It’s a wrap for Vera, but not for our film industry
THE body responsible for developing the North East’s film and TV industry has said the ending of the ITV detective drama Vera will not damage the region’s production sector.
ITV bosses announced earlier this week that the 14th series of the popular drama, which is due to start shooting later this month, will be the last.
The series has been credited with boosting the region’s economic fortunes, winning a prize at this year’s North East Tourism Awards for its contribution to the visitor economy, as well as providing work for people in the film and TV sector since 2011.
The North East Screen body said the programme had been “integral” to the growth in the region’s film and TV sector over the past decade, but said the industry was well placed to survive after production stopped on the 14th and final series.
It said: “Despite the sad news today that this will be the final season of the much-loved Vera series, North East Screen is keen to celebrate what the team at Silverprint and ITV has accomplished across its 13 seasons, soon to be 14.
“From award nominations to ratings successes both in the UK and abroad; Vera has been an integral part of the growth of the screen industries in the North East.
“The impact the series has had not just on the North East screen sector, but on our region as a whole, is a true testament to everyone working on the show and at ITV to bring Ann Cleeves’ story of DCI Vera Stanhope to life.
“Vera will bow out at a time when production has tripled in the region with 12 productions already confirmed to be filming in 2024 and the North East Production Fund has set its sights firmly on attracting a high-end returning drama series.
“North East Screen’s Film Office is currently supporting the production team at Silverprint with their production needs as they begin to film season 14. We are sure this final season will be another incredible hit with viewers across the globe.”
The fortunes of the region’s production sector have been boosted by the recent news that moves to set up a film and TV studio in Sunderland are proceeding.
A total of 54 episodes of Vera have been filmed over the past 13 years, showcasing locations around the North East, especially the Northumberland countryside.
The programme, based on books by Whitley Bay-based Ann Cleeves, stars Oscar-nominated actress Brenda Blethyn and will have two more episodes in its final series.