Senior figures from the UK’s main four broadcasters will attend a conference in Newcastle next month as the region’s TV and film sector aims to reach new heights.
The Creative Cities Convention (CCC) will take place at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle on April 26 and 27 with what it describes as “its strongest schedule yet”. The conference’s partners include the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5/Paramount, all of whom will be sending senior executives to the event.
Actor and presenter Robson Green will also be at the event, and organisers have promised other “celebrity figures”. The event comes as the North East’s film and TV sector has been boosted by significant investment from the BBC and the relaunch of the regional industry body as North East Screen, with new headquarters in Sunderland.
Read more: Younger staff prioritise flexible working over pay and promotion, Virgin Money says
There are also hopes that thousands of jobs can be created in the industry after plans were unveiled for a £450m film and TV studio complex in Sunderland. The plans need Government support to become a reality.
Confirmed speakers at the convention include the BBC’s chief content officer Charlotte Moore and its director of nations, Rhodri Talfan Davies, Channel 4’s MD of nations and regions, Sinead Rocks, ITV’s controller of popular factual, Jo Clinton Davis and Channel 5 news editor Cait FitzSimons.
Alison Gwynn, chief executive at North East Screen, said: “We’re at a pivotal time in the growth of the screen industry in the North East so there couldn’t be a better time for CCC to be welcomed to the region. The team have secured an exceptional line-up of speakers and we’re delighted to be involved to showcase the opportunities and talent here in the North East.”
Convention director Ruth Pitt said: “We need this event now more than ever as producers, broadcasters, educators, trainers and public and private investors wrestle with how to provide the talent, facilities and infrastructure needed to keep pace with the rapid growth of the film and TV sector in all four nations of the UK. We provide the ideal platform for people to learn, share and network for mutual benefit.”
Around 300 delegates are expected to attend the event, which will be hosted by broadcaster Kirsty Wark. This year’s event will be made up of an afternoon of sessions and a networking party on day one and then a day of debate and discussion on day two. There will also be student masterclasses and sessions in other parts of the North East.
READ NEXT:
