BBC, North East Screen in the UK to roll out £600,000 initiative supporting digital-first producers

UK public broadcaster the BBC and screen agency North East Screen have launched the Digital Accelerator, which aims to support four regional prodcos in piloting and delivering Gen Z-skewing digital-first content.

Fiona Campbell

The nine-month initiative is backed by £600,000 (US$786,000) of investment from the BBC and North East Screen Industries Partnership, funded by the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Successful producers will learn how to create video content aimed at 16 to 24-year-old viewers both for the BBC and platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Twitch. The programme takes in genres like livestreams and vertical video, as well as creator collaborations and platform-native storytelling.

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 Northeast.

It 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.

The deadline to complete an expression of interest is November 21. For details of how to apply, visit the BBC commissioning website.

Fiona Campbell, controller of youth audiences and interim director of unscripted, BBC, said: “The Digital Accelerator is a bold next step in our mission to grow digital production talent across the UK.

“By empowering Northeast 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– to 24-year-old audiences.”

Lisa Laws, development director, North East Screen, said: “The Northeast 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.”