MORE than £1m in additional funding is being committed to help the region become an international leader in the creative media sector.

It is hoped that the money will help to create more than 200 jobs and 18 businesses in the North-East.

Northern Film and Media yesterday secured £1.22m from the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 to expand the range of its business support for commercial creative enterprises over the next three years.

It is the latest stage in a £3m initiative to help support the development of the region’s creative media industry, in which Northern Film and Media will take a lead role in the work with other businesses to create a thriving sector.

The investment will help Northern Film and Media support small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) to find and create opportunities.

The funds will open up more digital distribution across the web, mobile, games and interactive media industries.

It will also enable firms to take advantage of associated national funding, such as Channel 4’s 4IP fund.

Tom Harvey, chief executive of Northern Film and Media, said: “Our aim is to be the catalyst for a series of innovative, commercially successful ventures in the creative media sector through new and established small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.

“The region lacks major commissioners, purchasers, market proximity and expertise.

We must help build companies’ skills, contacts, clients, expertise and networks so that they can engage with and exploit the global digital market.”

A location and production service and filming friendly strategy aim to make filming in the North-East easy and accessible, especially for location managers in their dealings with local authorities.

Services offered include access to Northern Film and Media’s photographic locations database and regionwide crew list to identify potential filming locations and local support staff.

Its offices in Hoult’s Yard, Newcastle, are also building a reputation as a creative hub.

Dr Simon Goon, head of business investment at regional development agency One North East, said: “Northern Film and Media is boosting creative and technical talent and nurturing the growth of the region’s media sector.

“The additional investment from Europe will build and sustain successful creative and digital businesses, allowing them to exploit new technology and compete in national and global markets.

“We want our region to become a focal point for the production of creative content, as well as a world-class and costeffective place to shoot both film and television.”