The North East’s hidden gems will have a chance to sparkle in a TV documentary aimed at promoting the region to international travellers.
Independent film production company Schwartz Patrick Media, based at the North East BIC in Sunderland, spent the summer documenting some of the region’s lesser-known destinations that promise visitors beautiful landscapes, rich heritage and welcoming people.
The team behind the production has initially focused the content to suit a European audience and aims to attract a broadcaster in Germany first, before tailoring to a US market and others around the world.
German-born Co-founder Ben Schwartz describes the travelogue as a “love letter” to the region he and wife Rebecca fell in love with while studying at the University of Sunderland and later adopted as their home and business base.
Ben said: “I have travelled and lived in places all over the world and few have fascinated me the way this region has. We want to share with others the North East that we fell in love with and show the world what an amazing place this is.
“International tourists are aware of places like Bamburgh or Alnwick Castle which are linked to blockbuster movies like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Transformers: The Last Knight, but there are so many more hidden gems for them to discover.
“We plan to take the audience on a journey informed by insider knowledge that introduces them to experiences that they won’t typically read on the first page of Tripadvisor. We want to leave audiences with just one question – when to book their visit to one of our remarkable coastal destinations!”
Schwartz Patrick Media specialises in working on factual and documentary TV formats for national and international broadcasters including the BBC, Sky, ITN, Channel 4, Paramount+ and Discovery+.
The Hidden Gems of the North East travelogue is the company’s first major in-house production and with a format designed to be adapted for any destination in the world, it could pave the way for an entire series.
Ben said: “We’re taking an innovative route to get the documentary made. Rather than waiting for a commission from a broadcaster, which is the traditional route, we’re going to take the finished product straight to market. My dream is to see it on TV in Germany but we’re confident we’ll be able to attract interest from the UK too.”
Schwartz Patrick Media moved to a riverside unit at the BIC’s business park over two years ago and now employs a diverse team working on everything from the development of ideas and production of projects to camera work and editing.
The company has worked closely with the BIC’s resident business advisers to grow its operation, accessing new networks and opportunities including a graduate placement scheme at Sunderland University.
Ben added: “We’re very happy here at the BIC – it’s such a positive environment. We’re directly opposite to the Crown Works Studio site and it’s so exciting to see Sunderland transforming on our doorstep.
“Having our own business adviser, Debbie Simpson, onsite is fantastic too. Debbie has her finger on the pulse when it comes to everything that’s out there – whether it’s funding or opportunities. She saves us so much time by putting us in touch with the right people at the right time.”