Screen stars back creative talent hub

A historic Newcastle cinema has launched a new talent initiative designed to strengthen creative skills and support future filmmakers across the North East.

The Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit has been unveiled as a free-to-access creative hub aimed at helping young people break into film, television and screen industries. 

Funded by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and based at Tyneside Cinema, the unit is supported by a number of high-profile figures from film and television, including filmmaker Danny Boyle and screenwriter Peter Straughan.

The Talent Unit has been created to remove barriers to entry for young people from diverse and low-income backgrounds, ensuring access to opportunities is shaped by talent rather than circumstance. 

Facilities include editing suites, a podcast studio, rehearsal space, equipment hire and collaborative workspaces, positioning Newcastle as a growing centre for screen talent development.

Danny, whose 2025 film 28 Years Later, starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes, was shot in the North East, 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, a two-time BAFTA winner for Best Adapted Screenplay for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Conclave, the latter of which also earned him an Academy Award, 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.”

Building on Tyneside Cinema’s long-standing commitment to championing new voices, the initiative will support more than 100 young people each year. 

Through workshops, masterclasses and industry networking, participants will gain practical skills and pathways into paid work across the screen industries.

The launch was marked by an event last Thursday (January 8) at the cinema, which brought together a high-profile panel of North East creative talent who will play an ongoing mentoring role within the Talent Unit. 

Those involved 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 underlined the Talent Unit’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and creating clear pathways into the screen industries.

Nic Greenan, chief executive of Tyneside Cinema, added: “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, added: “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.”

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