Member Article

Boss of defunct Dene Films vows to continue firm's legacy

The boss of now defunct Newcastle-based Dene Films has vowed to continue providing film services from the North East.

Following news of the company’s liquidation last week, CEO Steve Salam said his new venture, Future and Co Films Ltd would continue in a scaled-down capacity - servicing recent contract wins from as afield as the Gulf.

Steve told Bdaily: “We’re trying to rebuild something here. While we won’t be the same as Dene, we’ve already got work coming through.

“Many suppliers and clients are sticking with us and have shown tremendous support because of the work Dene has done.

He added: “It’s a sensitive time as things haven’t worked out with Dene. People are painting this as a blow for the region, but I don’t think it’s quite all that because we’re not going away.

“We plan to remain here and I want to re-employ as many people as possible. It will allow us to continue our award winning work for national and international clients.”

The firm is working on projects for the NHS and Rotary Watches, as well as adverts for the likes of SCS.

A recent contract win from Qatar Insurance Company will also see Future and Co in Doha to produce a big-budget production.

Steve added: “Because Dene was such a highly regarded business, we felt that walking away from that wouldn’t serve us or the clients. It would be a mistake to let it drop.

“Given that people continue to want to work with us, that’s what we plan to do. I’d been working hard for some time to grow Dene, and despite its fall from grace, a lot of the groundwork will be useful.”

Dene had struggled under the weight of sizeable debts and subsequently went into liquidation with the loss of 14 jobs.

Trade missions with UKTI had build Steve useful relationships but unfortunately for firm they had failed to materialise into contracts before it was too late.

Steve added: “It’s always been difficult for companies in the region to win TV broadcast commissions, even with previous success. We won a BAFTA nomination for a programme we made for the BBC a few years ago, and you would think having that would make it easier - but it isn’t like that.

“I think there probably isn’t a strong enough presence of broadcasters in the region. If there was a critical mass, that might help matters.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .