Established in 2021 by Tim Goodill, Cassini Films has rapidly emerged as a prominent player in the North East's creative landscape. Combining commercial expertise and artistic innovation with a focus on community impact, Goodill has accomplished remarkable achievements-both individually and collaboratively through the production company. Notably, he secured £2 million in Arts Council funding through a single transformative project.
Cassini Films’ debut feature brought high-profile collaborators like Sunderland based band, The Futureheads and Peter Salmon (Endemol) into the fold, setting the stage for future successes. Now an award-winning enterprise with a Royal Television Society accolade, Cassini Films specialises in community-centric productions that range from corporate campaigns to documentary shorts, all with the goal of sparking awareness and fostering regional growth.
First Steps in Television
Tim Goodill’s journey began in Yorkshire Television, where he cut his teeth as an assistant camera man on peak time productions like Heartbeat. Over time, his focus shifted to post-production, where he contributed to iconic projects such as Top Ten Sci-Fi Moments for Sky, featuring interviews with legends like Steven Spielberg and Sigourney Weaver.
Goodill’s creative pivot occurred when Northern Film + Media (now NE Screen) supported his first directorial ventures. The Hard Sell, a comedic short about a chaotic call centre, marked his early success, gaining traction on the BBC Film Network. His short film Blood Steel, a poignant story based on events at the Redcar steelworks, earned him critical acclaim, including a Royal Television Society award. These projects set the foundation for the launch of Cassini Films.
Cassini’s Philosophy and Vision
Named after a NASA satellite which was sent into space to discover new information about Saturn, Cassini Films mirrors the spirit of exploration and innovation. Its logo-a celestialinspired “C”-represents the company’s mission to connect storytelling with impactful messaging.
“I enjoy projects with heart,” Goodill explains. “Whether it’s a campaign, a short drama, or a documentary, the goal is to tell stories that resonate, build relationships, and create a legacy.”
The company’s ability to balance artistic ambition with community engagement has led to collaborations with councils, schools, and even major musical acts.
Currently, Goodill is working on a behind-the-scenes documentary featuring students and musicians, fostering arts involvement at a grassroots level.
A Pioneer in Inclusive Tourism
Cassini Films is also breaking new ground in the tourism and heritage sector. The company has been selected as one of 12 organisations to participate in the All-Access Pass: Future of Inclusive Tourism programme, in partnership with Destination North East England. This 10-week challenge focuses on leveraging 5G and immersive technologies to address accessibility, access to sites in poor weather conditions, and engaging tourists without access to personal technology.
At the conclusion of the programme, Cassini Films and the other participants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to tourism leaders, reinforcing the company’s commitment to combining technology and storytelling for social good.
Behind the Scenes
Running a production company isn’t for the faint-hearted. “There’s an immense amount of work behind even a short video,” Goodill admits. “Understanding a client’s needs, their message, and their target audience is crucial. It’s about creating something that connects on an emotional level.”
In addition to its own projects, Cassini Films provides high-end post-production and Visual Effects (VFX) services, demonstrating versatility in an ever-evolving industry.
What’s Next for Cassini Films?
Goodill and his team are gearing up for an exciting slate of projects, including the very early planning stages of a largescale musical collaboration with musician Barry Hyde and ongoing community initiatives. While the workload is heavy, the passion behind Cassini Films ensures that each endeavour is both meaningful and memorable whether it be for a commercial documentary or a cultural short.
Life Beyond the Lens
Outside the studio, Goodill enjoys immersing himself in the regions vibrant music scene, though family life keeps him grounded. With twin girls, a young son, and an older daughter, he balances his creative pursuits with the joys of fatherhood.
As Cassini Films continues to grow, one thing remains clear: Tim Goodill’s vision is not just about making films-it’s about making a difference.
More information at www.cassinifilm.com