Further investment for the North East has been announced at the BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle.
BBC Comedy has detailed a Regional Partnership Scheme with Northern Film + Media and Hat Trick Productions, which will see the companies co-develop a slate of original comedy projects over an initial 6 month period.
“The North East is the best place on earth and a hot bed of exceptional comedy talent. I’m thrilled that we are supporting Northern Film & Media and Hat Trick on a scheme that gets us closer to the regions best comic voices and stories,” said Emma Lawson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Comedy Commissioning.
“It’s a dream come true to be collaborating on home soil and I can’t wait to see what brilliant new shows and talent will emerge from the partnership.”
Hat Trick Productions will spend time in the region working with a selected, emerging indie to develop projects and talent, while providing business support and mentorship to help bolster the North Eastern company.
“We are delighted that comedy in the region is being supported in such a huge way. We hope by working closely with BBC Comedy and comedy giant Hat Trick we can bring opportunities to regional talent developing knowledge, skills and networks. The partnership will be a catalyst for growth in the sector and we’re excited to see local talent flourish,” added Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of Northern Film + Media.
Today’s announcement is part of the BBC’s commitment to make its biggest ever investment in the North East of England, with at least £25m spent in the region over the next 5 years.
“Hat Trick is honoured to be working with BBC Comedy and Northern Film and Media on this fantastic project. The North East has a rich legacy of iconic comic talent both in front and behind the camera and we can’t wait to get stuck in to find the next generation of hit comedies!” added Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions.
