BBC, North East Screen reveal indies chosen to develop ideas for YouTube, TikTok, Twitch
The BBC’s Fiona Campbell speaking at the Digital Accelerator launch
The BBC and funding body North East Screen have shortlisted the 12 companies set to benefit from their landmark Digital Accelerator initiative to get indies making more content for the UK pubcaster on YouTube, TikTok and Twitch.
The initiative, details of which were announced last year, is designed to support production companies in the North East of England to create digital-first content for 16- to 24-year-olds.
Backed by £600,000 (US$822,000) of investment from the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership, it kicked off with an industry event at the Stockton Arts Centre in November.
Twelve companies will now move to the next stage of the initiative, taking part in development activity and pitching directly to the BBC commissioning team. From this group, up to four companies will be selected to produce their idea.
The companies are: Adventure Alliance Films (County Durham), Candle & Bell (Gateshead), Film Nova (Gateshead), MOTIF (Gateshead), MediaBorne (Gateshead), North Wrestling (Newcastle), Northern Child (Newcastle), Nrthrn Baby (Newcastle), Second Draft (Sunderland), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool), Twenty Six 03 (Gateshead) and Wander Films (Middlesbrough).
It comes after the BBC and YouTube unveiled a strategic content partnership last month, with plans to launch up to 50 new YouTube channels for younger audiences in 2026. Details have since emerged about the first of those channels and its content requirements.
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audiences and interim director of unscripted, said: “The Digital Accelerator is about backing brilliant ideas and ambitious companies to reach young audiences in fresh, authentic ways.
“The North East is full of creative energy, and this shortlist shows the strength and diversity of talent coming through the region. We’re excited to work closely with these companies as they develop bold, digital-first ideas and take the next step in their growth.”
Lisa Laws, development director at North East Screen, said: “We’ve got a great mix of companies on the Digital Accelerator shortlist: well-established linear production companies and those already building IP in the digital sphere.
“This announcement is a powerful acknowledgement of the talent and creativity driving these companies to grow in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
“With linear commissions in the North East having already quadrupled since 2022, thanks to the close collaboration we have with broadcasters such as the BBC, we’re now unlocking opportunities for new potential suppliers.
“We’re backing ambitious homegrown businesses to think boldly, take calculated risks and build sustainable digital futures, ensuring the region can deliver the next big digital hit.”
