Award-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle, Oscar-winning screenwriter Peter Straughan, are among the many film and TV figures supporting the launch of the Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit: a major new initiative empowering the next generation of filmmakers and content creators across the North East.
Funded by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and based at the iconic Tyneside Cinema, the Talent Unit will provide a free-to-access creative hub offering industry-standard facilities, mentoring, to young people aspiring to careers in film, television and screen industries.
The Talent Unit aims to remove barriers to entry for young people from diverse and low-income backgrounds, ensuring talent – not circumstance – determines who gets the opportunity to succeed.
The new space includes editing suites, a podcast studio , rehearsal space , film & sound equipment hire, and collaborative workspaces, positioning Newcastle at the forefront of UK film talent development.
A pipeline from passion to profession
The Talent Unit builds on Tyneside Cinema’s long-standing commitment to championing new voices and nurturing creative talent. Through workshops, masterclasses, industry networking events, the initiative will support over 100 young people each year, helping them develop real-world skills and access paid opportunities in the screen industries.
A launch event on 8th January featured a high-profile panel of North East talent who joined the celebration and will play an ongoing mentoring role in the Talent Unit. The panel included chef and TV presenter Si King of The Hairy Bikers; Olivier nominated actress Jill Halfpenny; acclaimed actor Stephen Tompkinson; Gambian born musician and playwright Kema Kay; former BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music controller Lesley Douglas; and Paul Smith, lead singer of Maximo Park. Their presence underlined the Unit’s commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting the next generation of filmmakers and creatives from the region.
Industry backing
Danny Boyle 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.”
Peter Straughan added:
“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.”
Nic Greenan, Chief Executive of Tyneside Cinema, said:
“Tyneside Cinema has always believed in the power of film to change lives. 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.”
Angie Jenkison, CEO of 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, himself is a miner’s son, grew up in the North East and did not let his background stop him from achieving success. We look forward to welcoming an inspired new generation of young people in 2026.”
