BBC Children’s & Education Launches Second Ignite Program

BBC Children’s & Education has opened applications for its second Ignite animation program in search of top talent from around the U.K.

The BBC is looking for U.K.-centric ideas that appeal to children of all ages from sole creators over the age of 18, collectives, animation studios, production companies or anything in between. Applications will be accepted through February 8, 2024. Chosen creators will receive funding to co-develop their ideas in partnership with the BBC.

Ignite was first launched in 2021 as the BBC’s biggest solo initiative open to any and all animation talent from across the U.K., offering the chance to create a brand-new project from scratch. It called on talent from established independent production companies, BBC in-house production and talented individuals looking for their first break, and it received over 1,000 ideas.

The first program yielded three animation projects, including Duck and Frog, Captain Onion’s Buoyant Academy for Wayward Youth and The Underglow.

“Whether you’ve been in the industry for years or are just starting out, the beauty of Ignite is that it is open to anyone,” said Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s & Education. “We saw so many great ideas from the first initiative, we know the talent is out there, and we’re really proud that we can facilitate the development and offer opportunity to new talent from across the whole of the country. We need a buoyant children’s sector, and it is critical that there is more culturally relevant content for U.K. kids on our screens. Ensuring that happens is a key priority of mine and the BBC’s.”