North East producers could see their names in lights soon

Oct 8 2009 By Chris Knox, The Journal

With a roster of clients that includes Channel 4, Calvin Klein and even musician Antony & the Johnsons, the producers behind J6 Films in Newcastle are certainly making a name for themselves. Chris Knox caught up with its young managing director James Baxter.

AFTER only a year in business, Newcastle-based J6 Films is working with some of the biggest names in advertising and music.

And, although 31-year-old Baxter is very much the powerhouse behind the firm, it’s fair to say that he has had some help along the way.

With the backing of a nine-strong award-winning team of directors, he is now in talks with a number of companies in the US who have become fans of the company's style, which mixes animation and live action.

He said: "Our team of directors are hugely talented and they have a massive amount of experience, having worked with the likes of Sony, Nike and Nokia and artists such as Anthony and The Johnsons and Newcastle band Kubichek!

"We like to work with a variety of media, which has made our films eye-catching to firms looking to create something modern."

He was also lent a helping hand in coming up with the name of the business, named after the then six directors, after sending a speculative email to Kevin Roberts chief executive of renowned advertising house Saatchi and Saatchi.

He said: "I was surprised but delighted that Kevin Roberts took an interest in our company - he asked what we had planned and suggested a list of names including J6, which we chose.

"He also asked to be kept updated on our progress - he has a keen interest in young people entering the creative industries and my email piqued his curiosity. We email him with updates and he's really helpful."

Mr Baxter originally studied at Newcastle College where he did a degree in conjunction with Leeds Metropolitan University in Television and Media Practise, after which he spent six years travelling the world, with lengthy stays in Australia and Barcelona.

After a short spell working in London, he returned to Newcastle in 2007 to follow his dreams of setting up his own film production company.

"After travelling around the world I realised what I wanted was to run my own business.

"I knew it would be difficult to do this in London as the advertising market is so saturated there.

"It was then that I decided to return to Newcastle for the quality if life and to take advantage of the excellent support the region provides to people looking to set up in the creative sector.

"We're a growing company with a national client base and we need an excellent network of suppliers and experts around us to keep us competitive.

"We have found all of this in Newcastle, and the lower cost of living is an added bonus".