Darren Bykerk

I've been working in the TV industry for over 30 years. I joined the University as a part-time member of staff in 2010 after 2-3 years of being a visiting lecturer. I also run my own animation company, IG Media in Gateshead where we produce all manner of animation and visual effects.

In my early career, I trained and started in the North East, then spent 10 years in London working freelance for the BBC, ITV, MTV, Sky and Cartoon Network, as well as many independent production companies.

In 2007, I came back to the North East for the birth of my daughter and started IG Media. We've won several awards and work with many production companies in the North East and the rest of the UK on productions for CBeebies, CBBC and ITV, as well as numerous TV adverts.