Nana Peg Productions brings Hollywood home

A new film and TV production company has been established in the North East, aiming to “inspire the next generation of regional talent”.

South Shields-based Nana Peg Productions, founded by renowned filmmaker Neil Marshall (best known for Dog Soldiers, The Descent, Centurion and directing two episodes of Game of Thrones) and producer Libby Walker, will develop a slate of projects, potentially generating millions of pounds in local investment.

The announcement is yet more good news for the North East’s burgeoning TV and film industry, following the approval of the £450 million Crown Works Studio in Sunderland and the establishment of The Northern Studios in Hartlepool, which has encouraged the likes of Red Stamp Productions and Forty One Thirty to set up shop in the region.

Newcastle-native Neil said: “I’ve always felt the North East has so much to offer cinematically, from the cities to the beaches to the fells. 

“It’s a spectacular landscape rich with history. 

“Just look at the castles and stately homes we have in the area like Bamburgh Castle and Cragside Hall… I’ve always wanted to come back and make movies here, and both myself and Libby felt now is the right time.” 

Libby, who was born and raised in South Shields and is best known for her role as Becky in Fishermen Friend’s: One and All, added: “There is so much more to the North East than what we are currently presented with in the general media. 

“As a working-class actor continually stereotyped for my accent, I believe it’s about time that the world was given more of an authentic perspective of the region and her people.

“We’re both incredibly passionate about our roots and are determined to showcase a diverse range of stories from the area.

“With the creation of the new studios in Sunderland, there couldn’t be a better time to begin to drive the film Industry to the North East, and that is exactly what we intend to do. 

“We’re here to establish the area as a leader in film production, making sure the voice of the North East is not only heard but celebrated, hopefully inspiring the next generation of regional talent and providing them with the ability to consider a career in film as a realistic choice, in whichever avenue they may choose.”

The company, named after Libby’s beloved Gran, has announced that its first project will be Kings of the North, telling the true story of Muhammad Ali’s 1977 visit to the North East, penned by Fleur Costello, a fellow Northumbria University film studies graduate.

Following that, Neil will write and direct an action thriller called Pound of Flesh, which he describes as “in the spirit of classic revenge thriller Get Carter but set today and reimagined with Jason Statham!”

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