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Yipp Films was started in 1998 by Patrick Collerton who, after working for all four main terrestrial networks and in the world of commercials, returned to his home town to start up a film and television production company. His business partner Iris Maor joined Yipp Films in 2006 as Head of Production.
Our ethos
With excellence as its ethos Yipp Films has grown to encompass multi-award winning documentary and internationally awarded short film. Yipp Films has employed most of the region’s professional talent and is ideally placed to house productions or develop its national and international productions. As shown by its credits, its ambitions are national and international whilst its film making is firmly rooted in the passionate yet irreverent culture of its hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Yipp is also the co-founder of the international Northern Lights Film Festival.
People
Patrick Collerton, Director
Born and bred in Newcastle, Patrick Collerton is one the most celebrated documentary filmmakers of recent years. He studied journalism before embarking on a career in Television and has been making short dramas, commercials and documentaries since forming Yipp Films in 1998. His films won awards all over the world and he is now developing feature films.
Iris Maor, Head of Production
Patrick’s business partner in Yipp Films is Iris Maor. She started her career as a news producer and has been working in television for over fifteen years. Her experience ranges from youth and music programmes to current affairs and documentaries. She has overseen the production of dozens of documentaries for all major broadcasters as well as international co-productions. Iris is also guest lecturer in production at Goldsmiths College as well as a production consultant for Channel 4.
Ben Whitfield, Head of Development
Development Producer Ben Whitfield has worked for various production houses during his career, ranging from super Indies to tiny start ups in both production and development. Having developed successful projects across all genres and broadcasters, Ben is now responsible for all factual development output at Yipp Films. Ben is a down to earth Brummie who continues Yipp’s policy of positive discrimination on behalf of the regions and the international community.
Tine Munk, Production Manager
All the way from Denmark, Tine joined Yipp Films as production manager after studying Business in Denmark and Media at Falmouth College of Arts in Cornwall. Before moving to Newcastle, Tine worked in TV productions in Bristol and London. Since joining Yipp Films in 2004, Tine has been involved in all of Yipp Film's productions.
Katie Strachan, Production Coordinator
Originally from Newcastle, Katie Strachan joined Yipp Films in March 2007 as a production assistant. Katie has gained work experience on short films and dramas such as the renowned ‘Byker Grove’, where she worked as a location unit manager for the last two series. Katie has successfully trained to be a production coordinator for Yipp Films.
Funders, sponsors and associates
Our sincerest thanks go out to everyone who has helped Yipp Films to achieve the success which we enjoy today. Please visit our Funders, Sponsors & Associates page to find out whom we owe so much to.