Boost for Regional Indie TV and Film Production Companies

Funding for production companies in Leeds City Region provides much-needed help to increase content creation

Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP) announces it has fully allocated its Indie TV and Film Development Fund, launched in May this year, helping production companies across the region to get ahead of competitors and develop content. Delivered in partnership with Screen Yorkshire, the fund has supported 22 projects across 13 businesses located in Leeds City Region. The investment of £224,817 by the LEP has created much needed work for freelancers in the industry.

At a time when independent production companies faced funding challenges to develop new content due to pandemic related production shutdown, the LEP’s investment provided a much-needed boost to the region’s TV and film sector, creating significant opportunities for freelancers working in the region’s TV and film industry. Recipients of the fund are now producing content to pitch for commissions as a result of this well-timed support.

Nacressa Swan, Executive Producer at Meridian Line Films

Over the last five years, Meridian Line Films have built a strong track record in producing high quality documentary series for broadcasters across the world. But as a diverse, northern indie, we’re also passionate about telling stories and creating formats, from our region and beyond, that reflect modern Britain. The support from the LEP has helped us to progress those projects with UK broadcasters

Nacressa Swan, Executive Producer at Meridian Line Films (pictured above)

You can’t underestimate the importance of initiatives like this at such a critical time, whilst production has been at a standstill. Getting support for development has provided a lifeline and helped ensure that our indies are ahead of the game when it comes to seeking new commissions.'

Sally Joynson, Chief Executive at Screen Yorkshire

The funding from the LEP has been a huge help in boosting and maintaining our content development during these difficult times. In particular, we’ve been able to support upcoming writers to ensure their work can continue and they don’t miss out on any career opportunities.

Kay Mellor OBE, Managing Director of Rollem Productions

The Indie TV and Film Development Fund is just one aspect of The Creative Catalyst programme which will help businesses in the creative industries in a number of ways. It is designed to support and shape businesses to put them on the front foot as the sector continues its return to work in this period of adjustment. More details will follow in the upcoming months.

This initiative is testament to the great partnership work across Leeds City Region and the value we place on the indies working here. We are always mindful of looking to the future to generate opportunities for our young people and now, more than ever, it’s important to invest in what that future might look like for TV and film production in the region.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council

The development fund is one aspect of our broader commitment to the creative industries & building the ecosystem that makes great content. Support for production companies in the region is crucial so they can maintain content creation and strengthen their position for the future as the economy begins to recover.

Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP) and NP11