North East–based production company Here You Belong is reshaping storytelling in the region by bringing untold, authentic stories to the forefront of documentary filmmaking—highlighting people’s own words, lived experiences, and the voices of local communities.
Founded by North Shields business partners Kelly Hodgkiss and Gaby Zak, the company specialises in independent film and media production, with a focus on documentaries that amplify the voices of under-represented individuals and organisations. They prioritise community stories, using their expertise in film, photography, media, and business to help others share their authentic experiences. By working collaboratively with clients, they bridge gaps in knowledge, time, and budget—making high-quality media accessible to smaller organisations and using storytelling to reduce isolation and strengthen local communities.
The company helps people tell their real stories — in their own words — capturing real moments through photography and film that also helps to evidence positive social impact in local communities.
One standout project includes a short documentary created in collaboration with Cramlington Town Council, showcasing the council’s shift to a people-first approach. The film captured voices from across the community, including Age UK, CVYP, The Wildlife Trust and local community groups, highlighting how the council actively asked residents what they wanted and worked collaboratively to deliver it.
“It wasn’t about telling the community what they needed,” says Gaby. “It was about listening to them — and that aligns perfectly with what we stand for. When it was completed, we screened it at Vue Cinema Cramlington, giving the community an opportunity to come together to celebrate each other and see their own stories.”
Maggie Martin from Cramlington Town Council said: “The film demonstrates how the Council’s commitment to putting people first has created lasting positive impacts throughout the community, you can see people’s pride on the screen. Here You Belong really told our community’s story with honesty, dignity, and care.”
Kelly’s journey into filmmaking began at just 17, training on a course at the Linskill Centre in North Shields, after completing intensive film courses and gaining hands-on experience. Kelly’s primary focus is on producing and management.
‘Gaby Zak’ is a professional accredited photographer and brand, with a strong portfolio of work, including features on PhotoVogue, BBC, NEC and New York Times Square. She takes a lead on photography, documenting, filming, and editing.
Recognising that many people still struggle to afford media services, the pair recently launched a sister organisation, We Are Intertwined (CIC). The CIC focuses on workshops designed to help people develop and articulate their real stories — not marketing or PR narratives, but the core story at the heart of what they do. Drawing on a background in both media and business, the pair are working to bridge a common knowledge gap.
“People often don’t know what type of media they need, whether they need a marketer, a social media manager, a filmmaker, a content creator — or why,” Kelly explains. “These workshops help people understand the different types of media support available and how to choose what’s right for them.”
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Photo: Kelly, Maggie Martin from Cramlington Town Council and Gaby at Manor Walks in the town. (The Bigger Picture Agency)
Photo: Still from film – Here You Belong