Digital dozen selected for next stage of BBC's content catalyst scheme
Twelve North East production companies have been selected to go through to the next stage of an initiative designed to help creators make 'digital first' content
The BBC and North East Screen have shortlisted 12 production companies to take part in a pioneering Digital Accelerator programme, signalling the next stage in efforts to grow the region’s digital screen sector and support work aimed at younger audiences.
The initiative, backed by £600,000 of investment from the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership, is designed to help North East companies develop digital-first content for 16–24-year-olds on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Twitch.
The shortlisted companies represent a cross-section of the North East’s production landscape, spanning established linear producers and newer businesses already working in digital formats.
They 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).
All 12 companies will now move into a development phase, during which they will receive support to refine their ideas and pitch directly to BBC commissioners. From this group, up to four companies will be selected to produce their proposed digital projects.
The Digital Accelerator was first announced at the 2025 Edinburgh TV Festival and later outlined in more detail at an industry event at ARC Stockton in November.
That event brought together production companies, freelancers and digital creators from across the North East, reflecting what organisers described as a strong appetite for new routes into digital commissioning.
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audiences and interim director of unscripted, said the programme was focused on helping companies connect with younger audiences.
“The Digital Accelerator is about backing brilliant ideas and ambitious companies to reach young audiences in fresh, authentic ways,” she said. “The North East is full of creative energy, and this shortlist shows the strength and diversity of talent coming through the region.”
Lisa Laws, development director at North East Screen, said the shortlist reflected both the maturity and ambition of the regional sector.
“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,” she said, adding that the programme was about helping businesses “build sustainable digital futures”.
The announcement follows confirmation of a new strategic partnership between the BBC and YouTube, as the broadcaster continues to expand its digital reach and support creators working beyond traditional television.
It also comes amid continued growth in the region’s screen economy, which has generated more than £65 million in gross value added and supported around 1,000 jobs over the past three years.