Section: Business Development

Accelerating the future of digital content

Posted on by Jo Macleod

BBC and North East Screen launch groundbreaking Digital Accelerator programme

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator – Apply

BBC Digital Accelerator Logo Banner - White

How to apply – the BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator
To apply, companies must complete and submit an expression of interest form.
The deadline for the expression of interest form is 11.59pm, Friday 21st November 2025.

Summary of what’s required:

No ideas are needed at this stage.

 

We do need an outline of your company’s business plan and the role of monetisable digital content within it, including:

  • Your track record in this area and growth plans
  • What your primary focus will be (genre, format, and platform)
  • Your understanding of, and willingness to learn about AVOD
 
An outline of why the Digital Accelerator is right for your company at this stage of its growth, including:
  • What editorial themes or areas you’re keen to explore through the programme
  • Any specific platforms or formats you’re looking to develop
  • The expected editorial and financial impact on your business

Timetable

  • Deadline for initial expression of interest form: 11.59pm, Friday 21 November 2025
  • Selected companies (for phase one) informed: January 2026
  • Phase 1 (anticipated dates): January – March 2026
  • Phase 2 (anticipated dates):  March – May 2026
  • Phase 3 (anticipated dates): June – November 2026
  • Delivery (anticipated dates):  December 2026
Note dates may be subject to change.

Webinars

BBC Audiences run a series of insight webinars designed to help production companies understand how young audiences engage with digital content.

Topics vary across sessions and can include trends, platforms, formats, and strategies to reach 16–24 year-olds online. These webinars are particularly useful for companies developing digital-first ideas or applying to the Digital Accelerator.

Find out more and register for upcoming sessions

Need to know more?

Not for you? If you’re keen to develop and explore over opportunities in the digital space, get in touch.

BBC and North East Screen launch new Digital Accelerator to boost regional content creation

Posted on by Curtis Wake
BBC and North East Screen host launch event for first-of-its-kind Digital Accelerator

The BBC and North East Screen are officially launching the BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator – a bold new initiative designed to fast-track the growth of digital-first content companies across the North East and Tees Valley.

The launch event will take place on Monday 3 November at ARC, Stockton-on-Tees, offering production companies, digital creators, and freelancers the chance to hear directly from the BBC team, learn about the scheme, and connect with fellow creatives shaping the region’s digital future.

Announced at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2025, the Digital Accelerator is the BBC’s first-ever digital-focused accelerator, representing the largest investment of its kind in the North East’s digital screen sector. Backed by £600,000 in funding, the programme combines direct investment with tailored mentoring and skills development to unlock long-term creative and commercial potential.

Over a 9–12 month period, up to four independent production companies will be selected to take part. Each will receive funding to develop and produce innovative content formats – from vertical video and livestreams to creator collaborations and platform-native storytelling for TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and beyond.

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen:

This is a game-changing moment for the North East’s digital content creators. The Digital Accelerator is all about unleashing bold ideas and backing our best regional talent to shine on global platforms. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the BBC, providing this new opportunity to supercharge the next wave of digital content creators from the North East.

The scheme was described by Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, as “an exciting collaboration inviting production companies in the region with a commitment to creativity – and a drive to nurture a new generation of digital talent – to step forward. Our ambition is to help create a thriving, sustainable digital production ecosystem in the North East, one that can generate IP for public service and commercial platforms alike.”

For full event details including registering your interest, timings, and networking opportunities, visit the event listing: BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator – Launch Event.

The BBC x North East Screen Digital Accelerator builds on our shared ambition to make the North East one of the UK’s most dynamic screen economies. By connecting local talent with national partners and opportunities, we’re ensuring the region continues to grow as a creative hub for bold, digital-first storytelling.

North East Screen Celebrates 3 Years of Big Impacts and Bigger Ambitions

Posted on by Jo Macleod

North East Screen is proud to unveil its 3 Years of Big Impacts Report (2022–2025), showcasing a remarkable period of growth in a difficult global climate.

North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) investments across the North East is creating opportunities for the resilient world class talent based in the region to innovate and pivot to new ways of working across an ever changing creative industry.

The report highlights a 131% surge in regional production spend, driven by strategic investment, the impactful work of the North East Screen Film Office, and the growth of a vibrant creative ecosystem fostered through collaboration with regional and national partners, including the BBC. With over £65 million in GVA, the North East has firmly established itself as the fastest-growing region in the UK for screen industries.

Other key achievements over the three years include:

  • The equivalent of 1,046 FTE jobs created across the screen sector, according to the EIA Saffrey report
  • An impressive £6.70 return on every £1 invested in projects via the North East Production Fund (NEPF)
  • £2.37 million invested in 10 productions through the NEPF
  • 65% of crew members employed on NEPF productions are from the North East
  • A 90% increase in filming days with productions staying and filming for longer in the region thanks to alternative studio spaces
  • 6,422 paid training days on production delivered to support lifelong workforce development
  • 8 regularly commissioned companies – up from just one prior to 2022
  • 50 investments in slate and business development for regional companies and talent

North East Screen Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn said,

“Not only is the North East the fastest growing region in the UK for screen industries, it’s also a region bursting with untapped potential, despite the challenges the global screen industry has faced.

 “This report is a testament to the power of our unique public sector and industry collaboration. Everything achieved here is thanks to the incredible talent, crew, businesses and world class stories that are rooted in our region.

“Productions come to the North East for our world class locations, which are vibrant, diverse and really accessible, and stay because they find all they need via our welcoming front door to the industry in the region.

“This is just the beginning. As we enter the next phase of our delivery, we will ensure that our activity reflects the diversity of the region, backs innovation, and has sustainable and inclusive practices embedded across all of it.”

