The BBC has opened applications for its £1m Small Indie Fund for 2024/25.
The fund ring-fences £1million-a-year to back talented small independent production companies with turnovers of less than £10million, with a special focus on diverse-led companies and those based in the Nations and English regions.
The fund is available to companies working across factual, entertainment, comedy, children’s, drama, daytime and film. Support is granted on a company by company basis, based on the strength of creative potential and the ability to deliver to the BBC’s strategy. Successful indies receive investment to help them develop and BBC mentors.
This year, the BBC says it is offering an increased level of financial investment targeted at a smaller number of companies, alongside both business and commissioning mentors to help them focus on growing their companies and maximising the value of their content.
In 2023/24 the 57 small companies on the fund included 44 with at least two individuals from underrepresented groups in leadership roles and 38 based outside of London.
In 2022/23 the fund supported 48 small companies. Over half of these had diverse leadership and 79% were based in the Nations and English regions, with a significant increase in support for companies based in the North East and Midlands. So far commissions from this cohort include Dreaming Whilst Black (pictured) from Big Deal Films, 24/7 Pet Hospital from Twenty Six 03 North East and 7/7: Three Weeks in July (w/t) from The Slate Works.
Access to the fund is managed via an annual application process and is open for applications now. The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 31 December 2024. Companies that have previously applied for or been accepted for the fund can apply again.
This year the fund is open to scripted companies across the UK and unscripted producers in Scotland, Wales and England. Unscripted indies based in Northern Ireland will be supported by the separate Hot House development scheme.
