North East Screen announces latest round of REACH – the IP Accelerator Fund, with £135,000 to support regional screen businesses

North East Screen has launched its latest investment programme, designed to support companies across the region take their ideas, products and services to market. 

The IP Accelerator Fund aims to support established North East businesses working in – or supplying to – the screen sector to develop commercially viable intellectual property, strengthen their market position, and unlock new income opportunities. 

Funding will be available at three levels, reflecting the scale of activity and how close a project or offer is to market. All awards must be match funded and focused on supporting commercially focused activity. 

The fund is open to organisations across the region, including production companies, digital content studios and the supply chain companies delivering film, television and screen-based content.  

Applications open on Monday 9 March and close on Tuesday 5 May 2026. All activity must aim to be completed by Jan 2027. 

Full guidance and application materials are found here.

Previous North East Screen funding programmes have helped regional companies develop projects, secure commissions and strengthen their position in the industry.

The funding allowed us to bring in key development expertise and cover essential costs like option and legal fees. As a result we’ve secured two BBC script commissions and optioned another TV project. That progress simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support.

 

Candle & Bell

The funding was vital in bringing in the expertise needed to make both shows a reality. What we now have are two commercially viable projects that stand a strong chance of going to series.

MCC Media

As our first broadcast commissions, we knew we had to make a strong first impression – and with the help of REACH we were able to do just that.

Sea and Sky

North East Screen’s support has been crucial in helping us move towards our first major commission. It has brought us closer to the global market and given us a valuable ally in the business.

Red Stamp Productions