North East Screen is the delivery programme of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), driving growth across the screen industries and wider creative industries in the North East and Tees Valley with funding support from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Combined Authority. NESIP is committed to unlocking the full creative potential of the region, with the aim to more than double its share of the UK film and TV production market, generating an economic impact of £88 million over the initial five year period.

In collaboration with the BBC and alongside regional education institutions, NESIP is building a sustainable, inclusive screen ecosystem that nurtures local talent, supports production, and attracts national and international projects. 

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said,

“We are a region full of creative talent and that is why we’re investing £6,252,944 to support the groundbreaking work North East Screen is doing to bring major film and TV productions to our region.

“Our iconic landmarks and locations have been beamed across the world and featured in leading film and TV productions, including the Harry Potter films and more recently 28 Years Later.

“Bringing more productions to the region means hundreds of new creative jobs and opportunities, right from starring roles to those supporting behind the scenes.

“We’re setting the stage to become a real powerhouse of UK film and TV production, and as our plans for leading studios right here in our region progress, it’s an incredibly exciting time for the creative industries and talent located here in the Noth East.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said,

“It’s outstanding that our region’s vibrant TV and film production industry is going from strength to strength as the fastest-growing in the UK – supporting hugely successful shows such as the powerful Teesside story told in ‘I Fought The Law‘.

 “Our support – in collaboration with the work of North East Screen – is helping this area establish itself as creative powerhouse and become a place where local people can build exciting, skilled careers.

“Through the Tees Valley Investment Zone, we’re putting a real focus on supporting our fast-growing creative and digital sectors – driving forward with the £33.5m expansion of The Northern Studios and an exciting new production village in Hartlepool.

 “These developments are creating well-paid jobs, attracting investment, and making our region the go-to place for world-class productions. We’re proud to be playing our part in this success story.”

As the region continues to grow, North East Screen remains committed to backing homegrown talent and championing the crews and businesses that bring global content to the region. With the North East, Crown Works Studios and the Tees Valley Investment Zone – focused on growing creative and digital industries – highlighted in the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the region is in a good place to continue its growth, enhancing why the North East is considered one of the best places to live, work and play in the UK.

Watch the Impact Video

Screen industry skills boost for the North

Posted on by Curtis Wake
Screen industry skills boost for the North

Over 6,000 people across the North of England have benefitted from Screen Alliance North activity during their second year of funding.

In their latest figures just released, the northern skills cluster, supported by the BFI awarding National Lottery funding, the partnership has continued to make an impact attracting almost 10,000 people to their events throughout the year and have supported trainees from a range of marginalised backgrounds (48% of trainees have a disability, 28% of trainees identify as LGBTQ+ and 24% of trainees are from low socio-economic backgrounds).

Screen Alliance North, a partnership formed by Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire in April 2023, has delivered through each agency nearly 400 activities this year, from bootcamps to bespoke training sessions, shadowing placements to on the job training.

Formed to address the skills gap in the industry and to level out opportunities in the northern region, the partnership is strongly focused on equal access within the industry and increasing accessibility to the industry.

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen said on behalf of the Executive Team:
“We’re committed to ensuring that opportunity is not determined by postcode or class, and that the north is not just a place where productions are made, but where careers are built and sustained. This year we’ve built strong new connections and developed existing relationships, working with stakeholders and collaborating with employers, to create 100’s of meaningful opportunities for people across the North and are proud of what we have achieved.”

Penny Hall, Skills Cluster Lead added: “This review outlines the impact of our second year. We have delivered targeted training in high-demand areas, shaped by direct engagement with productions and crew. We’ve piloted new approaches to inclusive leadership and worked with a range of partners on access, sustainability and good working practice, because we believe real change must start at the top and be embedded into everyday working practices.”

Screen Alliance North are already delivering year three of their planned activity which focuses on five core objectives and are in the planning stages for future funding possibilities. The four northern agencies now work closely together for skills work, industry mapping and data collection, with the film offices closely linked to support major productions.

Alison continued: “As the agencies have worked more strongly together, the cluster has evolved and we feel the strength of our partnership is benefitting productions and crew as well as making the industry more accessible for new entrants from all backgrounds. We know what’s happening in our individual regions so together we have a very strong position and can support each other. We want to make a big difference to the industry and collectively we can achieve that in a sustainable way that grows production in the North.”

For details of Screen Alliance North’s impact in Year 2 read the full report here

BBC and North East Screen Launch First-of-its-Kind Digital Accelerator

Posted on by Jo Macleod

The BBC Digital Accelerator, delivered in partnership with North East Screen, is designed to elevate the next wave of world-class digital content creators right here in the North East of England.

Who’s it for?

We’re looking for bold, ambitious production companies ready to develop standout content for online platforms that can generate future revenue. If you’re passionate about reaching audiences with innovative, platform-native video – think vertical formats, livestreams, creator-led collaborations, and social-first storytelling – we want to hear from you.

But it’s not just about companies. We’re also actively seeking digital creators who champion the North East, both on-screen and behind the scenes. If you’re producing content that resonates across TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, or other platforms – or if you’re eager to partner with companies shaping the future of digital storytelling – this is your chance to connect.

Why get involved?

This is more than just an accelerator. It’s an opportunity to:

  • • Apply as a company and access support to scale your content.
  • • Connect as a creator and find future collaborators in the region.
  • • Network with both companies and talent who share your ambition to supercharge the North East’s digital scene.

Let’s talk

Whether you’re a company hoping to apply, a creator looking to collaborate, or simply curious about how the BBC Digital Accelerator could help you grow, complete our expression of interest today.

All details and guidance will soon be available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/.