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NORTH EAST & THE BORDER AWARDS 2013 — Winners
Winners
Category 1A: Best Non Broadcast Factual/Factual Entertainment/Features Programme
Title: I'm Here For Mental Health
Production Company: Meerkat Films
Nominees:
This award is for a single, one-off production which has been produced for a specific target audience — for example, private or public sector clients, communities or educational groups. Entrants were encouraged to be clear about the target audience in the written submission in support of their entry. Entries should be accompanied by testimony from the programme commissioner, outlining the effectiveness of the project in meeting the client's goals. Complete programmes must be submitted.
The Judges were looking for:
- Creativity
- Originality
- Entertainment value
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
The Judges were pleased with entries to this category which illustrate the range and creativity of productions commissioned outside television. The three above stood out, but they said that the winner was a well-shot and very moving piece.
Guest Presenters: Steve Hunneysett (re:production) and Pam Royal (ITV Tyne Tees 'North East Tonight')
Category 1B: Best Broadcast Factual/Factual Entertainment/Features Programme
Title: Tales From Northumberland
Production Company: Shiver
Broadcaster: ITV
Nominees:
This category is for broadcast material which falls into the broad Factual/Factual Entertainment/Features genres. Entries may come from one-off programmes or a factual series — although only one edition of the series may be submitted. The same programme or episode should not be entered in other production categories. Complete programmes must be submitted.
The Judges were looking for:
- Creativity
- Originality
- Entertainment value
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
Guest Presenter: Terry Deary ('Horrible Histories')
Category 2: Best Drama Production: ITV Studios
Title: Vera
Nominees:
This award is for fiction or other narrative drama, including docu-drama and online. The judges welcomed both broadcast and non–broadcast entries. Complete programmes must be submitted.
The Judges were looking for:
- Creativity
- Originality
- Entertainment value
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
The Judges said:
This year the award for drama has never been so highly contested. Some fantastic shows are being made right here in the North East.
Guest Presenters: Professor Eileen Martin (Teesside University) and Stephen Tompkinson
Category 3: Best Promotion or Commercial: Cain Scrimgeour
Title: Northumberland National Park By Night
Nominees:
Entries were invited from commercials, short corporate productions, viral campaigns, games or similar, and must predominantly consist of moving images using live action and/or animation. These should be of a short form — ie up to 5 minutes duration. Entries from any media platform used for distribution can be considered. Entries should include a testimonial from the client/commissioner, demonstrating the project’s effectiveness and evidencing clear, objective benchmarks of success in the marketplace.
The Judges were looking for:
- Creativity
- Originality
- Entertainment value
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
The Judges said:
Promotions and Commercials are another important aspect of our creative industries sector. The winner was a remarkable achievement in capturing the awe-inspiring view above our heads.
Guest Presenter: Jon Morrison ('Vera')
Category 4: Scoop of the Year: Dan Farthing
Title: Horden Shootings, BBC Inside Out
Production Company: BBC
Nominees:
This award is presented for the best exclusive, off-diary news (including sports) and/or current affairs story — an outstanding ‘Scoop’ which has gone on to capture national/international headlines beyond the North East and the Borders. The entry may be a compilation of reports from one programme or a single report. The entry can be of any duration but no longer than 60 minutes. Entries were welcomed from broadcasters and/or individuals. Judges paid particular attention to clarity, authority and comprehensive response from a news organisation. Evidence of ‘exclusivity’ should be included.
The Judges were looking for:
- Creativity
- Originality
- Entertainment value
- Use of resources
The Judges were looking for stories broken here, but making a splash beyond our borders.
Guest Presenters: Iain McBride (Newcastle University) and Dianne Nelmes
Category 5: Journalist of the Year: Alison Freeman
Broadcaster: BBC Cumbria
Nominees:
This category is open to all television and web journalists working in news, current affairs, features and sport. Entrants should submit a portfolio of three items showing a range of work, together with contextual notes of no more than 750 words overall, setting out the background to the entry and being explicit about the entrants’ involvement in the story and the way in which it was produced and eventually broadcast. Was the report exclusive? Was the item a late breaking event or a running story? Was it self-filmed or did the journalist work with a crew? Crucially, the body of work submitted will show clear evidence of outstanding television or online journalism. The entry must be endorsed by a senior editorial colleague and be no longer that 12 minutes in duration. Entries are welcome from broadcasters and/or individuals.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality — reports which demonstrate the journalist’s ability to work beyond a press release and uncover new ways of telling the story
- Visual Storytelling — including presentation, scripting & use of locations, video & graphics
- Use of resources — including live links, archive and research
- Understanding the audience
As ever, this was a heavily-contested category, with the judges viewing 22 portfolios — including several from the late, lamented Sky Tyne and Wear. They were impressed with the wide range of well-reported stories being covered in the region’s news and current affairs programmes... but the three portfolios above stood out.
The winner's portfolio was varied and sensitive, and showed the true essence of reporting from a unique region.
