The BBC and North East Screen have officially launched the Digital Accelerator, a pioneering nine-month initiative designed to supercharge the digital ambitions of production companies based in North East England.
Backed by £600,000 of investment from the BBC and North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), funded by the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority; the programme will support up to four regional companies in piloting, and delivering digital-first video content aimed at 16–24 year olds on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and more.
The programme was officially unveiled at a launch event held at Stockton Arc on Monday 3rd November, with Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen and Fiona Campbell, BBC Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted. Athena Witter, CEO & Founder of Engine Pop, also joined to share insights about the digital landscape.
The event brought together production companies, digital creators, freelancers, and industry leaders from across the region. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from the BBC commissioning team, learn how to apply and network with fellow creatives and industry experts.
Fiona Campbell, BBC Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted said,
“The Digital Accelerator is a bold next step in our mission to grow digital production talent across the UK. By empowering North East companies to experiment, test, and scale digital-first ideas, we’re not only investing in the region’s creative future, we’re helping shape the BBC’s own evolution in how we reach and reflect 16–24-year-old audiences.”
Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, said,
“The North East is a rapidly growing production hub, and we’re committed to sustaining that momentum by backing our companies to create bold, digital-first content that resonates with young audiences.
“As viewing habits continue to evolve, the Digital Accelerator represents a transformative leap forward for the region’s screen sector. This programme is not just about content; it’s about building a future-ready ecosystem that drives long-term growth.”
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said,
“The North East is full of creative talent, and the Digital Accelerator programme shows our commitment to helping content creators and production companies thrive in the digital space.
“As audiences shift to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, we’re working with North East Screen to help our regional companies develop the skills and content that connect with younger viewers.
“This initiative strengthens our region’s growing reputation in both traditional and digital storytelling on screen, creating real opportunities for our home-grown talent and future-proofing our creative economy.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said,
“Teesside is now recognised nationally as one of the UK’s fastest-growing regions for digital and creative industries, and it’s vital we keep building on that momentum.
“By embracing cutting-edge technologies and backing innovation, we’re helping our exceptional businesses, creators, and freelancers thrive – locally, nationally, and globally.
“Initiatives like the Digital Accelerator show our commitment to making Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool leaders in the digital economy. We’re not just creating opportunities, we’re enabling people to build world-class careers right here at home.”
The Digital Accelerator is part of the BBC’s wider commitment to growing production capacity and creative opportunity across the UK, with a focus on building a sustainable digital production ecosystem in the North East.
The programme will include mentorship from leading industry experts and a series of webinars focusing on audience insights and digital best practice.
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must be based in the North East or Tees Valley Combined Authorities, demonstrate a strong track record in content production, and show a clear commitment to employing at least 50% creative talent locally.
Interested companies have until Friday 21st November 2025 to complete an expression of interest.
