Partner Article

Further funding for film agency

More than 200 new jobs are set to be created after an investment of £1.22m was secured by the North East’s film agency.

Northern Film and Media received the boost from the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13, and hopes to use the money to set up another 18 businesses in the creative media sector.

The investment is part of an overall £3m initiative aiming to build successful commercial creative industries in the North East.

“Our aim is to be the catalyst for a series of innovative, commercially successful ventures in the creative media sector through both new and established SMEs in the region,” explained Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media.

“The region currently lacks major commissioners, purchasers, market proximity and expertise. We must help build companies’ skills, contacts, clients, expertise and networks so that they can engage with and exploit the global digital market.”

The project will offer support for SMEs by opening up digital distribution across the internet, mobile, games and interactive media industries. It will also enable them to take advantage of associated national funding streams such as Channel 4’s 4IP fund.

The £1.22m financing from Europe was secured through regional development agency One North East.

“Northern Film & Media is boosting creative and technical talent and nurturing the growth of the region’s media sector,” said One North East head of business investment Dr Simon Goon.

“The additional investment from Europe will build and sustain successful creative and digital businesses, allowing them to exploit new technology and compete in national and global markets. We want our region to become a focal point for the production of creative content, as well as a world class and cost effective place to shoot both film and television.”

For further information about the project, call Northern Film & Media on 0191 275 5940.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .