More than a million views - thanks to us
THE North East Film Archive (NEFA) has achieved a resounding response to its North East on Film project.
In just six months, the archive’s historic film clips have clocked up more than one million online views.
NEFA has been working with media partners across the region - primarily the Chronicle.
Tens of thousands of people have watched the archive’s film clips on our website, ChronicleLive, and on our Facebook page.
NEFA has also added more films to its website, released short clips via Facebook, and delivered a series of sold-out screenings across the North East.
The footage in the ‘CineSecrets’ initiative has captured everything from industry to holidays, sport and familiar regional scenes.
Via the Chronicle, there have been more than 230,000 online views of the building of the Tyne Bridge in 1928.
And more than 110,000 people watched film of the 1984 Great North Run.
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the aim of the North East on Film project is to reunite the public with the region’s priceless film heritage, which covers the last 100 years.
Some of the reactions to the footage have been fun to read.
THE BUILDING OF THE TYNE BRIDGE, 1928: “Wow, my great grandfather could be one of the men filmed on here. He came down from the Clyde shipyards to work as a riveter on the bridge. Amazing footage - and how there weren’t more deaths when building it beggars belief.”
GREAT NORTH RUN, 1984: “I was in this GNR! What a blast from the past. Didn’t cover myself in glory but at least I finished!”
North East on Film delivery manager Julie Ballands said: “When we began this project in the summer, we had no idea the public response would be so incredible.
“For over one million people to have watched this material in just a few months underlines the power of the films we preserve and how much the people of the North East want to see
When we began the project in the summer, we had no idea the public response would be so incredible
Julie Ballands, NEFA
their communities and their history on screen.
“We have lots of events lined up and are making more films available online every month. Alongside that we are receiving new submissions each day through our Search and Rescue campaign. Long may it continue.”
As well as providing access to NEFA’s online collection, the North East on Film project includes screenings and special events.
Upcoming screenings include:
■■TYNESIDE ON FILM: Wednesday, January 23, 2019, 3pm and 6.10pm. Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle. Tickets: £9.75/£1.00
(various times/ concessions). Tel:
0191 227 5500. www. tynesidecinema.co.uk/filmand-events/view/tyneside-onfilm
■■DURHAM ON FILM: Saturday, March 9, 2019, 2.30pm. Gala Theatre, Durham.
Tickets: £10/£8. Tel: 0300 026 6600. www.galadurham.co.uk/galapost/durham-on-film
■■HEXHAM ON FILM: Tuesday, March 26, 2019, times TBC. Forum Cinema, Hexham, Northumberland. Tickets on sale soon.
To see more of the thousands of hours of historic footage stored by the North East Film Archive, check out its website: www. northeastonfilm.com Meanwhile, NEFA’s first ever DVD, Newcastle On Film (priced £12 (including postage and packing) has just been released. You can buy it directly from the NEFA website, or you can pick up your copy at the following Newcastle outlets: Tyneside Cinema Pop-Up Shop, 10 Pilgrim Street; City Library Shop, 1st Floor, 33 New Bridge Street West; The Back Page, 56 St Andrew’s Street.