A COMPLEX aiming to help develop budding pop talent has opened its doors.

Genius Entertainment has moved into the former Ever Ready Batteries production site, in Tanfield Lea, Stanley.

The building has been converted to provide two rehearsal rooms and a stage-sized dance studio with a mirrored wall.

The company will base its newly-formed artist development programme, titled I:D, at the studios.

The programme offers up-and-coming performers and musicians services, such as recording and music production, performance tuition, vocal coaching and promotion, and a performance venue.

Adam Chetter, head of Genius Entertainment, said: "This is a big move for us and we are really happy to be up and running.

"There is a lot of talent out there in the North-East that we can help to reach its full potential.

"The studios are a great facility for all our future projects.

"We are now able to able to give more opportunities and offer services that cover all aspects and needs that are required in this industry."

The £11,000 development is part-funded by the Arts Council, plus cash from the regional development agency One North-East and the European Regional Development Fund.

It will work in partnership with the White Wolf Recording Studio, based next door.

The studio has scored production credits for artists, such as the Brit Award Winning David Gray, Erasure, Electric Light Orchestra, Let Loose and Mike Oldfield.

The first performers to take part in the project were selected after Genius Entertainment's talentSTAR 2004 competition.

The roadshow, which aims to promote emerging talent, visited more than 40 NorthEast schools and colleges and performed to 20,000 people.

The company has offered development deals to a solo jazz and soul singer, a girl band and a Christian Rap band, all of whom appeared in the contest's final at Newcastle City Hall earlier this year.

Mr Chetter has also recently launched a website for boy band Phixx, and is developing a site for singer Lisa Andreas, who came fifth this year's Eurovision Song Contest, as Cyprus's representative.

Contact Genius on (01207) 236555 or visit www.genius-entertainment.com