Film makers shine light on community voices

A North East media production company is using documentary filmmaking to help communities share authentic stories and highlight the experiences of under-represented voices.

Here You Belong, based in North Shields, was founded by business partners Kelly Hodgkiss and Gaby Zak. 

The independent production company specialises in documentary film and media projects that capture real stories from local people, charities and community organisations.

Kelly and Gaby focus on telling stories in people’s own words, using film and photography to document lived experiences while also helping organisations demonstrate their social impact.

By working collaboratively with clients, the company aims to make professional media production more accessible to smaller organisations that may lack the time, budget or expertise to produce high-quality content.

One of the company’s recent projects involved creating a short documentary with Cramlington Town Council, highlighting the authority’s move towards a people-first approach to local services. 

The film featured contributions from community organisations including Age UK, CVYP and The Wildlife Trust, showcasing how the council engaged residents to shape local initiatives.

Gaby said: “It wasn’t about telling the community what they needed.

“It was about listening to them – and that aligns perfectly with what we stand for. 

“When it was completed, we screened it at Vue Cinema Cramlington, giving the community an opportunity to come together to celebrate each other and see their own stories.” 

Maggie Martin, from Cramlington Town Council, added: “The film demonstrates how the Council’s commitment to putting people first has created lasting positive impacts throughout the community, you can see people's pride on the screen. 

“Here You Belong really told our community’s story with honesty, dignity, and care.” 

Kelly began her career in filmmaking at the age of 17 after completing training at the Linskill Centre in North Shields. 

She now focuses on producing and project management.

Gaby, an accredited professional photographer, leads the visual storytelling side of the business, working across photography, filming and editing. 

Her work has previously featured on platforms including PhotoVogue and the BBC, and has been displayed in New York’s Times Square.

Alongside the production company, the pair have launched a sister community interest company, We Are Intertwined, which offers workshops to help individuals and organisations develop and share their authentic stories.

Kelly added: “People often don’t know what type of media they need, whether they need a marketer, a social media manager, a filmmaker, a content creator – or why. 

“These workshops help people understand the different types of media support available and how to choose what’s right for them.”

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