The BBC and North East Screen have partnered for the Digital Accelerator, a nine-month initiative to support four companies\u2019 output of digital content for youth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Digital Accelerator is a bold next step in our mission to grow digital production talent across the U.K.,\u201d said Fiona Campbell, controller of youth audiences and interim director of unscripted at the BBC. \u201cBy empowering North East companies to experiment, test and scale digital-first ideas, we\u2019re not only investing in the region\u2019s creative future, we\u2019re helping shape the BBC\u2019s own evolution in how we reach and reflect 16- to 24-year-old audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
The initiative is backed by \u00a3600,000 of investment from the BBC and North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), funded by the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority.<\/p>\n
The program will support up to four regional companies in piloting and delivering digital-first video content aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Twitch and more. Across nine months, participants will get mentorship from leading industry experts and attend a series of webinars focusing on audience insights and digital best practice.<\/p>\n
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be based in the North East or Tees Valley Combined Authorities, demonstrate a strong track record in content production and show a clear commitment to employing at least 50 percent creative talent locally.<\/p>\n
Interested companies can complete an expression of interest until November 21.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe North East is a rapidly growing production hub, and we\u2019re committed to sustaining that momentum by backing our companies to create bold, digital-first content that resonates with young audiences,\u201d said Lisa Laws, development director at North East Screen. \u201cAs viewing habits continue to evolve, the Digital Accelerator represents a transformative leap forward for the region\u2019s screen sector. This program is not just about content; it\u2019s about building a future-ready ecosystem that drives long-term growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kim McGuinness, mayor of the North East, commented, \u201cThe North East is full of creative talent, and the Digital Accelerator program shows our commitment to helping content creators and production companies thrive in the digital space. As audiences shift to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, we’re working with North East Screen to help our regional companies develop the skills and content that connect with younger viewers. This initiative strengthens our region\u2019s growing reputation in both traditional and digital storytelling on-screen, creating real opportunities for our home-grown talent and future-proofing our creative economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben Houchen, mayor of Tees Valley, added, \u201cTeesside is now recognized nationally as one of the U.K.\u2019s fastest-growing regions for digital and creative industries, and it\u2019s vital we keep building on that momentum. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and backing innovation, we\u2019re helping our exceptional businesses, creators and freelancers thrive\u2014locally, nationally and globally. Initiatives like the Digital Accelerator show our commitment to making Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool leaders in the digital economy. We\u2019re not just creating opportunities, we\u2019re enabling people to build world-class careers right here at home.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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