North East strikes twice at Broadcast Digital Awards
Two productions from the North East have taken home top honours at the prestigious Broadcast Digital Awards 2025.
Smoggie Queens, a BBC Three comedy series charting the adventures of a tight knit group of friends from the LGBTQIA+ community in Teesside, won Best Comedy.
The Hat Trick production, which is currently filming a second series, was applauded for its combination of both character work and physical comedy, with creator and star, Phil Dunning - who clocked up a trio of BAFTA nominations for the series earlier this year - receiving particular praise from the judges.
In the Short Form Documentary category, Newcastle-based Northern Child took the top spot for I Printed a Gun: Plastic and Deadly, an investigative documentary for Channel 4, examining the rise of 3D-printed firearms.
As well as bringing this issue to the attention of a wider audience, the documentary contributed to driving real world legislative change, with a bill going to parliament.
The Broadcast Digital Awards celebrate excellence and creativity in digital broadcasting, honouring content that pushes boundaries and connects deeply with audiences.
Lisa Laws, development director at North East Screen, said: “We are a region of storytellers and innovation, and both of these shows are brilliant examples of stories that resonate with global audiences.
“We have nurtured relationships with both Hat Trick and Northern Child in different ways, and they are proof that you can grow and develop your business in the North East, create meaningful relationships with broadcasters and commissioners, and produce exceptional world class content.”
Both projects were made support from North East Screen via the North East Production Fund and the business development commission pitch opportunities, with strong backing from broadcasters championing fresh perspectives.
The North East’s screen industry has seen substantial growth over the last three years with an 131% increase in production since 2022.
The region has gone from having one regularly commissioned company to now having eight delivering across multiple genres including drama, scripted comedy, unscripted documentaries and factual entertainment.