The Creative Catalyst
Our commitment to the creative industries is demonstrated by The Creative Catalyst programme, a £1.5m scheme designed to support the growth of the creative sector across Leeds City Region.
Mark Robinson, Creative Director of Wise Owl Films
"There are not many companies pitching documentaries and series that reflect life, in a non-stereotypical way, in the North of England. We want to challenge national perceptions of the region."
Rebecca Papworth, MD, Creative Producer and Executive of CanCan Productions
"We are proud of our location in the North and represent an indigenous company invested in success in the regions, that’s a USP we bring to all our conversations with broadcasters and commissioners."
The Creative Catalyst funded the Leeds City Region Indie TV and Film Development Fund, delivered earlier this year in partnership with Screen Yorkshire. This supported independent TV and film production companies to help develop new content through the COVID-19 crisis.
The outcomes of the fund:
- 22 projects supported across 13 businesses located in Leeds City Region
- The creation of significant opportunities for freelancers working in the region’s TV and film industry
- Allowing the region’s indie production companies to continue producing content to pitch for commissions
The Creative Catalyst is a new initiative from the LEP which was established in response to Channel 4’s relocation to Leeds and broadcaster commitment to increase commissioning in the Nations and Regions.
The Indie TV and Film Development Fund was launched in May to support businesses in our region and the wider industry during a difficult time.
Recipients of the fund include Rollem Productions in Leeds and Meridian Line Films based in York.
Kay Mellor OBE, Managing Director of Rollem Productions said:
“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.”
Nacressa Swan, Executive Producer at Meridian Line Films said:
“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.”
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If you’re a digital business based in Leeds City Region, then you could qualify for grant funding of £10,000 to £50,000 through the LEP’s City Region Digital Investment Fund.