Aspiring students receive insight into TV & Film industry

A-Level Film Studies students from Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Sunderland College recently visited the Northern TV and Film Studios in Hartlepool for an introduction into the industry, promoting creative courses and opportunities.

The aspiring students were able to meet and listen to professionals as well as up and coming talent, talk about barriers to careers in the creative sector. There was an introduction from North East Screen about the screen industry in the North East and how to get in touch.

Activities on the day included an informative seminar with John Offord on inclusion and diversity focusing on neurodiversity, and an online chat with film producer David Putnam on the global film industry, the challenges for the industry in the North East and the opportunities now for the region.

Carl Percival, Course Tutor for Film and Media Studies said: “The event really brought home the current creative landscape, including the barriers and the opportunities for students, especially those that feel limited due to neurological conditions.

“This event broke down those barriers and provided real life examples of how all students with skills and talent can work in the creative industry.”

Among the different workshops, there were also previous College students present when networking. One student graduated recently and is working with North East Screen as part of the Crew Academy and another who studied A-Level Film and Media 17 years ago, who talked about his career as an Assistant Producer in Unscripted TV in London and now Leeds.

There was also a panel discussion and Q&A which focussed on overcoming barriers in the screen industry, including Chair of panel Nichola Garde who is Disability Lead for BBC Creative Diversity. Panel members included Qasim Baig – Production Co-ordinator in TV Drama, Gillian Henderson – On Screen BSL presenter and Diversity Lead at ITV Signpost, Olie Hawick – Production Runner, new to the industry and John Offord – Producer, Podcaster, Journalist and Neurodiversity consultant.

Other companies and individuals involved in this event included the BBC, North East Screen Crew Academy, The Northern Studios HOME, The Northern School of Art, The Film and TV Charity, The Prince’s Trust, Focus Canning, Film Hub North, and Crew Gal.

The Northern Film & TV Studios is the only large-scale studio complex in the North East, providing studio and green screen facilities to suit a range of content producers, and offer long and short-term hire to suit filming needs.

Recent productions in the region include Vera, Gentleman Jack, Victoria, George Gently, The Dumping Ground, Ambulance, Driving School, I Daniel Blake, 1917, Harry Potter, Transformers Avengers and Avengers End Game.