Yahoo News Push to promote Tees Barrage as UK's number one film and TV location for water-based scenes
As Lance Corporal William Schofield, portrayed by actor George MacKay, is carried away by a raging river while escaping German soldiers in the acclaimed war film, 1917, viewers are taken back to the Western Front's perilous times during the First World War.
In truth, MacKay's scenes were shot within the secure confines of the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre, situated just off the A66 at Stockton.
The 2019 epic, helmed by Sir Sam Mendes CBE and captured by the esteemed cinematographer, Sir Roger Deakins CBE, was honoured with ten Oscar nominations and triumphed in categories including Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Mixing. It also secured Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture Drama, and Best Director.
Despite the Tees Valley being over 5,000 miles from the glitz of Hollywood, it boasts a significant contribution to the creation of this celebrated film. A new promotional drive is now being initiated by Tees Active, aiming to solidify Tees Barrage's reputation as the premier destination for film and TV production crews seeking water-related scene locations in the UK.
"We have something unique to offer the world of film and TV right here in Stockton," said Tees Active's Managing Director, Leon Jones. "No one else in the UK is offering what we can provide in terms of a safe, controlled and flexible location for scenes involving floods, or anything to do with water."
1917 is just one of many film and TV productions that have chosen Tees Barrage as their backdrop for high-drama scenes. Tees Active has collaborated with industry giants such as Universal, DreamWorks, the BBC, ITV, ITVX, CITV, and Sky Atlantic, boasting an impressive portfolio.
The gripping ITV drama After The Flood featured the Tees Barrage in its intense flooding sequences, where drivers were trapped in cars and a baby was dramatically swept away. "We chose Tees Barrage because it gave us a man-made bowl, meaning we could have actors and crew entirely safe in the water," explains Juliette Charlesworth, the show's producer.
Emmerdale, the beloved ITV soap, showcased its 'biggest stunt' with characters tumbling down a waterfall after a bridge collapse, all filmed at Tees Barrage.
Sky's Storm City, featuring Ben Fogel, also utilised Tees Barrage to simulate the devastating impact of a tsunami, using over a million gallons of icy water to mimic the harshness of natural disasters.
Other TV favourites like Vera, Countryfile, Geordie Shore, and Antiques Roadtrip have taken advantage of the unique facilities and expertise available at Tees Barrage.
All these shows are highlighted in a new glossy brochure soon to be distributed by North East Screen, a key agency serving the TV and film sector in the North East. This brochure will be shared with location managers and used to showcase Tees Barrage at various trade shows and national events.
Katie Strachan, North East Screen's Film Office Manager, couldn't praise Tees Barrage enough for its role in film and TV productions: "Tees Barrage works amazingly well as a filming location," she remarked. "The team is well versed and experienced with the TV and film industry, working alongside productions to offer the most creative filming solutions whilst being extremely flexible."
Chris Gibbens, the Centre Manager for Tees Barrage, finds collaborating with production companies an exhilarating aspect of his work, although much of it is shrouded in secrecy. "The key is the control we have over the flow of the water," he divulged, underscoring the expertise and certification of his watersport professional team who are able to replicate scenes consistently which meets the exacting demands of producers and directors, keeping safety at the forefront.
The safeguarding of story details is also paramount; with Chris noting the importance of maintaining confidentiality so plot outcomes, like whether Lance Corporal Schofield survives or not, remain under wraps until it hits cinemas.
It's certainly impactful when prominent figures such as Sir Sam Mendes and Sir Roger Deakins are spotted at the site, planning their requirements before the team at Tees Barrage provides the necessary water conditions, as Chris enthused. But he's quick to emphasize that the barrage isn't just a playground for A-listers budding filmmakers and independent projects are equally valued.
"But it's not just big budget productions we're working with it's productions of all sizes. We're proud to be working with independent filmmakers and supporting new talent," Chris explained.
"Tees Barrage works amazingly well as a filming location," says Katie Strachan. "The team is well versed and experienced with the TV and film industry, working alongside productions to offer the most creative filming solutions whilst being extremely flexible."
"The key is the control we have over the flow of the water," explains Chris. "We have a great team of certified, highly experienced watersport professionals, so we can continually replicate scenes, giving the producers and directors precisely what they want, while keeping everyone safe."
"It's incredible when you see people of the calibre of Sir Sam Mendes and Sir Roger Deakins at the site, working out what they want, before we produce the water conditions they need," adds Chris. "But it's not just big budget productions we're working with it's productions of all sizes. We're proud to be working with independent filmmakers and supporting new talent."
Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, is keen to harness the potential of the water-centric opportunities available.
"Tees Barrage has built up a strong track record of working successfully with some of the world's leading companies in film and TV production," he commented. "Now it's time to capitalise on our growing reputation in this highly specialist field by showcasing what we have to offer in a more strategic and proactive way."
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