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Open for applications now! Deadline 31 December

About the fund

The Small Indie Fund ring-fences £1million a year to back talented small independent production companies with turnovers of less than £10million, with a special focus on diverse-led companies and those based in the Nations and English regions.

The fund is available to companies working across factual, entertainment, comedy, children’s, drama, daytime and film. Support is granted on a company by company basis – and we will consider a number of factors including the strength of the company’s creative potential and current commissioning opportunities. Successful indies receive investment to help them develop and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ mentors. This year we’re offering an increased level of financial investment targeted at a smaller number of companies, alongside both business and commissioning mentors to help them focus on growing their companies and maximising the value of their content.

In 2023/24 the 57 small companies on the fund included 44 with at least two individuals from underrepresented groups in leadership roles and 38 based outside of London. Read the press release for a full list of the 2024 companies.

In 2022/23 the fund supported 48 small companies. Over half of these had diverse leadership and 79% were based in the Nations and English regions, with a significant increase in support for companies based in the North East and Midlands. So far commissions from this cohort include Dreaming Whilst Black from Big Deal Films, 24/7 Pet Hospital from Twenty Six 03 North East and  (w/t) from The Slate Works. Find a full list of the companies supported on the press release.

In 2021/22 the fund supported 50 companies. Three quarters of the indies were based in the Nations and English regions and half had diverse leadership. Commissions from this cohort include: Clive Myrie's Italian Road Trip from Derry-based indie Alleycats for daytime and early peak, a script commission for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ drama from Brock Media focused on developing female East Asian talent, and North Wales based Darlun TV made the six-part ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Two factual series Reunion Hotel.

In 2020 the fund was doubled to £2million in response to the impact of Covid-19, supporting 96 companies. Commissions from the cohort included The Fast and the Farmer-ish from Alleycats, Tan France: Beauty and the Bleach from Cardiff Productions, from Duck Soup, Murder Trial from Firecrest, PRU from Fully Focused, The Pact from Little Door and Made Up in Belfast and B&B By the Sea from Afro-mic.

Applying to the fund

Access to the fund is managed via an annual application process and is open for applications now. Please complete the form below to apply.

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 31 December 2024.

Companies that have previously applied for or been accepted for the fund can apply again.

This year the fund is open to scripted companies across the UK and unscripted producers in Scotland, Wales and England. Unscripted indies based in Northern Ireland will be supported by the separate Hot House development scheme.

Please note, companies must complete a company leadership questionnaire as part of their application. Find a list of the roles we consider as company leadership and our definition of the underrepresented groups.

Producers are encouraged to speak to their usual commissioning and business contacts for further information about the fund.

Application form

Please complete our application form below to apply.