Writer-director Jamie Childs’ feature debut Jackdaw filmed in several locations across the north-east and utilised The Northern Film and TV Studios. 
 

Hartlepool and the Tees Valley provided backdrops for much of the action thriller with sites including Seal Sands, Nunthorpe, Redcar and the North Sea. 
 

Investment came from The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the North East Production Fund, delivered by regional screen agency North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP). 
 

Set over the course of one night, the film stars Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Jenna Coleman, Thomas Turgoose and Rory McCann. 
 

Childs said of the location choice: “We see so many American films set in atmospheric towns that don’t tie themselves to local, kitchen-sink stories. I thought, why don’t we do this in Britain? We set out to push the envelope of what was possible stylistically and tonally in our region. Its clash of pastoral and industrial worlds is the perfect setting for an exciting, pulpy chase thriller. 
 

“I wanted to prove to an up-and-coming wave of potential filmmakers that we can take advantage of what’s right on our doorstep and still appeal to an international audience. I’d like to thank North East Screen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority for helping us make this all possible.” 

 
Gayle Woodruffe, operations director for North East Screen, said: “We have exceptional world class talent, amazingly diverse stunning locations and extremely experienced crew here in the North East. Supporting Jamie’s feature film debut as a writer-director via the North East Production Fund was a straightforward decision.”

 
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Jamie is a fantastic example of another homegrown talent taking huge strides on the global stage. It’s wonderful to have him back on his home patch with Jackdaw. This is yet another fantastic chance for us to showcase ourselves as a filming and production capital, with our big investment into the industry already reaping rewards.

“There truly has never been a better time for local people to get into the film industry – not just for writers and directors, but for engineers, costume makers and technicians. Our cash is helping get us onto screens and in front of people across the UK and Jackdaw is another wonderful example of that, and I can’t wait for the premiere!”
 

Jackdaw is produced by Sebastien Raybaud, Callum Grant, Kate Glover and Childs. The DoP is Will Baldy.