A national conference for the film and TV industry is to be held in Newcastle later this year. The Creative Cities Convention will take place at the Boiler Shop venue in the city’s Stephenson Quarter on April 26 and 27.
Business Live is reporting that around 300 delegates are expected to attend the event, which will be hosted by BBC journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark.
The session follows a number of positive developments in the North East film and TV sector in the last 18 months, including a £25m investment plan from the BBC. Organisers are working with North of Tyne, North East and Tees Valley combined authorities, who have together formed the North East Screen Industries Partnership, to bring the event to the North East.
Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Creative Cities Convention to our region at a time when production is increasing, partnerships are strengthening and growth in the sector is becoming a reality. To be hosting a convention of this scale and stature in the North East, which attracts content creators from all parts of the UK, is a real honour and an opportunity and we can’t wait to be involved and showcase the North East as a hotbed of creativity and talent.”
Conference director Ruth Pitt added: “We could not be more thrilled to take our event to the North East in 2023. The screen sector is growing rapidly there, and the venue is accessible to content creators from right across the UK, whether you’re in Glasgow or Belfast, Manchester or Cardiff, Brighton or Bristol.
“We’re extending our sessions to offer even better takeout for everyone so it’s an event not to be missed.”
Last year’s conference took place in Birmingham after two years of disruption due to the pandemic. 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 as an investment into the sector sparks more program-making.