Indielab 2024 TV Accelerator Programme Cohort Revealed

This year’s INDIELAB’s TV Accelerator programme kicked-off to a roaring start with a brand new 2024 cohort of thirteen independent production companies.

This year’s TV Accelerator cohort of indies comprises; Bluebird Pictures, Born This Way Media, Caravan, Colliderscope, Dabster Productions, Envision Entertainment, Esmerelda Productions, Friel Kean Films, North Bridge Media, Polari, Roast Beef Productions, Sylver Entertainment and Witchery Pictures. (See image attached)

Now in its ninth year, INDIELAB’s TV Accelerator has helped the growth of over 140 independent production companies, enabling them to fast-track their businesses, navigate the current market and realise their potential.  Our 2024 TV Accelerator cohort comes from across the United Kingdom, and are not only poised for growth but reflect the diversity - in terms of gender, ethnicity, accessibility, and background - that Indielab champions in the sector. This year, Indielab is delighted to welcome bursary places for the TV Accelerator programme generously provided by its partners Screen Scotland (3) and Sony Pictures TV (3) for regional or diverse indies meeting the relevant criteria.

Hannah Smith, Vice President, International TV Production Operations at Sony Pictures Television comments “Sony Pictures Television is dedicated to championing initiatives that significantly influence our industry and foster an inclusive work environment. We are thrilled to continue the Sony Pictures Television Diversity & Inclusion Bursary for another year with Indielab and to offer positions to Bluebird Pictures, Born This Way Media, and Polari — a commitment that underscores our commitment to nurturing diverse talent and promoting equality in TV production and the wider creative industries.” 

This year’s TV Accelerator cohort produces a broad range of content including scripted, unscripted, feature docs, current affairs, music, specialist factual, kids, comedy and primetime entertainment formats. Significantly, some of the participants prioritise unheard and under-represented voices, both on and off-screen, while some focus on creating regional and purpose-driven content.

Louise Acheson, Head of Business & Market Development at Screen Scotland said: “After a number of years of partnership, it is fantastic to once again support bursaries for three brilliant Scottish production companies on the well-regarded Indielab TV Accelerator programme. We look forward to the successful participation of Dabster Productions, North Bridge Media, and Friel Kean Films, taking part in this programme designed to fuel the growth of participating indies from around the UK.” 

Participants will receive a range of modules including in-depth briefings from top industry leaders, bespoke masterclasses, and seminars in the critical areas needed to succeed in today's global television market. Additionally, the cohort will be able to access practical knowledge from a network of experts chosen to help navigate sector specific issues and challenges, from HR to rights agreements to emerging technologies.

The 2024 programme will run until the end of June and will be delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person bespoke masterclasses and seminars from leading industry experts including; Sarb Nijjer (Banijay), Kenton Allen (Big Talk), Priya Singh (ITV), Andy Harries (Left Bank), Dhanny Joshi (Big Deal Films), and Nicola Hill (The Orchard) alongside practical professional advice from Nyman Libson Paul and Harbottle & Lewis LLP.  Indielab’s accelerator programme culminates in Indie Showcase where programme participants pitch their content and their companies to a market hall of distributors.

Victoria Powell, founder and CEO of Indielab, comments: “I am thrilled that our flagship UK TV Accelerator continues to attract such a wide range of incredible talent, we’re especially pleased to be providing this high-impact growth support to the indie sector in this incredibly difficult year. We have an excellent programme to deliver for this group and we look forward to helping them hone their vision and navigate the opportunities in this fast evolving landscape, where now, more than ever, knowledge and network are key. 

“Our acclaimed accelerator programme expands and adapts to stay current with industry trends and challenges and identify opportunities for growth. We cover an enormous breadth of knowledge, not just the commercial and creative aspects of running an indie but also the importance of inclusive leadership and positive, sustainable business cultures, embracing new revenue models and crucially, how all of these impact growth and success. Each module is focused on providing indies with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to grow a successful and resilient production business, and we hope they’ll enjoy the ride too.” 

The BBC remains a core funder of Indielab as part of its long-term commitment to the growth of small companies across the UK, through its Small Indie Fund and wider commissioning strategy. Channel 4 continues to support the programme too, this year also contributing funding to ensure that the Accelerator is as open and accessible as possible. The 2024 TV Accelerator benefits from two bursary schemes: the first, a diversity scheme sponsored by Sony Pictures Television for three indies run by founders from diverse backgrounds; Indielab also welcomes three bursaries from Screen Scotland for Scottish independent production companies. Additional partners and supporters are global distributor Banijay, law firm Harbottle & Lewis LLP, which provides a free legal helpdesk and Nyman Libson Paul LLP which provides financial, tax and commercial advice.