NORTH EAST & THE BORDER AWARDS 2012 RESULTS
Click on the category name below to see the results, including the short-listed nominees.
[Categories are listed in the order in which they were announced on the night.]
THE WINNERS:
Presentation pictures by Steve Brock.
[Webmaster's note: If I have misidentified anyone in the presentation picture captions, please let me know.]
Winners
Category 1: Presenter of the Year: Chris Jackson
Submissions are invited from individuals working on a wide range of genres — factual, news, sport, entertainment, broadcast and non broadcast. The judges welcome entries from both regional and network presenters — providing that the production meets the qualifying criteria on regional links as set out on the entry form. The portfolio should show three examples of an individual’s work. Entries may be studio based, on location, live or recorded. Entries may be submitted from an individual programme or a series.
The Judges were looking for:
1. Originality & creativity
2. Ease of communication and relationship with the audience
3. Authority & credibility
4. Understanding of their subject
We were pleased to see some new talent emerging alongside those of us who’ve been at it for longer than we care to remember. Hannah Bayman’s determination to bring something extra to her reports and live work was refreshing and showed great promise. Carol Malia demonstrated as ever her exceptional mastery of relaxed, engaging presentation with no hint of the simultaneous demands of interviewees; an audience, and no doubt cacophony in her ear! And Chris Jackson — a masterclass in storytelling to camera, with a unique ability to tell a story as if he were chatting to you in person, and as comfortable tackling a litter bug as he is teasing Sir John Hall.
Category 2: Professional Excellence - Animation, Graphics, Titling: Eddie Scrimgour - Editor/Motion Graphics Designer
This category is for Professional Excellence in the related fields of Animation, Graphics and Titling. Entries should submit a maximum of three clips or sequences exhibiting, in the view of the judges, the most imaginative and effective use of animation, graphics and/or titling. These can be combined with live action footage or stand alone. The award is given for work which sets the scene or is most fit for purpose with regard to the programme, series, game or commercial product or service to which it relates. Entries could include title sequences for TV programmes, trailers for programmes, part of a computer game or short film, TV commercial, online bumper or viral production.
The work must have been aired on TV, distributed for non-broadcast or streamed online for the first time within the relevant time period (November 2011 – end December 2012). They should show a genuine flair for the craft of the producer whether graphic designer, editor or animator, and should demonstrate effective use of resources.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality/Creativity
- Technical competence
- Versatility with a range of material
- Use of resources
The Judges said:
We enjoyed Darren Bykerk’s well-constructed characters. We noted Tony Bannister’s imaginative skill in explaining a complex sequence of events, and admired Eddie Scrimgour's graphic styling and dynamic editing.
The winner's portfolio stood out above the others and was an outstanding example of his craft.
Guest Presenter: Anna Foster, Radio 5 Live Drivetime
Category 3: Regional Student Award - Best Animation: Alex Price, Thomas Houseman, Phillip Charles-Sweeting, James Burr
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
This category is for cartoons, graphics, electronically-generated or any other experimental images.
The Judges said:
We thought the makers of Odd Sok created a charming and engaging character. The Chuck Borris team have produced a funny, original and well executed animation, while Cardboard Music was clever and innovative.
Guest Presenters: Aimee Kelly & Bobby Lockwood, 'Wolfblood', CBBC
Category 4: Newcomer of the Year: Jenny Wotherspoon - Video Journalist
Entries are invited from those new to the industry, who have been in their current role for two years or less. Entries can come from both broadcast and non broadcast sectors, including digital platforms, games etc, and from production and post-production fields. The category is designed to recognise the work of those who will bear standards of professional excellence, innovation and creativity into the future Each entry needs to be endorsed by a senior colleague and supported by an appropriate portfolio of no more than three pieces of work, drawn from the past 12 months, plus an up to date, comprehensive CV.
The Judges were looking for:
- Creativity and innovation
- Audience appeal — evidence audience targets have been clearly set and met
- Evidence of long term career potential
The winner will receive the Andrea Wonfor Trophy, which celebrates new talent in the North East.
The Judges said:
We were extremely impressed by the wide range of entries.. Ross Hutchinson had very good on-screen presence. Andy Hughes covered his piece with flair and innovation. Jenny Wotherspoon carried off her report with admirable humour, while Hannah Lucas was singled out for her impressive production values.
Guest Presenter: Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson
Category 5: Best Non Broadcast Factual/Factual Entertainment/Features Programme: Producer: Siobhan Fenton, Director/Editor: Ellie Land, Lead Animator: Pauline Brinck
This award is for a single, one-off production which has been produced for a specific target audience — for example, private or public sector clients, communities or educational groups. Entrants are encouraged to be clear about the target audience in the written submission in support of their entry. Entries should be accompanied by testimony from the production commissioner, outlining the effectiveness of the project in meeting the client's goals. Complete programmes must be entered.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality
- Script
- Creativity in story treatment
- Appropriateness for target audience
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
The Judges said:
The Homes of Football was perfectly positioned for its client; Centrefold was sophisticated and inclusive, whilst the Virgin Money entry made excellent use of parody. But for a brilliantly executed production the winner is Centrefold by Lynchpin Productions.
