Write a comment
Newry-based Big Mountain Productions has won the Best Lifestyle and Features Award at this week's Royal Television Society Northern Ireland Awards at Titanic, Belfast. The award was for ‘Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together’, which the Newry company made for BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sponsored by Ka-Boom and hosted by Irish broadcaster Craig Doyle the awards recognise excellence in television production and the creativity and talent of the region’s production industry.
Jane Kelly, Joint CEO of Big Mountain Productions, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have our work recognised at the RTS NI Awards.”
“This was a very important, groundbreaking, and powerful series for us to make. And it’s a testament to the talent, creativity and dedication of our brilliant teams, and the amazing Natalie Cassidy, as well as the trust and collaboration of the many wonderful individuals and groups featured, key stakeholders across education and the NHS, and our broadcast partners.”
“The series landed on BBC One with 2m viewers and ended up with Natalie meeting the Prime Minister at Downing Street to talk about his plans for crucial health and social care reform across the UK.”
The Newry company was also shortlisted in two other categories. ‘Battle of the Irish Dancers’ was nominated in Factual Entertainment Format, while ‘Gradam Ceoil TG4 @ Expo 25: Dhá Oileán Cheolmhara’ was shortlisted in Specialist Factual.
Kelly added: “We’re incredibly proud of all the programmes made by Big Mountain Productions, which were nominated, and grateful to everyone who helped bring them to life.”
Elsewhere at the ceremony, Northern Ireland Screen CEO Richard Williams received the Brian Waddell Award for his outstanding contribution to the creative industries. He has led the organisation since 2003 and has helped make the region a destination for major film and television productions, creating opportunities for local creatives to work, learn and thrive on the global stage. His work has also sustained businesses, created jobs and brought investment into the economy.
Willians said: “I am delighted to receive the Brian Waddell Award for 2026, not least because Brian was my boss and mentor for many years.”
“The good news is that Northern Ireland Screen is strong, remains supported by both government and the sector, and most importantly is full of talented and committed people well capable of driving it forward.”
Maeve McLoughlin, Chair of the RTS NI, said: “What an amazing line-up of winners this year.”
She added: “Congratulations to all tonight’s winners and the outstanding nominees reflecting the strength and resilience of our creative sector.”
