Award-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle and Oscar-winning screenwriter Peter Straughan are among a wide range of film and television figures backing the launch of the Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit, a new initiative designed to support 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 in Newcastle, the Talent Unit will operate as a free-to-access creative hub offering industry-standard facilities and mentoring for young people aspiring to careers in film, television and the wider screen industries. The initiative has been created to remove barriers to entry for young people from diverse and low-income backgrounds, with a focus on ensuring that talent, rather than circumstance, determines who gets the opportunity to succeed.
The new space includes editing suites, a podcast studio, rehearsal space, film and sound equipment hire, and collaborative workspaces. Together, these facilities are intended to provide a practical environment in which emerging creatives can develop skills, produce work and collaborate with peers, helping to position Newcastle at the forefront of film talent development in the UK.
The Talent Unit builds on Tyneside Cinema’s long-standing commitment to championing new voices and nurturing creative talent. Through workshops, masterclasses and industry networking events, the programme will support more than 100 young people each year, helping them gain real-world experience and access paid opportunities within the screen industries.
A launch event held on 8 January brought together a high-profile panel of North East talent who joined the celebrations and will play an ongoing mentoring role within the Talent Unit. The panel included chef and television presenter Si King of The Hairy Bikers, Olivier-nominated actress Jill Halfpenny, 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 involvement highlighted the Talent Unit’s focus on supporting local talent and strengthening creative pathways within the region.
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, 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, 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.”
