Four North East production companies have each been awarded £100,000 through the BBC and North East Screen Digital Accelerator initiative, a £400,000 cash pot supporting digital-first content. The selected firms are Adventure Alliance Films and Northern Child, both based in Newcastle; FilmNova, based in Gateshead; and Wander Films, based in Middlesbrough.
The programme, launched by the BBC and North East Screen, is designed as an experimental pilot to help companies develop bold digital content for younger audiences and test new ways of working. The investment marks a major milestone for the initiative, which aims to strengthen the region's position in screen innovation.
Projects range from arm-wrestling to DIY
Adventure Alliance Films will use the funds to build its next chapter of adventure entertainment, teaming up with Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes, known as The Sidecar Guys. The new strand will see the duo back on their three wheels, following their curiosity across the world and finding the extraordinary in the places, challenges and people they encounter.
FilmNova is set to reimagine arm-wrestling for a new generation, combining authentic sporting competition with the energy, personalities and storytelling of the creator economy. Through live events, audience interaction and shareable content across multiple platforms, the team aims to create a digital entertainment format rooted in the North East but built for a global audience.
New digital brands and YouTube channel
Northern Child will launch two new talent-fronted digital brands across multiple platforms. Using newly filmed content, the working title of Just Do It Yourself! will combine practical DIY tips and tricks with entertaining formats to give audiences the skills and confidence to make, fix and install things around the home, potentially saving hundreds of pounds.
Wander is launching a new YouTube-first entertainment channel that will put people through playful, high-pressure social games to test their relationships, judgement, instincts and how well they know the people around them.
Backing innovation and sustainable businesses
Mariel Capisciolto, BBC head of digital development, said: "The way younger audiences discover and engage with content on digital is changing rapidly, and we want to help independent producers seize the creative and commercial opportunities that brings. What has been particularly exciting about this programme is the ambition and diversity of ideas coming from these four companies, from creator-led entertainment and competitive championships to outdoor adventures and new YouTube channels."
She added: "We're backing them not just to make great content, but to experiment with new ways of reaching audiences and building sustainable businesses beyond traditional commissioning models. This is a chance to support innovation, take creative risks alongside independent producers and help develop the next generation of digital content businesses in the North East."
Lisa Laws, development director at North East Screen, said: "The Digital Accelerator demonstrates what can happen when a major broadcaster and a region with ambition come together to do something genuinely different. The North East has built a reputation for embracing innovation, moving quickly and bringing partners together to make bold ideas happen, which is exactly why programmes like this can succeed here."
She added: "The companies taking part are not simply developing new ideas; they're exploring new business models, new revenue opportunities and new ways of reaching audiences in an increasingly digital world. Together, we're creating an environment where companies can test new ideas, take creative risks and develop content for the next generation of audiences, helping position the North East as a place where the future of screen content is being shaped."
