Four North East production companies get £100k each from BBC Digital Accelerator

Four production companies in the North East are each receiving £100k to “shape the future of digital content.”

The money comes from the BBC and North East Screen Digital Accelerator, which aims to help firms in the region create “bold, digital-first content for the next generation of audiences.”

The scheme is an experimental pilot, giving the companies room to try out new ways of working.

The four businesses selected are:

Adventure Alliance Films, Newcastle

FilmNova, Gateshead

Northern Child, Newcastle

Wander Films, Middlesbrough

The programme is intended to build the skills, confidence and capability the firms need to grow sustainable businesses producing content for YouTube, TikTok and emerging digital platforms.

“The way younger audiences discover and engage with content on digital is changing rapidly, and we want to help independent producers seize the creative and commercial opportunities that brings,” said Mariel Capisciolto, head of digital development at the BBC.

“What has been particularly exciting about this programme is the ambition and diversity of ideas coming from these four companies, from creator-led entertainment and competitive championships to outdoor adventures and new YouTube channels.”

She added: “We’re backing them not just to make great content, but to experiment with new ways of reaching audiences and building sustainable businesses beyond traditional commissioning models.”

A regional pilot

“The Digital Accelerator demonstrates what can happen when a major broadcaster and a region with ambition come together to do something genuinely different,” said Lisa Laws, development director at North East Screen.

“The North East has built a reputation for embracing innovation, moving quickly and bringing partners together to make bold ideas happen, which is exactly why programmes like this can succeed here. We’re incredibly proud that the BBC chose to work with North East Screen and our wider industry to pioneer this initiative.”

Laws said the scheme was about more than commissioning content. “It’s about helping businesses adapt and evolve as audience behaviours change. The companies taking part are not simply developing new ideas; they’re exploring new business models, new revenue opportunities and new ways of reaching audiences in an increasingly digital world.”

The programme was set up with £600,000 from the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP). NESIP is delivered by North East Screen and funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority.