A new development programme is looking to kick-start the film sector in the Tees Valley.
Tees Valley Screen is being set up by the mayor and the Combined Authority in partnership with agency Northern Film + Media.
The programme has been set up to provide support to individuals and businesses in the region who are looking to enhance their work in film, television and moving imagery. It will run regular networking events, training, and access to industry experts as well as opportunities for businesses to access funding.
The initiative will be run from Hartlepool鈥檚 BIS centre, at the 拢3m Grade II Listed former Post Office building on Whitby Street.
Hartlepool Council leader Coun Shane Moore said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted Tees Valley Screen is being established to support those in our region who work 鈥 or are looking to expand their work 鈥 within film, television and moving imagery.
鈥淚鈥檓 particularly pleased it is anticipated this initiative will be run from the BIS, Hartlepool鈥檚 new 拢3m centre for the creative industries.鈥
John Tulip, managing director of Northern Film + Media, said: 鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 be more delighted to expand Gateshead-based Northern Film + Media to a second outpost in Tees Valley. There鈥檚 an incredible opportunity being seized there to make the dynamic, creative and future-proof industry of film a hallmark of the region, and to enjoy the subsequent return on investment that will follow. We can鈥檛 wait to see what comes out of Tees Valley Screen.鈥
A steering group has been created for Tees Valley Screen to shape the direction of the programme. This includes Adam Boubada of Couch Potato Films, creative producer Jennifer Corcoran, Daniel John Williams of DJW Talent Agency, Matt McGough from Ithica Films, award-winning writer and director Andy Berriman, film producer and disability advocate Gemma Hall, and filmmaker Maxy Bianco.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: 鈥淚n the Tees Valley we have a fantastic heritage in the creative industries, with film directors Tony Scott and Sir Ridley Scott and artist Mackenzie Thorpe learning their craft at West Hartlepool College of Art.
鈥淭his heritage continues to inspire local people today, meaning we have a thriving and growing creative sector in the region that we should be proud of.
鈥淏usinesses involved within the creative industries play an important and growing role in our economy, which is why we鈥檝e been investing to support creative enterprise across our region.
鈥淲e know the value that the film industry can bring, and that鈥檚 reflected in our ambitious agenda for economic growth in the Tees Valley.鈥
The region has recently played a number of starring roles in TV and film productions such as Vera, Victoria, Inspector George Gently and Hollywood blockbuster Atonement.
