Sneak Preview Of 'Beowulf' During RTS Keynote Lecture

A sneak preview of ITV's new prime time, action adventure drama Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands will be shown during Julian Bellamy's address when the ITV Studios boss visits the North East next month to deliver the RTS North East and Border Keynote Lecture.

In his first major speech since taking up his post as managing director, ITV Studios UK, Bellamy will provide a window into their projects beyond London – with a particular focus on the North East.

ITV Studios brand new epic drama Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands, is being filmed at a former quarry near Stanhope in Weardale, with the producers selecting Northumberland's and Durham's dramatic and varied landscape as the perfect backdrop for the fantasy tale. The spectacular 13-part series is inspired by one of literatures most enduring heroes and is a gripping tale of fantastical creatures, battles, power, loyalty and love.

Also produced and set in Northumberland is ITV Studios long-running detective drama Vera starring Brenda Blethyn.

In a speech to the Royal Television Society on 15 October, Bellamy will reveal more about ITV Studios' strategy and how that is bringing productions to the region.

The UK's largest commercial producer is now a major international content business, but some of its biggest, as well as some of its most recent, programmes are rooted in the North of England including Coronation Street, Home Fires, Vera, Emmerdale, Jerricho, Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green and The Trials of Jimmy Rose.

The early evening event at Gateshead Old Town Hall is supported by The CTBF - the charity that helps those behind the camera when faced with hardship and adversity, and is open to the public. Admission is free but registration is essential at Eventbrite.

Bellamy, who moved to ITV Studios from Discovery Networks, oversees ITV Studios UK operation which produces 6,800 hours of content annually, working with all the major UK broadcasters. ITV Studios UK production business includes Shiver, Potato, 12 Yard, Mammoth, The Garden, Big Talk and start-ups Possessed TV and Cats on the Roof Media; plus ITV's most recent acquisition The Two Four Group. ITV Studios UK is based in London, Leeds and MediaCity UK and produces a diverse range of content outside of London including University Challenge, Countdown, Judge Rinder, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Britain As Seen on TV, Vera, Countrywise, Real Lives With Ranvir Singh, The Nation's Favourite…strand, Shetland, Home Fires and Cradle to Grave.

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