Guest Presenter: Jeff Brown, BBC Look North
Category 6: Best Broadcast Factual/FActual Entertainment/Features Programme: Producer/Director: Chris Walker
This category is for broadcast material which falls into the broad Factual/FE/Features genres. Entries may come from one-off programmes or a factual series — although only one edition of the series may be submitted. Complete programmes must be entered. The same programme or episode should not be entered in other production categories.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality
- Script
- Creativity in story treatment
- Appropriateness for target audience
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
The Judges said:
Geordie Shore was smartly cast and focused for its young audience; The Queen and I had great archive AND Gina McKee; Inside Out kept the flag flying for insightful and well-produced regional current affairs, and Climbed Every Mountain managed to be illuminating and entertaining.
Entertaining and emotional in its revelations about one of the world’s best-loved stories, the winner is Climbed Every Mountain.
Guest Presenter: Joe McElderry
Category 7: Regional Student Award - Best Factual Production: Production Team: Simon Keogan, Jonny Scrafton, Christopher Hine, Shannon Hawkey, Jenny Rountree
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
This category is for work that deals with news or social issues in documentary or reporting style. Also specialist factual — from science, history and arts to consumer issues, business or general popular factual.
The Judges said:
With an interesting subject that was interrogated thoroughly and with humour, the winner is Whooligans from the University of Sunderland.
Guest Presenter: Chris Jackson, BBC Inside Out
Category 8: Best Promotion or Commercial: Producers: Ross Marshall, Stephanie Robinson, Robin Ross
Entries are invited from commercials, short corporate productions, viral campaigns, games and web pop-ups or similar, and must predominantly consist of moving images using live action and/or animation. These should be of a short form — ie up to approximately 5 minutes’ duration — and entries from any media platform used for distribution can be considered. Entries should include a testimonial from the client/commissioner, demonstrating the project’s effectiveness and evidencing clear, objective benchmarks of success in the marketplace.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality
- Script
- Creativity in story treatment
- Appropriateness for target audience
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
Dominion Day – Concert Promotion Visuals
Auto Club Revolution – Eutechnyx
Barker & Stonehouse: Amateur Dramatics – re:production
The Judges said:
Brightstar promoted foster care with sensitivity and originality. Neil Pascoe (Concert Promotion Visuals) delivered a marathon piece with impressive creativity. Eutechnyx produced a terrifically slick and exciting promo, whilst Re:Production managed to take traditional furniture sales in a new direction.
Guest Presenter: Melanie Hill
Category 9: Scoop of the Year: Kenny Toal
This award is presented for the best exclusive, off diary news (including sports) and/or current affairs story — an outstanding ‘scoop’ which has gone on to capture national/international headlines beyond the North East and the Borders. The entry may be a compilation of reports from one programme or a single report. The entry can be of any duration but no longer than a broadcast 60 minute slot. Entries are welcome from broadcasters and/or individuals. Judges will pay particular attention to clarity, authority and comprehensive response from a news organisation. Evidence of ‘exclusivity’ should be included.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality
- Script
- Creativity in story treatment
- Appropriateness for target audience
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
- Evidence of exclusivity
The Judges said:
We are delighted that all three entries showed that investigative, revelatory journalism continues to flourish in this part of the country.
Guest Presenter: Jim Moir ('Vic Reeves')
Category 10: Regional Student Award - Best Entertainment Production: Production Team: Simon Keogan, Jonny Scrafton, Christopher Hine, Shannon Hawkey, Jenny Rountree
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
This category is for entertainment and magazine shows, studio-based factual entertainment, music, reality, sketch shows or any other entertainment work.
The Judges said:
We really enjoyed this category, but the fact that there were only two productions shortlisted showed yet again that producing entertainment formats (whether you are a student or a production company) is one of the most challenging areas of TV.
Guest Presenters: Chris Ramsay & Jason Cook, 'Hebburn'
Category 11: Special Achievement Award: Alan Fairholm
This is a special award, given by the RTS North East & The Border Centre committee to mark outstanding achievement in the industry in the region.
It is 25 years since the pilot episode of the legendary childrens’ series Byker Grove, which means for quarter of a century the BBC has been producing childrens’ drama from here in the North East, from Byker boys Ant and Dec to twinkle-toed Tracy Beaker. They have also created new young stars with Wolfblood and The Dumping Ground.
It’s all part of the plans drawn up by BBC North in Salford to build on the production talent and unique locations of this corner of Britain.
Guest Presenter, Peter Salmon, Director, BBC North, said:
I am delighted that the RTS has chosen to recognise the contribution of one of the architects of childrens’ television in the North East. He is someone who has for the last quarter century been at the heart and the very nerve centre of production teams in this part of the North. From Byker Grove to Wolfblood — this line producer is second to none in his attention to detail, expertise in building great teams and enormous dedication to producing drama of the highest quality.
