Jackie Edwards, the BBC’s head of children’s acquisitions and animation, has been appointed as the first head of the British Film Institute’s Young Audiences Content Fund.
The Fund is a new pilot delivered by the BFI as part of the UK Government’s support for “distinct, high-quality content” for children and young audiences.
Edwards, who has been the BBC’s head of children’s acquisitions and independent animation since 2015, will join the BFI in February and be based in Leeds.
The departing BBC exec will report to BFI deputy CEO Ben Roberts and work on the final design and implementation of the Fund, which opens for applications in April.
Edwards said: “While I will be sad to leave BBC Children’s, the role of Head of Young Audiences Content Fund was simply irresistible as it presents a unique opportunity to revivify and diversify the kids public service broadcast landscape in the UK.”
Roberts added: “Jackie’s passion for public service broadcasting, and her extensive experience in original and high-quality programmes for young people of all ages, made her the perfect choice to help us shape and deliver the Fund.
