As the profile of filming in the North East grows, North East Screen are showcasing the region’s world-class locations to industry professionals from across the UK through a series of ‘Scout Abouts’ (familiarisation trips).
The trips showcase the wealth of filming opportunities available across the region. By targeting key decision-makers such as Location Managers, North East Screen is committed to promoting both the region’s iconic landmarks and its hidden gems.
Each themed trip highlights the diversity of striking locations the region boasts in a two-day scout of the region – from historic castles and dramatic coastlines to cityscapes, industrial landscapes and scenic countryside.
In Spring 2024, experienced Location Managers whose credits include House of the Dragon (HBO), Bridgerton (Shondaland), and No Time To Die (MGM), toured iconic locations such as Wynyard Hall (Love is Blind UK), Raby Estate (1917), and Bamburgh Castle (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), as well as the industrial landscapes of Tees Valley and beaches of Northumberland.
After attending a familiarisation trip, one Location Manager said:
“The North East has now been opened in my mind as a potential filming location where before I knew very little about it. Beamish was so unexpected, and I was really amazed by it”
Katie Strachan, Film Office Manager, said:
“As a busy Film Office we understand there is no better way to get a feel of an area or location than to visit in person.
“Our trips are aimed at esteemed Location Managers from outside the North East. It’s a chance for us to showcase not only all unique locations and varied landscapes but how filming friendly we are. It also offers the opportunity for our visitors to meet industry contacts, businesses and suppliers and get a better understanding of how we can best support productions filming in the region.”
Another Location Manager who attended one of the trips earlier this year said:
“The North East Screen Film Office were amazing hosts and guides. They kept everything moving smoothly and we spent the perfect amount of time at each location, so I tip my hat to them.”
The next series of ‘Scout Abouts’ will take place in October and November. The October trip will have a Halloween theme, spotlighting the region’s uncanny and atmospheric locations. The November trip will focus on period settings, exploring the North East’s rich history and heritage. Both trips will cover the length and breadth of the North East, with final sites to be confirmed.
Productions looking to film in the region can also benefit from the North East Production Fund, designed to support high-end returning TV and major feature film productions in the region. This fund, alongside the region’s stunning variety of locations and experienced local crews, makes the North East an attractive option for basing projects.
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