The BBC and Northern Ireland Screen are backing eight independent production companies with £10,000 each in development funding to pitch series for two new BBC YouTube channels.
The Digital Hot House initiative, announced at the Belfast Media Festival by BBC factual director Fiona Campbell and BBC Northern Ireland (BBCNI) senior head of content commissioning Eddie Doyle, is designed to help local indies move from one-off YouTube commissions to series, including formats that can return.
Four companies will develop entertainment ideas for Showground (working title). The other four will develop projects for Perspectives (working title), a channel intended to encourage discussion and debate among 16- to 24-year-olds.
Alongside the development funding, selected producers will receive training and mentoring. They will refine their ideas in short pitch sessions with BBC network decision-makers before presenting their strongest proposals for potential co-commissions between BBC Network and Nations. The BBC aims to commission at least one series for each channel, though commissions are not guaranteed.
“Creating and building content on our YouTube channels is vital to us reaching younger audiences where they are,” said Campbell. “It’s an opportunity to bring vibrant new entertainment formats to life and develop engaging discussions that wouldn’t always be seen on other BBC platforms.”
Doyle added: “This digital Hot House initiative is a great way for both new and established indies to bring fresh, creative ideas that appeal to younger and underserved audiences. We’re looking for proposals and talent that will cut through and make a real impact on audiences.”
The scheme builds on the original Hot House programme, launched in 2022 to help Northern Ireland producers compete for BBC network commissions and co-commissions. Submissions open today, Friday November 13, and close on Friday December 4. Further details are available through the BBCNI commissioning website.
Pictured: BBC factual director Fiona Campbell (right) and BBC Northern Ireland (BBCNI) senior head of content commissioning Eddie Doyle (left)
