted film and TV productions from local companies and incoming productions with grants being made between £50,000 up to £500,000. All applications are judged by an independent panel of industry experts following a rigorous application process.
NESIP is the partnership of all 12 local and combined authorities across North East England investing in growing the screen industry, driving inward investment and creating local jobs.
The fund will also consolidate planned studio development in the area, such as Crown Works Studios in Sunderland, currently in development at Fulwell 73.
Recent productions to have filmed in the north east include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves and 1917, as well as Vera and children’s show The Dumping Ground.
Gayle Woodruffe, operations director at North East Screen (pictured with Jamie Childs) said: “We’ve got world class talent, exciting studio developments, an emerging infrastructure and now a Production Fund to supercharge the screen industry in the North East. We will attract more high-end TV productions, feature films and returning series to the region, providing more jobs and opportunities for regional and re-locating crew.”
Piloted in early 2023, the North East Production Fund has so far funded three very different productions: feature film JACKDAW from Tees Valley-born director, Jamie Childs (pictured with Gayle Woodruffe), and Anton Corp; unscripted children’s TV show, Cooking with the Gills, from Sunderland-based MCC Media, for Milkshake; and highly-anticipated drama, The Red King, from Quay Street Productions for UKTV.
Speaking of the support they have received from the Production Fund, Samantha McMillion, Chief Operating Officer at Quay Street Productions said: “The support we have received from North East Screen through the Production Fund has been extraordinary. The team at North East Screen strive to work as a partner to production and have ensured that communication, and their approach, is collaborative throughout. Their team has been fantastic to work with and I would encourage other productions to seriously consider filming in the North East.
“Being able to provide jobs for local people, support trainees from the region and contribute to the continued growth of the industry in the North East is something we really value at Quay Street.”
Productions interested in applying – those ready to shoot as well as those in development - should complete an Expression of Interest here.
Image of Jamie Childs and Gayle Woodruffe via North East Sceen.
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