The BBC today unveiled the 57 companies that have won cash funding through the 2024 round of its Small Indie Fund.
Launched in 2020, the fund was established to support the growth of small independent production companies across the UK with turnovers below £10m across drama, entertainment, comedy, factual, daytime, and children’s. For the first time this year, the fund also supports BBC Film. All recipients receive what the BBC described as “strategic investment” and a BBC commissioning editor as a mentor. With the inclusion of BBC Film, the companies will receive around £1.5m this year.
Recipients include Dreaming Whilst Black firm Big Deal Films, Me+You Productions, the firm behind Kate Winslet-starrer I Am Ruth and Turnover Films, the company launched by Rye Lane producer Yvonne Ibazebo. Scroll down for the full list.
The BBC has said the 2024 cohort saw the highest-ever number of diverse-led producers, with 77% (44) companies having at least two individuals in specific leadership roles from one of the following under-represented groups: Black, Asian or minority ethnic, disabled, or working class. 67% (38) of companies are based outside of London, with an increase in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the West Midlands.
“We thank all producers who applied to the Small Indie Fund this year. We know it remains a challenging time for the sector, and the Fund demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting smaller producers, right across the UK,” said Matt Travers, BBC Head of Business, TV Commissioning and Business Development.
Emma Kayee Head of Production, BBC Film added: “The sheer number of strong applications we received is testament both to the outstanding talent in our independent film sector and the unprecedented challenges so many producers are currently facing. We’re excited to be working with these ambitious, forward-thinking companies and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Companies selected for the 2024 Small Indie Fund:
Northern Ireland
Afro-Mic Productions
Big Mountain Productions
Fabel Productions
HopSkip Studios Ltd
Out of Orbit
Wales
Afanti Media Ltd
Cardiff Productions
Cwmni Da
ie ie productions
Kailash Films
Red Seam
Scotland
Barry Crerar Ltd
Beezr Studios
Flabbergast
Furnace Ltd
North Bridge Media
Pure Leo Ltd
Unified Theory Productions Limited
English Regions
Candle & Bell Limited – North East
MCC Media Ltd – North East
Schnoobert Productions Limited – North East
Wander Films Limited – North East
Candour Productions Ltd – Yorkshire & The Humber
ClockWork Films – Yorkshire & The Humber
Public Dreams Ltd – Yorkshire & The Humber /London
Boudica Entertainment Ltd – North West
EMU Pictures Limited – North West /London
The Fold– North West
Northern Heart Films – North West
FirstLookTV – West Midlands
Full Fat Television – West Midlands
Rural Studios – West Midlands
Walking House Limited – West Midlands
Chalk Productions – South East
Flashing Lights Media – South East
Ten66 Television Limited – South East
Caravan East – East
The Connected Set – South West
London
104 Films
Acme TV Ltd
Big Little Fish Television Ltd
B-Side Production
Gingerbread Pictures Ltd
Greenacre Films
Me+You Productions
Moonspun Films Ltd
Nico Productions Ltd
Parti Productions
Quiddity Films
Rebel Park Productions
Rockerdale Studios
So & So Productions
Sungazer Ltd
The Corner Shop Productions
Turnover Films
Vibrant Television Ltd
Wild Swim Films
