The North East's screen sector is on a journey of growth thanks to the commitment of the area's local and combined authorities, broadcaster partnerships and existing and new infrastructure. North East Screen is at the heart of all the activity with the organisation supporting skill and talent development, business growth and investment, and supporting large scale TV and film productions coming to the region.
Despite the boom in the UK screen industry in recent years, only 1% of content has been made in the North East. The lack of prospects in the North East for people interested in a career in TV and film has meant they have had to move to other parts of the country for work.
The tide is now turning, and this is beginning to change. Some 18 months ago, all 12 of the North East’s local authorities created an ambitious collaboration – the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP). This sees all of the local and combined authorities working together, co-funding the infrastructure and support needed for the industry to not only survive, but to flourish and bring more opportunities to the people of the region.
Following on from this, a partnership with the BBC was confirmed and they made the commitment to spend at least £25 million on programmes over the next five years. In the first year of that partnership, there has already been 13 productions, with two recommissions, made in the region. These include: ‘Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes’, ‘Charlotte in Sunderland’, ‘Scarlett’s Driving School’, ‘Ambulance’, ’24/7 Pet Hospital’, and ‘Northern Justice’.
Training is at the heart of everything North East Screen does to ensure there is a sustainable industry and infrastructure in place which will bring more and more productions to the region. The skills team, headed up by Skills Manager, Lisa Davidson, help people who are just getting started in their careers as well as those who are looking to cross over industries.
“We aim to break down the barriers of working in TV and film in the North East where production is increasing and opportunities are growing. We can now say that a career in the TV and film industry in the North East is possible and our Crew Academy is a perfect way to make the first step.”
North East Screen’s Crew Academy run bootcamps where anyone over the age of 18 can learn the basics of working in TV and film production – from networking skills, CV writing, set etiquette to finding jobs. The Crew Academy also runs masterclasses, workshops, careers and networking events, on-set experience and placements providing the bridge-to-industry and assisting local people into work.
“We also want to spread the message and make it clear that it’s not just the traditional trades of Cameraperson or Director that you normally associate with TV and film that we need; it’s carpenters, electricians, accountants, grips and scaffolders. There’s a huge range of trades needed in the making of film and TV programmes and many existing skills that could be transferred to this industry. That is why the opportunities in the North East are so exciting for local people. The industry will create jobs and career prospects for many across the region.”
For more information about the North East screen industries, including the Crew Academy, please visit www.northeastscreen.org
To find out more about how you can get involved in the industry, please email hello@northeastscreen.org