Jul 5, 2023

There are 3 projects under way in the BBC's Ignite development program.

BBC Children's And Education has announced 3 projects that will continue to develop from the Ignite program, and if funding is available, it will go into production for final broadcast on the network.

The Ignite programme was launched in 2021/7 to identify "fresh, bold and innovative" children's animation projects and to support and develop existing and emerging talents in the UK animation industry. Open calls were made to existing indie production companies, BBC employees in-house, and individual artists who were trying to develop creative ideas. The BBC finally received more than 1,000 ideas.

The 3 projects announced today took part in an 18-month development process and worked with BBC experts to help recruit additional writers, designers, screenwriters, consultants and development and production partners. According to the broadcaster, the current goal is to secure additional investment from third parties and start production on all 3 shows, which will be aired on the BBC in the future. Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children's & Education, said: "Ignite was seeking ideas from all over the UK, but the response was overwhelming and it was not easy to decide which project to go forward. The reason we chose these 3 is because they all have a clear sense of the audience they are trying to target and a strong creative vision. The ideas, stories and characters really felt very original in the British, but they usually retain a familiar sense that is what makes the show successful among children.

Ducks and Frogs, Sam Shaw

Undergrow, Tanya Scott and Sam Morrison

Bouillant Academy of Captain Onion for Wayward Youth, Matthew Bradley (Alt Animation)