Stephen Tompkinson visited Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle to welcome the first cohort of the Tyneside Talent Unit, a new programme supporting young people aiming for careers in film and screen industries.
Star meets first cohort
The actor, known for Brassed Off, Wild at Heart, and DCI Banks, met the 30 selected participants on Tuesday. He said: "The North East is bursting with talent and I'm delighted to be meeting the first cohort of the Tyneside Talent Unit. It's a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn from industry professionals without having to leave the region."
The unit is funded by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and aims to nurture the next generation of North East screen talent, supporting young people who may face financial, social, or practical barriers.
300 applications, 30 places
After outreach work, the unit received more than 300 applications. The 30 chosen young people, from across the North East, will benefit from industry insight, practical development, mentoring, creative opportunities, and professional connections.
During the afternoon, they experienced hands-on podcasting, camera operation, editing, and production. Danny Baker, producer of the unit, said: "Seeing more than 300 young people apply shows just how much talent, creativity and ambition we have here in the North East."
Future plans
Baker added that choosing 30 was difficult but the group is "incredible". He said: "Thanks to the generous support of the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, the talent unit will give these young people the confidence, connections and practical support they need to take their first steps into the screen industries. The North East has never lacked talent - it has just lacked enough opportunities. That is why this programme matters."
The programme will connect participants with leading actors, filmmakers, and industry professionals, creating clearer pathways into training, employment, and production. Christopher Eccleston is the unit's patron.
