10 Stunning Film Locations Across the North East of England

The North East of England offers a breathtaking variety of film locations, from dramatic coastlines to historic landmarks. Filmmakers and production teams flock here to capture its unique beauty. Whether you’re scouting for an epic period drama or a modern-day urban setting, the North East and Newcastle has it all. These sites not only serve as iconic backdrops for filmmakers and production teams but also double as must-see destinations for anyone visiting the region. Here, we’ll explore ten iconic film locations in the region and how Obodo, based in Newcastle, can provide world-class post-production services for your production.

1. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle is an iconic landmark perched on a rugged coastline with panoramic sea views. This historic castle has been a backdrop for numerous films, including Macbeth (2015) and Elizabeth (1998). Its medieval architecture and dramatic surroundings make it perfect for period dramas and fantasy films.

Fun fact: The castle houses an aviation museum, adding depth to its historical appeal for documentaries.

2. Durham Cathedral and Castle, Durham

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral has been featured in blockbuster films like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Its Romanesque architecture and cloisters create a magical and timeless atmosphere. Durham Castle, located nearby, adds an additional layer of grandeur for historical films.

Fun fact: The cathedral’s Galilee Chapel is home to the remains of the Venerable Bede, known as the Father of English History.

3. Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

Alnwick Garden, famous for its stunning landscapes and Poison Garden, offers a modern twist on traditional garden settings. Films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) have utilised its dramatic design. The garden’s grand water features and treetop walkways are ideal for whimsical or romantic scenes.

Fun fact: The garden’s Poison Garden grows over 100 toxic plants, adding a unique layer of intrigue.

4. Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Tyne and Wear

Set on a headland overlooking the North Sea, Tynemouth Priory provides a striking location steeped in history. The ruins offer a hauntingly beautiful backdrop, making it a great choice for historical dramas.

Fun fact: The site was once an Anglo-Saxon settlement and later served as a World War II coastal defense.

5. High Force Waterfall, County Durham

High Force is one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls. Its dramatic plunge into the River Tees creates a stunning natural setting for adventure films, nature documentaries, or poetic introspective scenes. The surrounding woodland adds to its cinematic appeal.

Fun fact: High Force is believed to have formed during the last Ice Age over 15,000 years ago.

6. Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans 73 miles and is an iconic reminder of Roman Britain. Its rugged landscapes and ancient ruins have been featured in productions like Robin Hood (2010) and The Eagle (2011). Perfect for epics and historical features.

Fun fact: The wall originally stood up to 15 feet high and was manned by Roman soldiers for nearly 300 years.

7. Newcastle Quayside, Newcastle

The modern and vibrant Newcastle Quayside, with its iconic Tyne Bridge and Sage Gateshead, offers a stunning urban location. It’s frequently used in contemporary films, commercials, and TV dramas. The blend of historic and modern architecture provides plenty of visual interest.

Fun fact: The Millennium Bridge, often referred to as the "Blinking Eye," is a world-first tilting bridge.

8. Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Northumberland

Holy Island, accessible only at low tide, is a serene and atmospheric location ideal for introspective or spiritual themes. It has been featured in numerous documentaries and films that require a secluded, otherworldly setting.

Fun fact: Lindisfarne is considered the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels, one of the finest examples of medieval manuscript illumination.

9. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Teesside

Saltburn’s Victorian pier, cliff lift, and expansive beach make it a picturesque seaside location. Its vintage charm is perfect for period dramas, romantic scenes, or nostalgic films. The surrounding cliffs provide striking aerial shots.

Fun fact: Saltburn’s cliff lift, built in 1884, is the oldest water-powered funicular still in operation in Britain.

10. Kielder Forest and Observatory, Northumberland

Kielder Forest is the largest man-made forest in England, offering a versatile natural setting. It has been featured in adventure and sci-fi films, thanks to its expansive woodland and proximity to Kielder Observatory, which offers a unique celestial perspective.

Fun fact: The observatory has some of the darkest skies in Europe, making it a haven for stargazing.


