Small independent producers have just over a week left to apply for the BBC’s Small Indie Fund – Digital, as the corporation opens applications across its full suite of 2025/26 production development funds.
Launched on November 13, the BBC has said that applications for its Small Indie Fund – TV, Small Indie Fund – Digital and Radio & Music Indie Development Fund will close on December 22, with a total of £1.25m available to support indie growth.
The funds form part of the BBC’s ongoing commitment to backing the creative industries in all four nations, with a particular focus on companies based in the Nations and English regions and those led by individuals from under-represented groups.
The Small Indie Fund, which ringfences £1m a year for companies with turnovers below £10m, has a dual focus this year on TV and digital production.
The Digital strand is aimed at indie producers and studios looking to grow their digital expertise across platforms including TikTok, YouTube and BBC-owned platforms, and may result in the production of a short, non-broadcast pilot.
Successful applicants to all three funds receive strategic investment, mentorship from BBC commissioning teams, and introductions across the wider BBC, designed to help companies develop both their ideas and their businesses.
Under the Small Indie Fund – Digital, companies will be paired with mentors from commissioning teams, receive company investment, and may be supported to develop short-form pilots. Creative briefs will be agreed post-selection and could include contributing to the BBC’s digital presence, extending the digital reach of existing BBC content, or partnering with established productions to expand their online footprint.
Applicants must have a turnover of less than £10m and demonstrable experience in digital media, including visualised podcasts, short-form video, livestreams or creator-led content. Experience across a broad range of scripted and unscripted genres is welcomed. Companies can apply to both the TV and Digital strands, but will ultimately be placed on only one fund.
Unveiling the funds in November, David Pembrey, chief operating officer, BBC Content (pictured), said: “We are committed to supporting smaller independent companies and studios, who are a vital part of our creative industries. These funds form part of our wider content and skills investment in the grassroots of production across the UK, ensuring we tell a range of distinctive homegrown stories for audiences.
