Ben Frow, chief content officer at Channel 5 (pictured, left) has promised more commissions from emerging North East indies after joining Yorkshire production company Daisybeck Studios (a Lionsgate company and producer of The Yorkshire Vet and Fletcher’s Family Farm) in Newcastle to meet regional developing production companies.
The event, organised by North East Screen, was to introduce Channel 5 to the region’s emerging unscripted production companies to build relationships and foster new opportunities to produce more in the North East.
With TV and film production continuing to grow in the region, North East Screen are working closely with production companies and TV commissioners to support new programme ideas and concepts.
Frow said: “As a public service broadcaster we are passionate about representing the UK on and off-screen. We spend over 40% of our commissioning budget in the UK’s nations and regions but the North East is an area which has been underserved and where we would like to do more production.
“We’re particularly focused on working with smaller indies and I was incredibly impressed with the passion and creativity on show from everyone we met had. We look forward to doing more and supporting the growth of the North East as a production hub.”
Alison Gwynn, chief executive at North East Screen (pictured, right), added: “We were delighted to welcome the senior broadcast team from Channel 5, alongside established multi-award winning northern indie, Daisybeck, to the North East. Channel 5 already commission content from some of the experienced indies in the region, but it’s been a breath of fresh air to see them taking the time to get to know our emerging indie talent.
“Channel 5 attracts more northern audiences than any other broadcaster and there is a real opportunity to work together to grow our regional companies and develop more content here.
“We are keen to work with broadcasters and commissioners who want to build genuine relationships and make a real and long-lasting difference in our region – that’s something we certainly see with Channel 5.”
The North East has a talented pool of production companies and individuals who all have high-growth potential working in the wider screen industry. North East Screen’s Talent and Business Development Team works closely with these companies, providing industry-led advice and guidance, and “championing a culture that will attract and retain outstanding talent.”