Choose Obodo for Your Film’s Post-Production Needs.

Obodo, based in Newcastle, provides expert post-production services tailored to the needs of filmmakers. Whether you’re working on a feature film, TV series, or commercial, we offer:

  • Sound Design

  • Foley Art

  • Re-Recording Mixing

  • Music Composition

  • Mastering for TV

With a studio in Newcastle, Obodo’s team brings creativity and technical excellence to every project. From foley artistry to re-recording mixing, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Let us help you create something unforgettable.

For more information, or to discuss your project, contact Obodo today. Let’s make your film sound as stunning as it looks!

2024 Wrapped: Elevating Sound and Storytelling

As we bid farewell to 2024, we’re proud to reflect on a year of incredible projects that showcased the transformative power of sound design and audio mixing. From global campaigns to intimate documentaries, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the industry’s most creative minds to bring stories to life. Here’s a deeper dive into our most exciting collaborations of the year:

Sourcy - Bonnie

Watch on YouTube
Directors: Alexis Tymon & Ben Crocker

This inspiring film celebrates women breaking barriers in the cycling world, with a spotlight on Bonnie Tu, founder of Liv—the first comprehensive bike brand dedicated exclusively to women. In 2008, Bonnie made bold investments in women-centric research, design, and engineering, creating bikes and gear tailored to optimize women's power. Her unconventional approach reshaped the industry, setting a new standard for inclusivity in cycling.

Blindeye Films - OVO Beyond

Watch on YouTube
Director: Jack Lightfoot

To celebrate OVO Beyond, music icons Jessie Ware and Clara Amfo traveled to OVO Arena Wembley in a Volkswagen ID.4 for an exclusive performance for Beyond customers. The duo discussed music, life, and sustainable living en route, culminating in an intimate acoustic set by Jessie Ware. The film highlights OVO Beyond’s innovative rewards program, offering customers energy-saving tools, green initiatives, and exclusive access to live music events at iconic venues like OVO Arena Wembley.

Sunday - One World

Watch on YouTube
Director: Tom Coulson

This film celebrates a quarter-century of seamless travel experiences, innovation, and shared commitment among its member airlines. From streamlining passenger journeys to pioneering loyalty programs, OneWorld has consistently set benchmarks for excellence in the aviation industry. Through stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, the film captures the essence of this milestone, emphasising the alliance's enduring impact on global travel and its vision for the future.

Resident Advisor - Soundtracking Houghton

Watch on RA

This episode of Soundtracking pairs Peach and Prosumer, two artists with vibrant and eclectic musical tastes, as they select records that remind them of each other and share stories about their festival favorites. Shot at Palace Vinyl in South London, the film sets the tone for the upcoming Houghton Festival. Previous episodes of Soundtracking have featured influential artists such as DJ Scotch Egg, Mala Junta DJs, and Marco Shuttle.

Blindeye Films - Sam Tompkins

Watch on TikTok
Director: Jack Lightfoot

This evocative tour promo dives deep into the vibrant world of Sam Tompkins, blending raw energy with a surreal sonic atmosphere. The surreal sound design adds a dreamlike layer to the visuals, elevating the emotions of each scene and pulling viewers into the heart of Sam’s journey. From the pulse of the crowd to the quiet moments backstage, the soundscapes blur the line between reality and imagination, amplifying the connection between the artist and his fans.

Resident Advisor - Brutalismus 3000

Watch on RA
Director: Max Maria Reuting

Spend 24 hours with Brutalismus 3000, the electrifying duo blending gabber, new wave, and irreverent lyrics. This documentary follows their sold-out Europaträume tour, showcasing their iconic performance at London’s Roundhouse. With a critically acclaimed debut album and a Coachella 2024 slot, this collaboration with Live From Earth and RA offers fans a rare glimpse into their creative world.

