New Enterprise Studios CIC, headquartered in Sunderland, England are excited to announce their latest collaboration, working alongside Sunderland based writer T.J. Oswald on his feature film 'The North Star' with a deal having been agreed for NE Studios to develop the project.
The agreement, between Mr Oswald's company Sunderland Global Media (SGM) and New Enterprise Studios (NES), will see the studio formally take up and manage the picture as their own project, further developing the final draft and overseeing the project’s marketing, investment and fundraising.
The North Star tells the story of Sunderland girl Sophie Scott, who finds herself anointed to become the modern embodiment of an ancient hero in the face of a surprising new evil threatening the region. The story combines reality and fantasy, commentary on the city and its people into an epic coming of age saga. A bold and ambitious project, 'The North Star' is potentially the first epic-fantasy adventure film ever set in Sunderland, a premise which promises to be revolutionary for the region.
Author T.J. Oswald’s screenplay is ambitious and focuses on an epic battle of good and evil set against the history and beauty of Sunderland and its surrounding areas. ‘The North Star’ script has received praise from several international sources, complementing it as exciting, thought provoking and emotionally impactful.
Sunderland Global Media have previously held several casting calls through their own website, and NE Studios has facilitated in person casting appointments at their headquarters, seeking potential lead actors. Though no castings are being announced today.
New Enterprise Studios CIC is a Creative Hub for the Northeast founded in 2019. Specialising in several Multimedia services, they provide Videography, Photography, Editing, Journalism, Script Consultation and Development, Studio Hire, and a whole lot more. Refusing to be bound by budget, wanting to make their services as accessible as possible, NES has been created with a vision to help everyone in mind.
New Enterprise Studios is also a Community Interest Company, putting its profits directly back into the Company itself, working hard to better its community and establish strong links with local businesses and councils, regularly hosting community events and networking meetings.
Quotes for 'The North Star'
NES Director and Studio Manager Wayne Madden says he is thrilled by T.J.’s commitment and wishes him nothing but success; “When I first read Tom's script, I knew that there was something special about it, with an immediately resonating group of characters and a fascinating story. It was obvious to me that it had been created by someone with a deep love and respect for their community and an interest in the preservation of its history and stories therein. I'm delighted that Sunderland Global Media has chosen this partnership with NE Studios and we look forward to introducing The North Star to as many of you as possible in the months to come”
T.J Oswald expresses he is confident ‘The North Star’ has the ability to be one of the most unique North East projects ever made, explaining that “The North Star is a picture which will allow us to reimagine ourselves as a city, and for the North East as a whole. It is a story of who we are, the challenges we have faced and the dream of revival. It aims to cast away the negativity that has beset this area for so long and tell our story to the world in a way we can be proud of.”
Wayne Thompson, Managing Director for NE Studios, also shared his delight for this latest collaboration, saying "When I set up New Enterprise Studios it was done to help and support those within the region. I'm a Sunderland native myself and so it's particularly special to me to see a partnership that once again allows NE Studios to highlight the incredible talent available in our region."
For more information on 'The North Star' keep an eye on Sunderlandglobalmedia.org
Synopsis for ‘The North Star'
The North Star is described as an “epic urban fantasy coming of age” film. Set exclusively in Sunderland and the North East of England, the story follows the life of 18 year old Sophie Scott who in the midst of her personal struggles, is called upon to become a legendary Northumbrian hero, harnessing the powers of Arthurian legend in the process.
With the support of her companions Micky and Millie, Sophie must confront a legion of monsters known as the Redcaps, a revengeful local gangster, and an opportunistic local politician, and a deeper and more sinister evil than they could have ever imagined possible.
The North Star’s narrative draws from real North East history, its stunning real world locations, rich developed characters and explores a number of modern themes including disillusionment, apathy, anger, post-industrialism, family struggles and contemporary British politics all wrapped up in a classic battle between good and evil.
Further
While the North Star has entered active development, this is the early stages of a film Production. More news will be made available in due course. If you would like to contribute, find more information or to get in touch with the producers, please email NorthStar@Newenterprisestudios.com.