The North of Tyne Combined Authority has supported a move to make the North East an easier place to film for motion pictures and TV.
It has backed a new Filming Friendly Charter to show commitment to working in partnership with regional screen development agency North East Screen to make the North East a filming friendly region. This will ensure there’s a single point of contact at each North East local authority and combined authority to coordinate each department impacted by filming, to make it easier to use of council property, and to work with North East Screen on publicity.
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said: “We are working closely with the North East Screen Industries Partnership and the BBC to encourage and promote filming across the North East. We want all parts of our region to benefit. It is important that each local authority area is committed to welcome production crews and make the process of filming as smooth as can be. North East Screen will support them to do this. The economic and tourism benefits of a production filming in our area and the jobs it can create for local crew, as well as local businesses across the supply chain, is something we don’t want any part of the North East to miss out on.”
The BBC has pledged to spend at least £25m over the next five years right across the North East to fund network TV production, talent development and support for the creative sector. This represents the BBC’s biggest investment in the North East of England for decades as part of a new partnership with the region. It’s part of a deal with local authorities in the North East, who will work with the BBC, and with independent producers, to invest in talent, skills, and infrastructure to support the production industry in the region. They will also provide funding via Northern Film + Media, the North East’s regional screen development agency, to boost the creative sector in the region.
The partnership is part of the BBC’s commitment to do more across the UK by moving departments, commissioning power, and resources out of London. The BBC and 12 local authorities and three combined authorities signed a memorandum of understanding to work side-by-side in the future.
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor says: “Depending on your generation, you’ll remember The Likely Lads, When the Boat Comes In, or Byker Grove. Well, we need more TV filmed in the North East.Our region is stunning; from Bamburgh Castle, across the Tyne Bridge, past Durham Cathedral to the Transporter Bridge. It’s by investing in our region that our talented writers, actors and technicians can put us on the map again.”