SOME of the leading names in the UK film industry are heading to the region to give business advice on the future of financing in the sector.

The North-East film sector has enjoyed a buoyant spell in recent months thanks to several projects securing the backing of Northern Film and Media's £2.4m creative content fund.

Last month the fund confirmed a £150,000 investment in comedy drama Song for Marion, which has been filmed on location in County Durham, starring Bond girl Gemma Arterton, as well as £150,000 for Newcastle-based independent production company Vita Nova Films. Previous beneficiaries included the BBC drama United, which focused on the Busby Babes and the 1958 Munich air disaster and Interview with a Hitman, starring former Bros member Luke Goss, both filmed in this region The event on Wednesday November 9 at the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art in Gateshead is part of a series of sessions across the region that will look at how the significant changes in film funding will impact on the independent film industry.

Panellists already confirmed include Chris Collins from the British Film Institute, Lila Rawlings from Film4, Keith Griffiths from Illuminations Films, Samm Haillay, a BAFTA-nominated independent film producer and Caroline Norbury from Creative England. It will be Caroline Norbury's first major public appearance since being appointed as head of Creative England.

Teesside University, which is hosting the evening, will also showcase its extensive range of support services available for creative media businesses in the North-East to help them become more profitable.

Small, medium and large businesses working in the commercial digital media sector, such as independent TV and film production companies, and those keen to learn more about exploiting a number of media platforms to generate more income from their work are expected to attend.

Professor Gerda Roper, Dean of the Universitys School of Arts & Media said: "We work in partnership with some of the biggest names in the media industry and, as a result, we are able to provide a range of business support services that are relevant and up to date to companies all over the country- not just in our traditional catchment area. The events demonstrate our commitment to supporting creative media businesses in the north as we will address important issues and look at innovations in the sector and how they will affect those working in it."

For more information or to book a place contact Scott Watson, business development manager on 01642 738527 or email sparkmedia@tees.ac.uk and visit www.tees.ac.uk/spark/media