FilmNation TV UK, a division of award-winning entertainment studio FilmNation Entertainment, has today announced a partnership with BBC and North East Screen to attract and nurture on and off-screen talent from the region, accelerate development, diversify the pipeline of productions from the region, and produce returning, high-end productions that will be filmed locally.
The BBC and North East Screen are supporting FilmNation with the recruitment of a part-time Development Producer to be based in the region. To maximize the partnership opportunity and broaden the skill base for the region, the Development Producer will be responsible for strengthening relationships, seeking out bold and fresh voices from all backgrounds and driving development activity. FilmNation will commence the hiring of this role immediately.
FilmNation TV UK develops, produces and finances premium scripted television content for global audiences. The company, led by Creative Director Kirstie Macdonald, works with a wide variety of UK broadcasters, creative talent and studios. The UK production house’s parent company, FilmNation Entertainment, is the studio behind critically acclaimed entertainment across all mediums including: films (Academy Award winning ARRIVAL, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN), US television (Emmy winning I Know This Much Is True for HBO, Chris O’Dowd’s upcoming Small Town, Big Story for Sky), theater (Olivier and Tony Award winning Prima Facie and The Band’s Visit), and podcasts (Signal Award winning SNAFU hosted by Ed Helms).
Kirstie Macdonald, Creative Director of FilmNation TV UK, said: “Having had to leave the region myself to find work in TV, I’m keenly aware how underrepresented the North East is on screen. We are thrilled to collaborate with local talent who share our vision of amplifying original voices and stories whilst helping to build a sustainable industry in the region.”
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen, said: “This partnership with Film Nation and the BBC is part of North East Screen’s drive to ensure our ambitious talent and outstanding homegrown stories are at the heart of the North East’s future growth, showcasing fresh perspectives of what the region can offer to global audiences. The North East’s market share of production has been a small percentage for too long. Thanks to the recent interventions by the North East Screen Industries Partnership, including the North East Production Fund, we are now finally seeing some big changes with incoming productions set to increase filming days three-fold in 2024. We hope to see more of our talent bringing us commission opportunities.”