Yorkshire is so diverse with its small towns, cities, countryside and big stately homes, it has everything you could ever need to film. It makes productions a lot of fun because you’re always working in difference environments with new challenges! Yorkshire crew are also incredibly friendly, professional and easy to work with (in my biased opinion).
I did a film course at The Northern Film School, Leeds Beckett University. In my 3rd year I got some work experience on Utopia season two and it just snowballed from there really. I’ve been very lucky.
In terms of TV I’ve recently worked on Emmerdale, Gentleman Jack season one and The Syndicate season 4. I also worked on the upcoming Clio Barnard film Ali & Ava.
Ava (Claire Rushbrook) Ali (Adeel Akhtar) in ALI & AVA. Image: Dean Rogers for Avali Film Ltd
My whole time in the industry has been a bit of a rollercoaster. A particular highlight was when I was able to work for a few weeks on Game of Thrones, as it’s my favourite TV show (and book series) so it was a personal win for me! The industry can be full of challenges, but mainly for me its the lack of sleep! You learn to live with it.
Locations is a pretty demanding department, but is also varied and exciting. I think when you are starting out it can be quite daunting because you are expected to be able to control a whole TV crew and make sure they are doing what they are meant to do. My advice would be stay strong and keep a positive head on. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, if you don’t know just ask no-one will think less of you! I think that’s fair to say for all departments really.
I think Yorkshire is getting busier every year, there’s always a lot going on, with some really big TV dramas, and also a lot of smaller independent films. In recent years there have been a few big budget films coming up during their shoots to film in the castles/stately homes which is great.