Local filmmakers to see their big ideas on the small screen

Three local filmmakers have been selected to make films about the North East, in a new commission launched by Northern Film & Media in partnership with digital TV station Community Channel.

In January a call was made to local filmmakers to submit their proposals to receive a substantial grant from Northern Film & Media. Three documentaries have been chosen for production, all showing that it's not so grim up North and that there are people across the region who are setting out to make a difference, changing their lives and their communities.

Community Channel proposes to air the three North East documentaries in their Autumn 2006 schedule alongside their range of other programmes dedicated to highlighting issues from both local and international communities as well as the voluntary and charitable sectors.

The three films that have been chosen are: Sing Your Hearts Out: Produced by Emily Barber. A documentary about Heaton Voices, a community choir with a difference as they prepare to host this years National Street Choir Festival.
The Chevy Chase: Produced by Louise Rea. The film will take a close look at community life in rural Northumberland. Specifically the small town of Wooler and it's annual, gruelling, 20 mile run the 'Chevy Chase'.
The Grass Never Goes: Produced by Reuben Jacob Abraham. The Lawnmowers is a group of people with learning difficulties based in Gateshead who use comedy theatre to educate and entertain the public about disability.

Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media, says: “It is important to us that this series of programmes will be broadcast to a national audience and that viewers all over the UK are entertained, informed and inspired by real stories from the North East.”

Nick Ware, Community Channel Controller, says: “We're delighted to team up with Northern Film & Media and look forward to seeing the films from the people of the North-East. We're keen to show the positive side of communities around the UK and hope this is the first of many partnerships with regional film agencies from across the UK.“