Independent North East film production company, Ithica Films, set up by a Teesside University graduate, has recruited local talent to expands its team.
Teesside University graduates, Kara Wilson and Pennie Sharp will become permanent filmmakers, following a Teesside University internship and content creator apprenticeship, respectively, and will work across all filming disciplines.
The appointments were amongst six new recruits for the local company due to its ongoing success and ever-expanding global client base.
The Middlesbrough based film company was created by Teesside alumni Matt McGough with the help of a Fellowship from DigitalCity, which is based at the University.
The DigitalCity Fellowship scheme supports entrepreneurs to develop their digital business product or idea. As well as support with living expenses, Fellows are also able to access industry-specific mentoring and coaching along with facilities and equipment at the University.
The company expansion also sees Paula McGough returning as Director, following maternity leave, whilst Kevin Firman takes up the post of head of finance and operations. Both will enhance Ithica’s leadership team and focus on growing the business after the pandemic.
Ithica’s filmmaking capacity will be bolstered by cinematographer Joe Macdonald, who has a background in features and TV filming and worked on Oscar-winning film Judy, and London Metropolitan University graduate Sam Harrop as a dedicated editor.
The recruitment drive follows Ithica’s move to new premises on Marsh Street in April 2021, which saw it expand its base to six times the size of its previous home.
The 8,000 sq ft space is being completely renovated to include ten editing suites, a studio, production offices and a creative suite, plus high-speed digital infrastructure, soundproofing and cinematography equipment.
Managing Director Matt Mcgough, is keen to continue to develop and improve the capabilities of the company, and said:
‘I’m so pleased to welcome a mix of experience and new talent to the Ithica team with these six outstanding people.
‘Their fantastic skills and passion for filmmaking will help us provide even bigger and better films for our clients. ‘We’ve settled into our new studio really well and are excited about the opportunities the extra space and facilities give us to work with clients across the world.
‘It’s opened up a lot of new ways of developing the company further and increasing our creative capabilities.’
So far this year, Ithica has delivered key projects for a range of organisations including OSBIT, Centre for Life, Clipper and Great North Air Ambulance.
Ithica Films also works closely with local schools and colleges to nurture the next generation of filmmaking talent through sponsorships with Middlesbrough College’s film studio and the nearby Northern School of Art, offering student placements and use of its studio space.
