Sky

Our Friend in Leeds: Andrew Sheldon on the rise of TV production in the North

When George Osborne first uttered the phrase “Northern Powerhouse” back in 2014, it’s fair to say that the TV industry wasn’t at the front of his mind. But, six years on, is it time to start thinking of it as such?

Back then, the mood in the TV industry across the North of England was very different. Both Leeds and Manchester were still struggling with the impact of ITV’s retrenchment to London, while the BBC’s project as the anchor tenant of MediaCity UK was barely into its stride.

First look at Sky original Gangs of London

Creator Gareth Evans (of The Raid franchise) will bring his trademark cinematic action to the small screen in this gang feud saga set in modern, multicultural London.

The series features Joe Cole of Peaky Blinders, trading in his Shelby colours for those of the Wallace family. As Sean Wallace, he takes over the reins of the most powerful crime family in London after patriarch Finn Wallace (Colm Meaney) is killed by an unknown assassin.

Sky and Netflix have agreed to a new multi-year deal

(Credit: Sky)

The new deal will see Sky customers have more forms of entertainment in one place, with the option to have Netflix’s Basic Plan on Sky Q.

With just one service, customers will be able to switch seamlessly between Sky and Netflix content.

From Sky original productions like Chernobyl, to new shows such as Third Day and returning shows like Save Me Too, plus Netflix’s own original roster including dramas, films and documentaries, with content such as The Witcher, The Irishman and the new series of Sex Education.