A handful of TV production companies with operations in the North East are to share in a BBC fund to support independent producers.
Candle & Bell and Twenty Six 03 Entertainment in Gateshead; MMC Media Limited in Sunderland; Middlechild Productions and Schnoobert Productions in Newcastle and Sea & Sky Pictures in Hartlepool have been selected by the broadcaster. They will receive financial help as well as the support of a BBC commissioning editor as a mentor.
The Fund has been running since 2020 and supports operators with turnovers of less than £10m. It is designed to encourage production industry growth outside of London and this year’s North East cohort is larger than previous years.
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Lisa Laws, head of talent and business and development at North East Screen said: “We are delighted for the companies receiving this fund, an amazing outcome for them and for TV production in the North East. We have worked closely with each of the companies so understand how this support will help to drive forward their businesses. The companies selected are a good mix of businesses relocating to the region and home grown talent.
“This is a fantastic year for production companies in the North East and the start of great things to come. The region is full of talented creative businesses with an abundance of ideas, skills, and incredible determination. The tide is beginning to turn with support for the screen industry in the North East and funds such as this from the BBC will help to supercharge creative business development, making us a region to look out for nationally and globally. “
Unscripted production specialist Middlechild opened a Newcastle base last year and has recently produced the BBC One daytime programme Northern Justice. The firm’s creative director, Andrew Eastel, said: “We’re delighted and very grateful to the BBC for choosing Middlechild’s North East base as a recipient of the Small Indie Fund this year. It will allow us to super-charge our development of ideas for them, with any resulting commissions being produced in the region.
“We hope it helps us further cement our presence in the area and ultimately provide employment for some of the fantastic off-screen talent we know are here.”
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