BBC Unveils Support for 50 TV & Radio Indies

The BBC has named the recipients of three different funding schemes for indies, investing in 50 different TV and radio outfits across the U.K.

Across the TV Small Indie Fund, the Hot House co-commissioning scheme and the BBC Radio & Music Indie Development Fund, 50 companies will receive bespoke mentoring and more than £1.7 million in investment over the next year.

The TV Small Indie Fund, launched in 2020, assists companies with revenues under £10 million across all genres. This year, 33 companies will receive a total of £1.3 million. The majority are based outside of London and have at least two individuals in specific leadership roles from underrepresented groups. Selected companies include Deadpan in Northern Island, Kailash Films in Wales, Studio Something in Scotland and West Midlands’ Acclaimed Content.

The Hot House co-commissioning scheme is a joint initiative between BBC Unscripted and BBC Northern Ireland with support from Northern Ireland Screen. It gives indies in Northern Ireland advice and slate development funding to help them compete for BBC commissions. Eight firms have been tapped to receive £25,000 from the BBC, with the opportunity to apply for match funding from Northern Ireland Screen. Projects will be developed in docs, factual entertainment and daytime/early peak.

David Pembrey, COO of BBC Content, said: “In a global market which continues to see production consolidation, we remain committed to investing in new and smaller independent businesses and the U.K.’s creative industries. We want to ensure our audiences get to enjoy the very best homegrown storytelling, for which investment in the roots of production across the U.K. is vital.”

Eddie Doyle, head of content commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland, added: “The second phase of the Hot House scheme is now well underway with our network commissioning colleagues and Northern Ireland Screen, and it’s been fantastic to see the passion and ambition that Northern Ireland independents have brought to the table. That eight separate local companies are now moving forward and benefiting from the scheme is a great thing for them and the creative industries here in Northern Ireland.”