Tide turns for regional TV - claim
Mar 10 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal
THE TV executive behind the successful Grumpy Old Women series has set up a new business in the North East and is already working on a number of major productions for the BBC and the theatre.
Hexham-based Judith Holder launched Northern Upstart with business partner Mark Murray after she left North East production house Liberty Bell last year, and has already produced a one-hour documentary for the BBC.
The programme, which she says takes an entertaining look at disability, and is due to be shown on BBC2 this year, is one of a number of shows being made by the company, with Ms Holder currently working on a documentary profiling a big-name musician, although she will not reveal which.
Ms Holder, who recently won the RTS Centre Award for her outstanding contribution to television in the North East, is best known for creating the Grumpy Old Women comedy series, which involves a number of well- known middle-aged women griping about the challenges of modern life.
The successful programme which, has three series under its belt, has also spawned a theatre production, which was written by Ms Holder and her “partner in crime” comedienne Jenny Eclair. The pair are now putting the finishing touches to a new stage show, Grumpy Old Women – Chin Up Britain which opens in the West End next month.
The North East film industry has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, with regional programming almost disappearing from the networks.
However, Ms Holder has been encouraged by a number of recent developments, including the creation of the Filming Friendly Charter between Gateshead Council and Newcastle- based Northern Film and Media, which aims to make it easier for programme makers to shoot in the region.
Last month also saw seven North East media companies chosen by the BBC to take part in its new @North commissioning initiative, with the film makers undergoing a series of intensive workshops with the broadcaster.
The best entries will go forward to a final commission selection process, with four projects expected to be commissioned.
Ms Holder said: “It has been extremely difficult to get anything commissioned and up and running here in the North East over recent years.
“However, I believe that is starting to change, with the BBC becoming more and more interested in what we have to offer here in the region, which one of the reasons why I have decided to go it alone and set up my own business.”
Ms Holder has been making TV programmes for 30 years, with her career taking off at London Weekend Television, where she produced Clive James, Michael Aspel and Edna Everage.