Guest Presenters: Alastair Baker (Northumbrian Water) and Laura Norton ('Emmerdale')
Category 6: Presenter of the Year: Pam Royle
Broadcaster: ITV Tyne Tees and Border
Nominees:
Submissions were invited from individuals working on a wide range of genres — factual, news, sport, entertainment, broadcast and non broadcast. The judges welcomed entries from both regional and network presenters — providing that the production meets the qualifying criteria on regional links as set out on the entry form. The portfolio should show three examples of an individual’s work. Entries may be studio-based, on location, live or recorded. Entries may be submitted from an individual programme or a series.
The Judges were looking for:
- Understanding of their subject
- Ease of communication and engagement with the audience
- Authority and credibility
- Originality
The nominees were:
CHRIS JACKSON – BBC
HANNAH BAYMAN – BBC
ROSS HUTCHINSON – ITV Tyne Tees
The Judges said:
Presenting is definitely one of the toughest jobs in television! This year the judges were particularly pleased to see the work of emerging talent alongside the more established faces. They felt that the portfolio of entries was of a particularly high standard and if anything even stronger than previous years.
The winner is a much-loved presenter & consummate professional, now celebrating 30 years in Television.
Guest Presenters: Shirley Atkinson (University of Sunderland) and Neil Grainger ('Hebburn')
Category 7A: Professional Excellence Photography: Keith Blackburn
Nominees:
For Professional Excellence in all elements of camera work, including sound capture where relevant in single camera operations. Portfolios can encompass both broadcast and non broadcast work. Entries should be no longer than 12 minutes and should be limited to three extracts which demonstrate exceptional camerawork. Whole entire programmes can be submitted as an example of work, but a time code reference of the favoured 12 minutes to view is required. The preferred format is DVD but links to online material can be submitted. The entries must be endorsed by a senior colleague.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality/creativity
- Technical competence
- Versatility with a range of material
- Use of resources
The Judges said they made the award to someone for commitment to his craft and a desire to always achieve the very best.
Guest Presenter: Ed Everard (Saville AV) and Chris Jackson (BBC 'Inside Out')
Category 7B: Profesional Excellence - Innovation: Jason Collins
Production Company: Zerolight (a division of Eutechnyx)
Nominees:
The category recognises outstanding achievement in the development of new technologies, and outstanding creativity in exploiting these developments in new forms of, and enhancement of, content. This award is designed to celebrate the use of content and technology in an expanding and changing world reaching out to new communities of users and new, often interactive, ways of communicating. The award honours the best in second screen, multi-screen, interactive, online and connected TV content, mobile content and games. We were looking for outstanding innovations in digital content across any platform or combination of platforms, which break new ground in digital media. Entrants should demonstrate the range of their work through a portfolio of three pieces (not necessarily from three different productions). Entries should be no longer than 12 minutes. Entrants can be individuals, groups or partnerships.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality/creativity/innovation
- Technical competence
- Audience engagement/development
- Use of new technologies
The Judges said:
At a time when technology and consumer viewing habits are changing almost by the month, it’s no surprise that our part of the world is coming up with some amazing new ideas. We were again genuinely impressed by the very high quality of entries in this field, but one entry was awarded the trophy for its simply stunning Real-Time 3D visualisation.
Guest Presenters: Simon Tucker (Intu Eldon Square/Metrocentre) and Alex Connock (Shine North and Chair of RTS North West)
Category 7C: Professional Excellence - Animation/Graphics/Titling: John Scott Paterson
Nominees:
This category recognises professional excellence in the related fields of Animation, Graphics and/or Titling. Entrants should submit a maximum of three clips or sequences exhibiting, in the view of the judges, the most imaginative and effective use of animation, graphics or titling. These can be combined with live action footage or stand-alone. The award will be given for work which sets the scene or is most fit for purpose with regard to the programme, series, game or commercial product or service to which it relates. Entrants can include title sequences for TV programmes, trailers for programmes, a TV commercial, part of a computer game or short film, online bumper or viral production. The work should show a genuine flair for the craft of the producer, whether graphic designer, editor or animator, and should demonstrate effective use of resources.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality/creativity
- Technical competence
- Versatility with a range of material
- Use of resources
Guest Presenter: Ann Cleeves (Author, 'Vera')
Category 9: The Rising Star Award: Richard Murton
Production Company: IG Media
Nominees:
This award is made to someone new to the industry who has been working in a professional capacity for not less than 6 months and no more than 12 months. Their work can be of any recognised role in the media industry sector. The judges were looking for that ‘extra’ quality that an applicant has shown. The nomination must be made by a direct supervisor of the applicant and endorsed by a senior manager of the organisation.
The Judges were looking for:
- A commitment above and beyond the defined role
- An enthusiasm for the sector and this region
- An ability to demonstrate learning new skills
- Career path
The nominees were:
JOSHUA SHRIMPTON-DEAN – Sky Tyne and Wear
LEWIS BONNER – re:production
MARK MASTERSON – Sky Tyne and Wear
KATIE OAKS – ITV Tyne Tees
The Judges said:
The RTS has a long history of supporting and recognising new talent in the industry. This year we wanted to applaud the red-hot talent emerging from this corner of the UK, so we invited you to nominate your Rising Stars.
