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Digital firms make child?s play of £500,000 fund

North East companies have been challenged to come up with the next big creative idea for children.

The BBC is calling on independent companies and digital producers from across the region to put forward ideas to rival the BugBears or Shaun the Sheep interactive content on the CBeebies website.

Tuesday night saw the North East launch of the BBC’s @ North scheme, which makes up to £500,000 available for independent companies to develop up to four new interactive ideas for kids.

The announcement came ahead of a preview screening of new multi-part children’s series Tracy Beaker, which was shot in the North East, at the Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle.

BBC North first director Peter Salmon said: “@ North is the first solid and tangible tranche of cash going into key developments, which will allow you to work with a key part of the BBC – CBBC.

“This shows the kind of plans and potential that we want to bring to the North and we might be able to deliver in the region.”

Northern Film and Media chief executive Tom Harvey said: “What’s fantastic about this fund is that it’s the beginning of a journey.

“There has been lots of talk about the BBC moving to Salford and what does it mean, but for us and for you it’s very much about how we are understanding the needs of the BBC and how they are understanding what we have to offer in the North East.

“Media is technology, the convergence has happened so it’s apt that this project is about both of these areas.” Digital producers and independent businesses interested in finding out more about @ North opportunities should contact Farooq.ansari@bbc.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .