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£3 million boost for North East film industry

The North East film industry is set for a £3 million boost, thanks to a new creative pilot fund.

The investment was triggered by two ventures: the comedy drama Song for Marion and Newcastle-based film company Vita Nova, which both secured £150,000 through the Finance for Business North East Creative Content Fund.

As a result, Northern Film & Media and Northstar Ventures joined forces to provide a further £3m of private investment, in a move the CBI has called a “shining example of de-risking investment in the creative industries.”

Michelle Cooper, investment manager at Northstar Ventures said: “The North East Creative Content Fund has supported a range of impressive film, TV and digital media projects with great commercial potential, since launching 18 months ago.”

Producer Steve Bowden, who heads Vita Nova Films expressed his delight at the investment, which will help his company to continue to nurture local acting talent.

Mr Bowden said: “This investment recognises the high standard of production work we have done over the last five years and our vision and commitment to producing films with artistic integrity and commercial potential with some of the best talent in North East England.

“Our vision was shared, supported and significantly advanced by Northern Film & Media and Northstar Ventures Content Fund.”

The full £2.4m Creative Content Fund is set to be invested in North East creative industries by the end of the year.

Creative director of Northern Film & Media, Agnes Wilkie, was pleased with the outcome.

She said: “An entertaining script, top-ranking talent and an experienced production team make Song for Marion a sound commercial investment and a real coup for the North East.

“The Vita Nova deal provides an indigenous North East indie with crucial investment to develop their slate of exciting commercial features.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .