From film, TV and radio to culture, arts and gaming, North East England is a hot bed of creative talent.
Today, North East England is one of the leading destinations for film and High End TV (HETV) production in the UK. A growing cluster of production and facilities companies in the region has helped grow and attract a skilled and talented workforce. Coupled with skills and training delivered though the North East’s universities, there is a pipeline of talent that is driving growth across the sector.
The region’s established infrastructure, competitive operating costs, and extensive transport links has made it a popular destination for major national and international production studios. In recent years, Lucas Film, Warner Bros, Quay Street Productions, Fulwell 73, Hat Trick Productions, and Rivers Meet Productions have filmed in region, working on projects including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Indiana Jones, Vera, Smoggie Queens, and Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.
The continued growth of the sector has led to new companies opening in the region including True North Post, Northern Child and Sensel Studio; as well as new educational institutions offering bespoke training programmes.
To support the expansion of the film and TV sector in the North East, a growing number of academic courses and industry-led training programmes are now available; helping to equip local talent with the skills the sector needs. The region’s end-to-end support for the filming industry has been bolstered by its access to a great pool of talent.
Supporting the region’s film and TV production industry is an established infrastructure and supply chain delivering the technology, innovation and expertise to take the sector forward. The North East Screen Film Office supports all incoming productions to find crew and locations across the region by working in partnership with the North East’s 12 local authorities through its Filming Friendly Charter.
Creative companies choosing to locate in North East England will benefit from a wide range of business support and cluster networks primed to offer guidance and advice across a range of topics. To support a smooth transition to the region, Invest North East England can provide a range of services, including property searches, data on skills and guidance on incentives, as well as making introductions to specialist networks who can offer guidance and links to potential customers, opportunities and research and development support.