Next generation takes centre stage

A new showcase film promoting North East investment opportunities has placed the region’s next generation of filmmakers and actors firmly in the spotlight.

Production company True Moon Pictures recruited students and young creatives from across the North East to work alongside an experienced regional crew on Built Here, a cinematic film unveiled at UKREiiF.

The project was led by Sunderland-born producer Carley Armstrong and brought together aspiring crew members from Sunderland College, Gateshead College, Newcastle College and the University of Sunderland.

Students worked across a range of production roles, including sound, running and behind-the-scenes support, while nine young actors, including Charlotte and Braydon, pictured below, were also cast in the film.

Aspiring young TV professional Annabel McCarthy, 25, from North Shields, who has harboured ambitions to move into a career in TV, reached out to Carley to explore opportunities and try her hand as a runner.

She said: “My dad heard Carley speak on the radio and suggested I should get in touch with her. 

“I messaged her on Instagram and she replied straight back, which was not what I was expecting, and offered me this amazing opportunity. 

“I am really grateful.

“It was my first time on set as a runner and it was a great experience and learning curve. 

“My end goal is to be in a production management role, so the opportunity allowed me to really solidify that and see exactly how it works and comes together. 

“I can really see myself doing that now.”

Built Here was created to showcase the North East as a destination for investment, highlighting sectors including offshore wind, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, life sciences, defence, AI and digital technology.

Filming took place across a range of locations, from science parks to offshore facilities, with the production designed to bring a more cinematic approach to regional investment marketing.

Carley, who masterminded the concept for the film and is the founder of True Moon Productions, added: “I couldn’t be more passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation, and this project presented a unique opportunity to do just that.

“I have been able to work with a crew entirely from the North East – professionals who are at the top of their game – alongside future talent from the region, to create a video that I am so excited to see showcased next week.  

“Not only does the video sell the region to investors, it showcases what we stand for in this part of the world and has created opportunities for people from the region who might normally need to work elsewhere to gain this experience.”

The film was unveiled by North East mayor Kim McGuinness at UKREiiF, where the North East exhibited alongside all seven local authorities.

Mayor McGuinness added: “Built Here really sums up the spirit of the North East.  

“Our investment strategy is all about opportunity – about ensuring that this is a region where people can realise their ambition.

“The fact that even the creation of this film has been done in a way that has created opportunity speaks to the spirit of what I am trying to achieve as mayor.”

The project also aimed to demonstrate the strength of the region’s creative talent pipeline, giving young people practical experience alongside a professional North East crew whose work often takes them outside the region.

The film has since been released across social media and will also feature at Sunderland Film Festival, where Carley will be a judge this year.

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