Columnist

Global event supercharges North East screen sector 

Seeing the region buzzing with global screen industry professionals last month, it struck me that hosting Content Without Borders couldn’t have come at a better time for the North East.

The two-day programme, a key annual event for UK screen trade body Pact, brings together global buyers, commissioners, distributors and producers, and this year we saw representatives from major players including BBC, 5, ITV, Virgin, Britbox and many more in attendance.

Having the privilege of hosting it in Durham came about thanks to a productive four-year working relationship between Pact and our business development team at North East Screen, as well as support from our combined and local authority partners, the Department for Business and Trade, Invest North East, AudioNetwork and GeoPura.

But while we were always looking forward to welcoming a global sector audience, we’ve also been able to stand tall and shout about our industry achievements, thanks to many years of hard work paying off.

Content Without Borders arrived in our region hot on the heels of the screening of ITV’s I Fought The Law (supported by the North East Production Fund and filmed entirely in the North East), and the franchise blockbuster 28 Years Later (the majority of which was filmed in our region, supported by our Film Office). 

These are just two examples of recent in-region sector investment, demonstrating our world-class locations, experienced industry support, regional talent and agile supply chain companies – all of which play a pivotal role in enticing everyone to stay longer or come back. 

And word spreads.

The recent announcements about national and local backing for Hartlepool and Sunderland studio developments, and our recently launched BBC-backed digital first opportunity for North East companies, The Digital Accelerator, strengthens our offer further still.

Over the course of the event, we had 19 commissioners, distributors and agents, and 49 UK indie companies join us for two days of activity exploring global business opportunities and challenges. 

Pact pulled together activities that shared warts and all insights into the industry, market briefings, one-to-ones and a social dinner. 

The biggest take away: there were some great insights from across the globe on how collaborative working is becoming increasingly important, not just for producers but for broadcasters and distributors too. 

Co-development and co-production models based on shared goals, mutual respect and trust are supercharging companies, stretching marketing spend, boosting audiences and giving real value for money for broadcasters. 

And this kind of collaboration is something we’ve always been good at in the North East.

I left Content Without Borders feeling even more confident in our North East approach, but, more importantly, in hosting it we have found more potential allies and friends with which to do global business.

I’m excited to see what new connections are being made and the opportunities they will bring with them. 

I’ve already heard from attendees about how invaluable the event was, and I’m proud Durham and the wider region has been experienced first-hand by budget holders who may decide we are the perfect location for their next feature or series.

The screen industry is hugely competitive and challenging, but as a region we are beginning to reap the benefits. 

The impact the industry can continue to have on the North East is not just something of value for those in the sector, but it boosts our local economy and bolsters our pride in our great region. 

After all, who doesn’t want our stunning landscapes and friendly accents opening the door to new stories on the big screen?

Lisa Laws is development director at North East Screen

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