One North East film funding pot ready to boost industry

Sep 24 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

A FUNDING pot set up to save the North East film industry is set to see production crews return to the region.

Northern Film and Media believe the £1m handed to it earlier this year will allow five projects to go ahead.

They are waiting for last-minute contributions from other companies before announcing the companies, but say they are confident three feature films, one network TV music production and one major computer game will all get the go ahead.

Staff at the film company have spent the year urging broadcasting professionals to lobby their MPs to preserve the television industry in the North East.

It is hoped the fund will see a reversal in the shrinking regional representation on TV.

Tom Harvey, chief executive of Northern Film & Media said: “I’m pleased to be able to say that Northern Film and Media has delivered on its promise to bring film and TV production back to the North East.

“We’ve invested in a range of exciting commercial projects across film, TV and games; projects with great talent attached and fantastic scripts and ideas in place. We’ve invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in talented individuals and companies within the North East. We’ve also attracted proven talent from outside of the region. The projects bring with them jobs, investment and profile. I’m confident our content fund will result in creative and commercial success for the region.”

Development agency One North East, which handed over the cash in the summer, says the money should generate around £5m for the region.

Margaret Fay, chairman of One North East, said: “It’s great news to see that the new Content Fund has already helped to secure a series of projects for North East England.

“The Agency’s investment in this fund will pave the way for new business opportunities, creating new jobs and safeguarding many more for the region’s commercial creative industry.”