Category: TV
Entertainment
Date: 21.06.2004
Printable version
No matter how
new or small the regional production company - it's the idea that matters.
That's the message Jane Lush, Controller Entertainment Commissioning,
sent out today as she launched a Β£100,000 fund, called You
Don't Need To Live In London, which aims to boost regional production.
Successful applicants from the English Regions
will benefit from funding of between Β£20,000 and Β£40,000.
The independent companies will be mentored by Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Entertainment - with a dedicated senior entertainment executive
working with them to develop and mould their idea as well as full business
affairs support.
Jane Lush, said: "I'm looking for ideas with creativity
and originality and they don't have to be the biggest or the grandest
ideas to work for the channels - look at how successful 3 Non Blondes
has been.
"I want to work with the independent sector outside
the M25 to develop their ideas; I hope to unearth regional talent which
would benefit hugely from a cash injection."
The scheme is backed by Pact, the UK trade association
representing the commercial interests of independent feature film, television,
animation and interactive media companies.
Margaret Scott, Director of Nations and Regions at Pact
said: "This is an initiative that will produce real and tangible
benefits to small and medium enterprise in the English Regions looking
to diversify into entertainment and comedy.
"It's an example of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ providing venture capital for the sector
in a proactive and positive way.
"Pact is delighted to endorse this new and creative enterprise."
Companies should submit the following:
A business plan which specifically covers its plan to expand into network
entertainment.
A sample of ideas/work in production.
CVs of key personnel already in place.
Confirmation that the company is a qualifying independent company.
Evidence that the company can match the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Entertainment funding through
other investments.
To apply to the fund, applications should be sent to Claire Evans, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Entertainment by 31 July 2004.
