Newcastle College's Digital Arts and alumni have played a key role in the production of a major new film unveiled by the North East Combined Authority at UKREiiF 2026, one of the UK’s leading investment and infrastructure events.
The film showcases the ambition, creativity and opportunity driving the North East forward, highlighting the region’s growing profile across sectors including film, television and digital media.
Newcastle College offers a range of Digital Arts courses designed to help students develop practical production skills, creative confidence and industry experience across areas including film, television, media, photography and digital content creation.
The College also delivers a Film, TV and Media Production degree through Newcastle College University Centre, helping students build advanced technical and creative skills while working on live projects and professional industry opportunities throughout their studies.
Three Newcastle College University Centre Film, TV and Media Production degree students were involved in the production, taking the skills, knowledge and creative insight developed through their studies into professional production roles:
- Anna Brazzoli - AD Runner
- Edward Cooper - Sound Trainee
- Cameron Sidey - Camera Trainee
The project also featured Producer Carley Armstrong, who studied Visual and Performing Arts at Newcastle College between 2009 and 2010, achieving a distinction grade before progressing into the creative industries. More than a decade later, Carley continues to build a successful career within the sector, supporting major productions across the region.
The opportunity gave students the chance to gain hands-on experience within a professional production environment, working alongside industry professionals and building valuable contacts and connections within the creative sector.
Click here to watch the film.
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness said: “It’s wonderful that we have been able to produce a film that harnesses the talent of the North East - using children, and a local production team to showcase regeneration opportunities that I am absolutely committed to delivering for the next generation.
“The North East is brimming with potential and opportunity, and I will not stop until I see that young people growing up in this part of the world can build successful lives here, pursuing dreams that may once have taken them out of the region.”
Cameron Sidey, an FdA Film, TV and Media Production student at Newcastle College University Centre, said: “It was a really great experience working alongside professionals and getting a better understanding of how different roles operate within the film and TV industry.
“It also gave me the chance to build contacts and connections that could lead to future projects and opportunities, which was a huge bonus.”
Producer Carley Armstrong, who studied at Newcastle College between 2009 and 2010, said: “The film was amazing to create as it’s exactly the kind of productions I intend to continue to do in the North East. Giving local people jobs, and students real opportunities to work on a project with a real credit.
“It was really special to work with the students from Newcastle College. As someone who attended the College, I was lucky enough to have mentors who opened so many doors for me. Now it’s my time to do that for them.
“The film is very special as it not only highlights the scale of ambition the North East has from our North East Mayor and North East Combined Authority, it also shows the talent and opportunity for our young people without having to leave the region like I did.
“Having the students involved is integral to me, I would not produce a film without having the students onboard too. It’s part of my ecosystem as a producer.”
The film was launched during UKREiiF 2026, where regional leaders, businesses and investors came together to showcase major opportunities and developments across the North East.