Crack Magazine - Diesel

Read on Crack Magazine
Director: Tyrus

Crack Magazine, Diesel, and Metamorph spotlight four Berlin-based artists reshaping the music scene: Bogotá-born, Bitter Babe, German rap innovator, Nana La Vrai, Eurohouse pioneer, ALCATRAZ, and São Paulo’s, Slim Soledad. This series explores their groundbreaking work, reflecting Berlin’s constantly evolving cultural landscape.

Tenfold - Schweppes

View on Tenfold
Director: Luke Graham

This vibrant campaign, captured with motion control technology, brings to life the "party-in-a-glass" essence of Schweppes. Eleven distinct drink styles are showcased with dynamic camera moves, in-camera lens flares, and expert styling. A premium yet playful tone delivers visually striking and energetic moments that capture the spirit of the brand.

Follow the Money - Lebbanon

Watch on YouTube
Director: Curt Taylor

In part five of Follow the Money, the film delves into Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political crisis. From the 2019 protests to the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020, this documentary explores systemic corruption, financial collapse, and the resilience of the Lebanese people as they rebuild amidst adversity.

Groundwork - The Standard x British Airways

Watch on YouTube
Director: Christelle de Castro

Set against the upbeat and infectious rhythms of Anane Vega’s track “High,” this vibrant film captures the playful energy of The Standard Hotel. Director Christelle de Castro masterfully brings this collaboration to life with a stylish and energetic aesthetic, weaving together scenes that celebrate the spirit of travel, luxury, and adventure. The spot radiates a sense of modern sophistication, showcasing how this iconic brand redefines excellence.

CC Co - Nike Always On

View on Instagram
Director: Rochelle Bambury

This inspiring campaign highlights Nike's Well Collective Running Series, a vibrant celebration of community, resilience, and the transformative power of running. Directed by Rochelle Bambury, the film focuses on the journeys of remarkable individuals like Dr. Anna Akosua, Valentina Vapaux, and Mari Dottschadis, who exemplify strength, determination, and a deep connection to their running practice.

Groundwork - Shure MV7+

View on Instagram
Director: Tyrus

This visually striking campaign spotlights the next evolution in audio excellence: Shure’s upgraded MV7+ Podcast Microphone. The campaign emphasises the microphone’s standout features, including an enhanced LED touch panel for intuitive control, allowing users to adjust volume, gain, and monitoring settings with precision. With cutting-edge DSP (Digital Signal Processing) capabilities, the MV7+ ensures crystal-clear audio, tailored for both professional studio setups and dynamic home environments.

In a year filled with inspiring stories and collaborations, our work continues to push creative boundaries, delivering sound design and mixing that elevate every project. From celebrating milestones and empowering voices to capturing raw, emotional moments, these projects reflect a shared commitment to storytelling and innovation. Here's to more extraordinary collaborations and the stories yet to be told.

There’s more to film sound than you think, or is there? Advice for indie filmmakers from your post-production sound team.

After working with audio now for most of my adult life, I think I know a thing or two about how to shape it, move it and make it move people. Unless your Spielberg’s son you have to start somewhere and on the way up, we all work on low budget films to put ourselves out there, meet new creatives and show people our passion and creativity for film. Every project is a learning curve and you should treat it as such, as Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning you start dying” and he’s not wrong.  After watching thousands of Indie films, audio capture on set, sound design and the mix, are almost certainly what makes them really stand out to be a low budget/amateur film. Even without a fully qualified sound department, there are things you can do to sweeten your films sound so that it doesn’t overshadow your great editing, shooting, or story telling skills. You can generally tell within the first couple of minutes of a film whether you are going to like it, at least you should be able too anyway I think. So, don’t ruin it with terrible sound ok?!?

We are going to share with you some of the tips and tricks we’ve learnt over the years to bring context and quality to your production.