But his contribution goes so much further. He is absolutely committed to creative production in the NorthEast, and has spent the last couple of decades cherishing, nurturing and mentoring the craft base here, offering opportunities to newcomers that they simply wouldn't have obtained elsewhere, and helping to rebuild a sustainable drama business which can in turn sustain the careers of the local skills base.
He’s been instrumental in helping BBC Children's put down fresh roots up here — thanks to him, new business has become returning business; we simply couldn't have done it without him.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the winner of the RTS Special Achievement Award is Alan Fairholm.
Category 12: Professional Excellent - Photography: Si Bell
This category is for Professional Excellence in all elements of camera work, including sound capture where relevant in single camera operations. Portfolios can encompass both broadcast and non-broadcast work. Entries, which should be no longer than 12 minutes, should be limited to three extracts which demonstrate exceptional camerawork.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality/Creativity
- Technical competence
- Versatility with a range of material
- Use of resources
The nominees were:
Steve Paton – Lighting Camera Operator
Si Bell – Director of Photography
Kyle Heslop – Director of Photography
The Judges said:
There was some fantastic work submitted, but with an accomplished and mature style; the winner is Si Bell
Guest Presenter: Ian Payne, ITV North East Tonight
Category 13: Professional Excellence - Production: Chris Chapman
This category is for Professional Excellence in all elements of production for broadcast in television, online and Games, including producing, directing, editing, sound, production management, floor management, locations, lighting, design, special effects, stunts etc. Entries are to be encouraged from professionals working across the spectrum but also in hybrid positions, reflecting current production practice.
Portfolios can encompass both broadcast and non broadcast work. Entrants should demonstrate the range of their work through a portfolio of three pieces (not necessarily from three different productions).
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality & creativity
- Technical competence
- Versatility with a range of material
- Use of resources
The Judges said:
This is always a very difficult category to pick a winner and the judges praised the standard of production from all three finalists.
Guest Presenter: Carol Malia, BBC Look North
Category 14: Regional Student Award - Best Fiction or Drama Production: Producer: Tom Patrick
The Student Awards are judged separately from the main regional awards, and the winner of each category goes forward to the RTS National Student Awards held in London later this year.
This category is for live action narrative to include drama and comedy (excluding sketch shows) and any other experimental work.
The Judges said:
Rose used stunning cinematography and music, Gently Down the Stream was intelligent and sensitively told, while Kaleidoscope was a simple and poetic story.
Guest Presenter: Pam Royle, ITV North East Tonight
Category 15: Journalist of the Year: Kenny Toal - Correspondant
This category is open to all television and web journalists working in news, current affairs, features and sport. Entrants should submit a portfolio of three items showing a range of work, together with contextual notes of no more than 250 words, setting out the background to the entry and being explicit about the entrants’ involvement in the story and the way in which it was produced and eventually broadcast. Was the report exclusive? Was the item a late breaking event or a running story? Was it self-filmed or did the journalist work with a crew? Crucially, the body of work submitted will show clear evidence of outstanding television or on-line journalism. The entry must be endorsed by a senior editorial colleague.
Entries are welcome from Broadcasters and/or individuals.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality — reports which demonstrate the journalist’s ability to work beyond a press release and uncover new ways of telling the story
- Visual Storytelling — including presentation, scripting and use of locations, video and graphics
- Use of resources — including live links, archive and research
- Understanding the audience
The nominees were:
Andy Hughes – Video Journalist, Sky Tyne and Wear
Kenny Toal – Correspondent, ITV Tyne Tees & Border
Frances Read – News Correspondent, ITV Tyne Tees & Border
The Judges said:
Some great reporting from our regional newsrooms, which are facing lots of challenges in the form of new technologies, more inter-activity and continuing pressure on budgets. For an outstanding, portfolio the winner is Kenny Toal from ITV Tyne Tees & Border.
Guest Presenter: John Myers
Category 16: Best Drama Production: Producer: Gill Isles, Director: Christine Gernon, Writers: Jason Cook, Graham Duff
This award is for fiction or other narrative drama, including docudrama, online and Games. The judges welcome both broadcast and non-broadcast entries. Complete programmes must be submitted.
The Judges were looking for:
- Originality
- Script
- Creativity in story treatment
- Appropriateness for target audience
- Use of resources
- Professionalism
The Judges said:
We felt Hebburn is a classic in the making; Vera was beautifully shot in wonderful locations with a towering central performance from the great Brenda Blethyn; The Paradise was a well-acted stylish period piece with great charm... and of course the highly original blend of adventure and special effects that is Wolfblood.
For its originality, its authentic cast and its lovingly accurate portrayal of life in a Northern town, the winner is Hebburn.
Guest Presenter: David Nobbs
