Initiative opens film industry door to North East newcomers
Big names back Tyneside Talent Unit
Screen movers and shakers gathered on Thursday night (January 8) for the launch of the Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit, an initiative designed to help young people break into the industry.
The Talent Unit, funded by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, includes editing suites, podcast studio, rehearsal space, film and sound equipment for hire and spaces for collaborative working.
The aim is to nurture talent regardless of circumstance, so those from low-income backgrounds will not be disadvantaged.
Professional-standard facilities will be free to access and mentoring will be available for those aspiring to careers in film, television and other branches of a burgeoning moving image industry.
Chief executive Nic Greenan said the Tyneside Cinema had always believed in the power of film to change lives.
And she added: “The Talent Unit is a natural extension of that belief, a place where young people can experiment, learn, connect and imagine futures for themselves in the screen industries.”
The new facility will help over 100 young people annually to gain skills and paid work, continuing Tyneside Cinema’s support for emerging talent.
The launch event at the former newsreel cinema on Newcastle’s Pilgrim Street featured a panel discussion involving high-profile individuals - hosted by Cultured. North East’s very own, Sam Wonfor.
Taking part were Si King, of Hairy Bikers fame; celebrated North East actors Jill Halfpenny and Stephen Tompkinson; musician and performer Kema Kay; Maximo Park lead singer Paul Smith; and County Durham-born BBC Comedy Commissioning editor, Emma Lawson.
There were also words of support from a pair of Oscar-winning screen luminaries for whom the North East will always be special.
Danny Boyle, director of the film 28 Years Later for which shooting took place in Northumberland, said: “The North East has extraordinary creative potential, but opportunity hasn’t always been evenly distributed.
“Initiatives like the Tyneside Talent Unit are vital in opening doors, creating confidence and giving young people the tools and support they need to tell their own stories.”
Gateshead-born writer Peter Straughan, whose adapted screenplay for Conclave was last year’s Oscar winner, said: “What excites me about the Talent Unit is that it’s rooted in access, community and real-world experience.
“It’s not just about learning film theory, it’s about making work, meeting collaborators and building sustainable creative careers.”
Angie Jenkison, chief executive of the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, said: “We are delighted to support the Tyneside Talent Unit.
“The Foundation was set up to help, educate and inspire the young people of the North East.
“Our founder, Sir Graham Wylie, a miner’s son who grew up in the North East, did not let his background stop him from achieving success.
“We look forward to welcoming an inspired new generation of young people in 2026.”