Northern Film & Media Invests In Production

The screen agency for North East England, Northern Film & Media, has said that it has fulfilled its promise to bring production back to the region.
The agency has invested almost £1 million in film, TV and games projects through its North East Content Fund, launched in July, with funds provided by Regional Development Agency One North East.
Five projects have been allocated a total of £725,000 for production - three feature films, one network TV music production and one major computer game.
Seven more projects, across film, television, interactive media and games, will benefit from a share of £102,000 of development funds.
Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media, said: "I'm pleased to be able to say that Northern Film & Media has delivered on its promise to bring film and TV production back to the North East.
"We've invested in a range of exciting commercial projects across film, TV and games; projects with great talent attached and fantastic scripts and ideas in place. We've invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in talented individuals and companies within the North East.
"We've also attracted proven talent from outside of the region. The projects bring with them jobs, investment and profile. I'm confident our content fund will result in creative and commercial success for the region."
He added: "This is a hugely important time for the commercial creative industries in the North East. One North East has shown real confidence in Northern Film & Media's ability to deliver - and we have delivered.
"We've received wonderful support for our content fund from national partners like Ingenious Media and from local partners like Business link, NStar, Generator, Codeworks, Games Horizon and New Writing North.
"The region has shown incredible spirit in the last 12 months with a determination to be heard and get production back to the North East," Mr Harvey said.
The projects invested in through Northern Film & Media's North East content Fund should result in a regional spend of around £5 million. The investment will also create 36 jobs whilst safeguarding 66 jobs. The North East Content Fund was made possible through One North East, the regional development agency for the North East of England.
Margaret Fay, Chairman of One North East, said: "It's great news to see that the new Content Fund has already helped to secure a series of projects for North East England.
"The Agency's investment in this fund will pave the way for new business opportunities, creating new jobs and safeguarding many more for the region's commercial creative industry."
Peter Salmon, BBC Director North, said: "I think the North East Content Fund begins to give the region an edge on the competition and will make media companies sit up and pay more attention to an area that is rich in talent, stories and landscapes."
Lord David Putnam of Queensgate said: "The infrastructure that has been built up over the years by UK Film Council and the regional screen agencies in support of film production has played a crucial role in the recent success of the film industry. New resources such as the North East Content Fund should act as important incentives to production. I hope the North East Content fund achieves every one of its aims."
(KMcA/BMcC)