Pact Sets New Initiative to Boost Regional Indies

The Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact) has unveiled a new strategic initiative to support the U.K.’s independent TV production sector as it opens its Nations and Regions HQ in Leeds.

Pact has set out a major new investment program to deliver a strategic suite of services designed to stimulate the growth and success rates of independent producers outside of London. The new initiative sees the launch of two accelerator programs. The Business Accelerator is focused on enabling indies to better run their business from a commercial perspective. The program will see Pact provide a free range of services aimed at improving the sustainability and success of independent producer members’ businesses via one on one advice, webinars, events and white papers developed together with industry experts. The Production Accelerator is designed to help the alliance’s members adopt production best practice standards in order to develop their slates, manage their productions effectively and build confidence with TV commissioners.

“Fully funded by Pact, our new office in Leeds marks a long term investment with the aim of helping all our members across the U.K. to grow their businesses and succeed in the U.K. and international markets,” said Pact’s CEO, John McVay OBE.

Ian Katz, director of programs for Channel 4, said: “The launch of Pact’s new Nations and Regions office in Leeds is incredibly important. Growing the production sector outside London must be a team effort and for it to be meaningful and sustainable we need to work together with Pact, our production partners and partners in the cities and regions across the U.K.”

Kay Mellor, managing director of Rollem Productions, added: “It’s vitally important for Pact to have representation outside of London and I’m thrilled that their regional HQ is launching here in Leeds. Once again, it’s a validation that Leeds is a significant city in the world of media. Pact’s new HQ will be an essential facility for independent production companies here in the North, and I’m confident that their expertise and new accelerator programs are exactly what we need to thrive.”