Guest Presenters: Professor Peter Strike (University of Cumbria) and Ian Payne (ITV Tyne Tees 'North East Tonight')
Category 10: The Centre Award: Jacqui Hodgson
Broadcaster: BBC North East
Nominees:
This award goes to the person, team or organisation whose work has made an outstanding contribution to any aspect of the industry — through broadcasting, production or technical sectors within the region and beyond, with a particular focus on the past 12 months (1 November 2012 – 31 December 2013).
Their work, either in front of the camera or behind the scenes, should have made a significant and lasting impact on audiences and viewers in the North East and the Borders — and on a wider stage.
The judges were keen to invite nominations from as broad a spectrum of talents as possible, including production teams, across the spectrum of broadcast and non-broadcast production. In every case, evidence of recent exceptional achievement(s) should be included.
Guest Presenter: Theresa Wise, Chief Executive, Royal Television Society
In making the Centre Award presentation, Theresa said:
It’s one of the ironies of British television that at a time when there are hundreds of channels to choose from, there are sadly fewer and fewer local programmes to genuinely reflect the communities where we live. Our recipient believes regional journalism and programme production can stand equal and proud alongside network productions and their bigger budgets, and she has proved it with her more-than-25-year track record in broadcasting.
When the BBC Trust endorsed a huge 40% cutback to current affairs budgets across England, many feared it would spell the end of factual series in English regions. Internally the BBC needed an advocate to make the case for retaining production. Step forward our recipient who found herself in meetings with senior management and then the Trust — who eventually agreed to scale back the cuts. Our winner refused to take any credit — but the Trust specifically asked her to be their eyes and ears on the impact of budget reductions in the English regions. She was the natural choice to ensure the voice of regional TV was heard loud and clear at the highest level.
From reporter to correspondent, producer and series editor she has an insatiable appetite to get to the truth. In recent years she has been in charge of the BBC’s award-winning regional current affairs strands, first 'Close-up North' and now 'Inside Out'. She’s fearless in taking on the biggest and wealthiest. When attempts were made to stop a broadcast at the height of the Savile crisis, her rigour and reputation ensured the programme went ahead.
Her team describes her as sure-footed and courageous — tough, supportive and scrupulously fair. She cherishes and nurtures talent, and encourages them to surpass their own expectations, and delights in their success. Tonight we can delight in her achievement.
The Centre Award goes to a champion of public service broadcasting and award-winning original journalism, who has put regional TV programming on the national agenda and helped to protect it for the future.
Category E1: Lifetime Contribution Award: Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement
Nominees:
In the last few months we celebrated the 30th birthday of one of the North East’s most enduring dramas — 'Auf Weidershen, Pet'. And it was here on the Hilton stage at the height of the celebrations that our RTS Chairman Graeme Thompson pounced in true 'This is Your Life' style to confer Outstanding Contribution awards on the show’s unsuspecting creators.
Category E2: Performance Of The Year Award: Gina McKee
Title: Hebburn
Production Company: Baby Cow Productions
Broadcaster: BBC
Nominees:
In a year when she has gone from playing a ruthless enemy of The Borgias on Sky Atlantic to Chris Ramsay’s mother in the BBC’s Hebburn.
Category S1: Student Awards - Best Factual Production
Title: Arribada, The Arrival
Production Company: University of Cumbria
Nominees:
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
The Judges said:
This was impressive stuff from the next generation of television professionals. Arribada, The Arrival had stunning visuals and a tight edit; Iby Knill: An Auschwitz Promise was fascinating and moving, with a sensitive central view, and Above Me was engaging and thought-provoking. The winning entry was an accomplished and professional piece of work.
Guest Presenter: Andrew Moffat (Port of Tyne) and Graeme Danby (BBC 'Great North Passion')
Category S2: Student Awards - Best Animation Production
Title: Umbras
Production Company: University of Sunderland
Nominees:
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
Guest Presenters: Susan Wear (Port of Tyne) and Bobby Lockwood ('Wolfblood')
The Judges said:
There was some fantastic work submitted. The judges found the Teesside entry very funny and professionally produced. They praised UMBRAS from Sunderland as original, striking & tonally rich with brilliant sound design and music, whilst SOUTH AND NORTH was smart, innovative and beautifully animated.
Category S3: Student Awards - Best Entertainment Production
Title: International News Network
Production Company: University of Sunderland
Nominees:
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
Guest Presenters: Joy Yates (Port of Tyne) and Louisa Connolly ('Wolfblood')
The Judges said:
Entertainment formats are always incredibly challenging but great to see this category getting stronger every year. International News Network was professionally executed; Island 12 maximised social media and showed a good understanding for future technology, and Student Film 2013 was well produced, with a great contributor.
The winner was awarded for it's bold and smart idea, which was professionally executed and with a great understanding of its target audience.
Category S4: Student Awards - Best Fiction Production
Title: Blyth
Production Company: Northumbria University
Nominees:
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
Guest Presenters: Margaret Fay (Port of Tyne) and Kedar Williams-Stirling ('Wolfblood')
ERIC – Northumbria University
DAFFODILS FOR DAD – Teesside University
The Judges said:
The winner was original, bold and evocative — an exciting new addition to our film-making community.