These past two years have been transformative. I’ve expanded my knowledge, skillset and network, and gained a much clearer understanding of what commissioners, distributors and ultimately audiences want.
Why did you decide to apply for Future North East and what were you hoping to get out of it?
We were encouraged to apply by our key partners and supporters at North East Screen. As we were already planning to become Pact members, the opportunity to work closely with both Pact and North East Screen through the Future North East programme felt like a natural and timely next step for us.
How has being on the scheme most helped you and your company over the past two years?
The scheme has significantly deepened our relationship with key industry bodies like Pact and North East Screen, as well as introduced and strengthened our connection to broadcasters, distributors and co-production partners. This has played a major role in accelerating our company’s development and provided valuable strategic support during a crucial growth period.
Which masterclass session did you find most useful/inspiring and why?
The commissioner sessions have been particularly impactful, those introductions have been invaluable to us. In addition, the investment workshop with Jane Atkinson from Media MDs was incredibly useful; their guidance aligned perfectly with our ambitions and needs as a growing indie.
What’s it been like having a peer network of other producers at a similar stage in their businesses?
It’s been a great support. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie among North East indies. Even though we often compete for the same slots or commissions, we all recognise that any commission in the region keeps crews working and reinforces the North East’s standing as a hub for great content.
Jason Cook & Mark Kenny
What has been the single most beneficial part of being on the scheme?
Readying our company for investment and commission has been the most tangible impact.
Have there been any outcomes or developments that surprised you?
Yes, our developing partnership with Media MDs has been an unexpected and very welcome outcome. Their strategic input has opened new opportunities for our business and we hope will lead towards us overcoming our biggest challenge of maintaining a high level of development capacity at the time that we go into production when our first commission is won.
How has your business developed over the past two years on the scheme?
Our turnover has grown significantly. When we started the scheme, we were essentially a one-person operation with a website. Today, we’re a fully operational and profitable business, with six shows currently in active funded development.
How have you personally developed as a producer and business owner during this time?
These past two years have been transformative. I’ve expanded my knowledge, skillset and network, and gained a much clearer understanding of what commissioners, distributors and ultimately audiences want. Through ongoing conversations with commissioners, I’ve learned to better fine-tune our development, understanding not just what works but why. I've also grown significantly in terms of managing and scaling a business, securing investment and staying agile in a rapidly evolving industry.
Looking ahead, what goals do you have for your indie now that the scheme is coming to a close?
We’re focused on two main goals for the next phase of growth: landing our first commission and working with Media MDs to become investment-ready. Over the next six to twelve months, we aim to secure investment to significantly increase our development capacity, enabling us to operate fully functioning development and production arms in parallel.
Future North East was a tailored leadership and development programme for ten ambitious independent production companies based in the North East of England. The two-year growth scheme - which we ran in partnership with North East Screen - began in July 2023 and provided the selected companies with access to industry experts and the tools to help grow their businesses domestically and internationally.
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