Applications have opened for Indielab’s annual TV Accelerator programme, with this year’s cohort set to learn how AI will influence the production landscape.

The ninth annual programme designed to support up to 15 early and mid-level indies looking to grow, will introduce them to new AI tools, platforms, and legal frameworks for AI generated content, which could help to reduce production costs.

Deep Fusion Films’ producer/director Benjamin Field, who is currently advising Equity and Pact on the ethical and creative uses of generative media in the TV industry, will support the scheme.

The four-month programme will also focus on helping indies reach their commercial and entrepreneurial potential, comprising panel sessions, masterclasses, briefings, and leadership sessions delivered by industry experts from Banijay UK chief operating officer Sarb Nijjer, The Forge managing director George Faber, Firebird chief executive Elizabeth Kilgarrif and more.

Indielab chief executive Victoria Powell said: “The indie sector continues to come under pressure as streamers and traditional players face a range of challenging issues combined with the rising cost of television. The result is an increasingly complex route to production for the indies.

“It’s vital for successful indies to understand how to build an agile and resilient business for today’s landscape, without compromising their creative DNA. Access to insight, support and connections to navigate this environment and build stable, successful production businesess has never been more vital.”

The scheme is funded by Creative Scotland, the BBC’s Small Indie Fund, Channel 4, Banijay, Harbottle & Lewis LLP and Nyman Libson Paul. Sony Pictures Television will return as Diversity Bursary funding partner.

Applications are open to scripted and unscripted indies from today until Friday 1 March. The fifteen successful applicants will be announced on 4 March, ahead of the programme launch on 16 April.

Last year’s cohort of 16 indies included Derren Lawford’s fledgling indie Dare Pictures, The Great House Giveaway indie Chwarel TV, and The Scottish Island that Won the Lottery indie Specky Productions.

This article first appeared on our sister site, Broadcast.

Image: Indielab TV Accelerator 2023 cohort.