London indie fund seeks entries

An accelerator programme for London-based independent production companies is now open for entries, with up to £2m (US$3.1m) in investment per company up for grabs.

Former TV producer Victoria Powell teamed up with London mayor Boris Johnson to launch Indielab earlier this year to address the funding gap for UK indies and help grow the next generation of “superindies.”

Production companies based in London can apply to the programme by filling out an application form online www.weareindielab.co.uk/apply , with entries due to close on January 29 next year.

The programme will offer up to 15 indies an opportunity to pitch for up to £2m in private equity investment per company, along with high-level training from industry leaders.

These include TV formats veteran Chris Pye, whose resumé spans senior roles at the BBC, ITV and Sony, and senior TV exec Pat Younge, who has joined the programme as a speaker.

To be eligible, indies must be based in London with up to £5m turnover and must be currently producing programming for UK broadcasters.

Since launching in October, more than 100 production companies have already registered their interest, according to Powell.