REACH
Funding
WHAT IS REACH?
REACH is a development fund for ambitious North East-based SMEs working in film and TV, designed to support business and product development activity that will strengthen your company and help you secure new work or contracts.
The fund is intended for companies with a clear path to market, a defined growth plan, and realistic, achievable steps to scale their business.
This year, REACH is more competitive than ever. With limited funding, we expect to make only one REACH award per round. Only the strongest, clearest, and most compelling applications will be awarded. We are looking for game-changing, global, and innovative activity that will make a real impact on your business.
Awards range from £1,000 to £5,000 and must be match funded.
If you are looking for less than £1,000, please consider our Open Horizons fund. If you are looking for more than £5,000, you may be eligible for REACH Plus.
All funding is paid retrospectively and can only be used for external spend. It cannot be used for internal costs, overheads, or wages.
Read the full guidelines here.
This year, competition is tougher. We are looking for activity that has a bigger impact on your business. Make sure your application is clear, compelling, and ambitious.
All applications will be assessed together at the end of each round by a panel of external assessors.
Applicants must not make assumptions that North East Screen has prior knowledge of them, or their business and will only be assessed on the information provided in their application.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Before you apply, make sure you have:
▪️ A completed Application Form with a detailed proposal explaining how the funding will be game changing for your business.
▪️ A completed Business Eligibility Form.
▪️ Evidence of Match Funding. This could be funds in your account or external funding from another organisation.
▪️ Copies of any Certificates of Training mentioned in Section J of the application form.
▪️ A recent Financial Statement and your company’s Memorandum & Articles of Association.
▪️ Proof of your North East Registered Business Address.
Send all of this to reach@northeastscreen.org.
2025–26 APPLICATION ROUNDS
📅 Round 1
Launch: 7th April
Closing Date: 2nd May
Award Decisions by: 6th June
📅 Round 2
Launch: 30th June
Closing Date: 25th July
Award Decisions by: 22nd August
📅 Round 3
Launch: 22nd September
Closing Date: 17th October
Award Decisions by: 14th November
📅 Round 4
Launch: 5th January
Closing Date: 30th January
Award Decisions by: 27th February
If you apply in between rounds, your application will be saved and added to the next round for assessment.
If you have not had a 1-2-1 meeting with the Talent and Business Development team, contact: development@northeastscreen.org.
