North East Screen has official launched a multimillion pound fund to grow productions in the region.
It hopes that the cash will “transform” the North East and attract more production companies and filmmakers, particularly with the new FullwellCain Studios development in Sunderland.
“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,” explained Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen.
“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.”
The fund was piloted earlier this year and has so far funded 3 productions – feature film JACKDAW from Tees Valley-born Director, Jamie Childs, and Anton Corp; unscripted children’s TV show, Cooking with the Gills, from Sunderland-based MCC Media, for Milkshake; and The Red King, from Quay Street Productions for UKTV.
“The support we have received from North East Screen through the Production Fund has been extraordinary,” said Samantha McMillion, Chief Operating Officer at Quay Street Productions.
“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.”
The discretionary fund looks to support scripted and unscripted film and TV productions from both indigenous companies and incoming productions with grants being made between £50,000 up to £500,000.
