Multimillion pound TV and film industry boost to Tees Valley begins to reap rewards

A multimillion-pound partnership to boost the Tees Valley’s TV and film industry is already reaping rewards with a string of programmes being made in our region.

The Tees Valley Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority provided backing by supporting the £11.4m North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) with a £4.5m investment earlier this year.

Businesses are also benefiting from the BBC’s huge commitment to invest £25m in the region to help fund TV production and talent development across the region’s creative sectors. No fewer than 14 projects have been shot in the Tees Valley in recent months.

“The BBC’s pledge to get behind the North East is really paying off. The sheer number of projects and programmes being made on our doorstep just goes to show our £11.4m top-up is doing its job. We’re becoming a magnet for filmmakers and directors and the boost the sector has seen will mean more investment, more jobs, and will mean more local talent stays here.”

Ties were brought closer between NESIP and the BBC last year when a long-term partnership was signed to bring about a renaissance in the North East’s screen industries. Regional agency North East Screen and the NESIP partnership are also working closely with the BBC to bring more filming to the Tees Valley area.

Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, said: “All of these productions have provided employment opportunities for film and TV crews based in the Tees Valley through North East Screen’s Production Service.

“The service has enabled productions coming to the region to find the experienced crew they need quickly and easily, ensuring a smooth and positive experience shooting in our region, continuing to build the reputation of the North East as a terrific place to base a production.

“There are more exciting projects in development and we will continue to work with productions to encourage as much filming in the region as we can.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily