The Dumping Ground returns for its 13th season on Friday, with a commitment to boosting the North East’s creative community.
The production is now based in Hexham and has become one of the longest running and most successful BBC Children’s dramas.
It’s loosely based on the book series by Jacqueline Wilson and is set in a children’s home, with a constantly revolving door of new characters.
“The Dumping Ground is one of the longest running and most loved local live action drama series made for children in this country,” said Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education.
“Our commitment to the much-loved series, particularly filming it in the North East for the last 12 years, has helped young children across the UK make sense of the rapidly changing world around them and see themselves reflected on screen whilst they grow up. The Dumping Ground is always evolving, bringing contemporary subjects and challenges with each season and introducing fresh themes of interest to each new generation of children watching it. Crucially, it also supports the creative industry of the North East and adds to the BBC’s commitment to help boost creative ecology across the UK.”
The BBC said its partnership with North East Screen Partnership (NESIP) has promoted local talent and bolster the area’s production industry.
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For this series, the BBC offered 16 full-time paid traineeships across various departments and supported 3 shadow director positions including original cast member Dani Harmer, who shadow directed episode 6 and directed episode 9.
“It’s brilliant to be back both in front of and behind the camera for the latest series of The Dumping Ground,” said Harmer.
“The show is incredibly special to me and I’m so proud to see how the show continues to champion local North East talent. The local crews were so full of passion and creativity. Through initiatives like the trainee schemes, we’re not just telling important stories on screen but also helping to shape the next generation of storytellers and TV professionals right here in the North East!”
NESIP is now in its third year and has created 293 local jobs and contributed £18.6m. Its aim is to established a £50m annual production sector in the North East by 2027.