The BBC and North East Screen have unveiled a 12-strong shortlist for a new Digital Accelerator scheme aimed at unlocking the North East’s next wave of digital-first production companies.
Backed by £600,000 of investment from the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), the initiative is designed to help regional indies develop bold, platform-native content for 16–24-year-olds on YouTube, TikTok and Twitch.
It’s a timely announcement as Prolific North this week lifted the lid on the plight of independent production companies and freelancers as part of a week-long investigative series.
The shortlisted companies span the North East and reflect a mix of established production businesses and newer digital-native studios, as the region looks to build on rapid recent growth. Over the past three years, the North East’s screen sector has delivered more than £65m in GVA and supported around 1,000 jobs.
Launched at the 2025 Edinburgh TV Festival and followed by an industry event at Stockton’s ARC in November, the Digital Accelerator has drawn strong interest from production companies, creators and freelancers across the region.
Those shortlisted will now enter a development phase before pitching directly to the BBC’s commissioning team. Up to four companies will then be selected to take their digital ideas into production.
The 12 companies are: Adventure Alliance Films (County Durham), Candle & Bell (Gateshead), Film Nova (Gateshead), MOTIF (Gateshead), MediaBorne (Gateshead), North Wrestling (Newcastle), Northern Child (Newcastle), Nrthrn Baby (Newcastle), Second Draft (Sunderland), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool), Twenty Six 03 (Gateshead) and Wander Films (Middlesbrough).
Fiona Campbell, BBC Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted, said: “The Digital Accelerator is about backing brilliant ideas and ambitious companies to reach young audiences in fresh, authentic ways. The North East is full of creative energy, and this shortlist shows the strength and diversity of talent coming through the region. We’re excited to work closely with these companies as they develop bold, digital-first ideas and take the next step in their growth.”
Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, added: “We’ve got a great mix of companies on the Digital Accelerator shortlist: well established linear production companies, and those already building IP in the digital sphere. This announcement is a powerful acknowledgement of the talent and creativity driving these companies to grow in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
“With linear commissions in the North East having already quadrupled since 2022, thanks to the close collaboration we have with broadcasters such as the BBC, we’re now unlocking opportunities for new potential suppliers. We’re backing ambitious home grown businesses to think boldly, take calculated risks and build sustainable digital futures, ensuring the region can deliver the next big digital hit.”
The announcement comes as the BBC continues to push further into digital platforms, following a newly confirmed strategic partnership with YouTube aimed at supporting creators and expanding reach among younger audiences across the UK.