1) If you have budget, allocate it. Post-production (edit, colour, sound, music, VFX, to put it simply) should usually take up around 35% of your overall budget. No matter what kind of genre you are working on, if you don’t allocate enough budget to post, your film will suffer and all that money you spent on production is somewhat a waste, if you aren’t willing to put the time, budget and creativity into post. Within that 35% we would recommend about 5-8% of that going into your sound department, depending on genre and how it important it is to tell your story.  This may seem like a lot but cutting corners will be doing your film injustice. Don’t ruin all that time spent in production and your chance of a Netflix licensing deal because the mix and sound were sub-standard. Anything distributed to a major broadcaster or streaming service all have to go through QC (quality control) and if your mix isn’t up to scratch you will have to start again. Bear in mind mixing specs when talking to your dubbing mixer about final delivery of mix, see here sound mix specifications & best practices from Netflix. Even if you’re not intending your first short documentary to be out on prime, your process and final delivery should be as if it was.

2) Be organised from day one. There is a lot you can do to make your job, or your sound departments jobs much easier in post. First of all, soundcheck your location- distorted audio, depending how severe, is nine times out of ten un-fixable. So do your future self a favour and make sure your audio isn’t clipping, a couple of claps and check one, two will suffice. This alone will save you a lot of money and stress in the future, replacing distorted audio with ADR is time consuming and costly. If you have the budget, invest in a qualified sound recordist, cheaper is never better and it’s a process you really don’t want to cut corners on. Badly captured sound is going to cause a lot of complications and cost you a lot more money to fix in post than paying a professional in the first place. If you do have budget for a good sound recordist, make sure they’re labelling microphones properly with names and mic etc. It will make mixing dialogue a whole lot easier knowing which mic is which.

If you’re a self-shooter and don’t have budget for the above, invest in a quality versatile microphone and suitable wind screen. This small investment will save you time and money replacing audio. It’s also really important to study your scene or environment and use the correct microphone to capture it, premium beat have written a great article here to explain different polar patterns and how you should use them on set. Take a look at the video at the bottom of the article which gives solid audio examples too. Lastly, if you have time and I always recommended this, spend some of your shooting day recording atmosphere and room tones from your locations, this will come in super handy in the edit, but make sure your crew is silent.

3) Make your dialogue volume and mix consistent. No matter how big or small your production is, for an optimal viewing experience, it’s essential that you gate your dialogue and mix so that from scene to scene it is not excessively dynamic. Meaning you are not having to constantly turn your volume up and down to compensate from jumps in volume, between dialogue, atmosphere and music etc. As a rule, we generally mix our dialogue between -14db and -5db with an aim for the majority to sit at around -10db. Mixing your dialogue this way means that you’re going to have consistent dialogue levels throughout the film and it also sets a precedent for the rest of the audio surrounding your dialogue, giving a solid gauge of how much you can push everything else in the mix. Loudness delivery specifications for many streaming platforms is around -27LUFs. Nine times out of ten when mixing my dialogue at -10db, my final mix with everything else thrown in(music, foley, design etc), is either perfect or sits a couple of db below or above this final loudness level.  

4) Perspective, consistency and being intentional. One thing I have noticed over the years when watching smaller budget indie films with little or no sound department, is that perspective is completely off. If for example there is a three- or four-minute scene in a forest, unless intentional, make sure that when the camera angle and perspective changes, that your sound perspective is also changing. It takes nothing to automate volume on a field recording or add a little E.Q when trying to show distance. For me, moments like these are all about the subtleties and adding little movements and ear candy bring the picture to life. Next consistency, if your production is based around repeated locations or themes your sound cues should reflect that and bring context to the story. Be consistent and use similar or recycled sounds to add familiarity and a theme to your story. Lastly question yourself and your sound team: is it intentional and what does it bring to the story? You don’t want to over stimulate viewers all the time and you certainly don’t want your sound to confuse or mislead your audience, so always think, is this intentional.

5) Finally, invest in a sound library. If you aren’t going to pay a professional sound designer at least buy a professional sound library. There are thousands of options out there for film makers at all levels of their careers, it’s usually a one-off payment that will add quality to your productions for years to come.

Update 2025 - Checkout this Instagram - “This is one thing you’ll need to get right or you’ll wreck your chances with film festivals”

 

 If you want to know more please get in touch, we’re always happy to advise young film makers on their journey and we think understanding sound is a very important one.