JACKDAW backed by Combined Authority and North East Production Fund

Action thriller JACKDAW had significant investment from The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the North East Production Fund, delivered by regional screen agency North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), as part of their ambitious plans to make the region one of the UK’s leading film and TV production hubs.

The producers have already confirmed that the film's premiere will be held in the North East before the full release.

The film debut of North East-born writer-director Jamie Childs (The Sandman, Willow, His Dark Materials), stars Oliver Jackson-Cohen (The Invisible Man, Emily, The Haunting of Hill House) as the title character, along with Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who, The Sandman, Victoria), Thomas Turgoose (Creation Stories, The Gallows Pole, This is England) and Rory McCann (Game of Thrones). 

The film was shot on location in Hartlepool and the Tees Valley, around sites including Seal Sands, Nunthorpe and Redcar, and utilised The Northern Film and TV Studios, the North East’s only large-scale film and TV production facility.

Star Jenna Coleman (Image: Press release)

Writer-Director Jamie Childs said: “We see so many American films set in atmospheric towns that don't tie themselves to local, kitchen-sink stories. I thought, why don't we do this in Britain? We set out to push the envelope of what was possible stylistically and tonally in our region.

"I wanted to prove to an up-and-coming wave of potential filmmakers that we can take advantage of what’s right on our doorstep and still appeal to an international audience. I’d like to thank North East Screen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority for helping us make this all possible.”

Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director for North East Screen, said: "We have exceptional world class talent, amazingly diverse stunning locations and extremely experienced crew here in the North East. Supporting Jamie's feature film debut as a writer-director via the North East Production Fund was a straightforward decision."

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Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Jamie is a fantastic example of another homegrown talent taking huge strides on the global stage. It's wonderful to have him back on his home patch with JACKDAW. This is yet another fantastic chance for us to showcase ourselves as a filming and production capital, with our big investment into the industry already reaping rewards.

"There truly has never been a better time for local people to get into the film industry – not just for writers and directors, but for engineers, costume makers and technicians. Our cash is helping get us onto screens and in front of people across the UK and JACKDAW is another wonderful example of that, and I can’t wait for the premiere.”

The film features Jack Dawson, a former motocross champion and army veteran, returning to his hometown to care for his brother after their mother dies. Hoping to start a new life, he takes what could be a life-changing job for an old school friend turned local criminal.

But what should have been a straightforward pick-up of a package in the North Sea turns into a nightmare when Jack is double-crossed, and his brother is kidnapped. 

The film features a soundtrack including The Prodigy, The KLF, Aphex Twin and Robin S, as well as new wave music from Adam and the Ants, The Revillos and a new exclusive track from North East superstar Sam Fender.

JACKDAW is produced by Sebastian Raybaud (Greenland, Canary Black), Callum Grant (Cleaner), Kate Glover (47 Meters Down, Black Mirror) and Jamie Childs. Childs directs alongside his regular Director of Photography Will Baldy (The Sandman, Willow).