OPINION: THE BRITISH ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IS PAINTING THE WRONG PICTURE OF THE NORTH.

---

---

Think for a moment, what films or series come to mind when you think of the South of England? Maybe it’s the glitz, glamour, and drama of Downton Abbey, or perhaps Cruella, which romanticises London as a world of edgy fashion and endless creative opportunity.

Now contrast that with how the North is portrayed. Chances are, you're picturing something completely different.

---

---

Modern film and television often paint the North as bleak and downtrodden. These portrayals tend to lean heavily on themes of poverty, crime, and hardship, presenting a narrow and often outdated image to national and global audiences. Northern creatives are routinely cast in working-class roles to satisfy a so-called "Northern aesthetic," while many stories set in the region focus on broken communities and social despair.

This misrepresentation runs deep, and it's doing real damage. Not just to the North’s image, but to the opportunities available for Northern talent.

As Jim Morrison once said, "Whoever controls the media, controls the mind." With London-based institutions holding the reins of British entertainment, many narratives about the North are shaped from an outsider’s perspective. Production companies continue to greenlight stories that conform to stereotypes, ignoring the reality known by those who live and create in the region.

The result? Northern actors are boxed into limited roles. Writers, directors, and creatives from the North are forced to shape their stories to fit a grim, familiar mould in order to get through the industry gatekeepers. This isn’t just inaccurate, it’s creatively limiting.

But we know the truth. Those of us from the North understand the richness of our region. Cities like Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield are alive with energy and talent. We’re artists, musicians, dancers, designers, photographers, actors, you name it. The North is a creative powerhouse, not a cultural wasteland.

We don’t just produce art, we use it to challenge, to reflect, and to innovate. Northern creatives are at the forefront of tackling pressing social issues, from race and identity to inequality and representation. Our voices are strong, and our stories are important.

So, what can we do?

We already know the value we bring to the arts. Now it’s time to double down on it. Let’s continue to speak out when narratives fall short. Let’s embed our culture, personality, and truth into every project. And most of all, let’s reclaim the North’s image. Not as others define it, but as we know it to be: vibrant, talented, and full of potential.

Are you looking for creatives for your newest project? No one should have to pay to shout about upcoming opportunites. Get in touch with us on Instagram @LaPierreCreative, or on email, director@lapierrecreative.com to discuss free promotion on our channels.