Indielab accelerator opens 2020 call for applications DetailsEditor | 29 November 2019 Celebrating its fifth birthday, Indielab Accelerator has announced the 2020 edition of its growth programme for indies looking to achieve scale and develop their business.The programme is set up to provide 15 early and mid-stage entertainment production companies with a programme that explores the growth opportunities specific to their businesses. It includes masterclasses from over 50 industry experts and consultants and sets out to offer global market insight, investment-readiness analysis and an investor-pitching event.In 2020, the programme will offer a focus on international production financing, the potential and challenges involved in doing business in the US, forging relationships with SVOD platforms and developing podcasts.As in previous years, Indielab Accelerator’s 2020 cohort will be will balanced across scripted and non-scripted producers, male- and female-owned businesses and 50% of the cohort will be based in the UK’s nations and regions, in line with the programme’s mission to help nurture diversity and sustainable production hubs outside of London.In recognition of the Indielab Accelerator’s strategy, the BBC is committing to a longer-term partnership with the programme, having become a full sponsor in 2019. Creative Scotland is also a new partner alongside long-time supporter UK broadcaster Channel 4 which will invest in the 2020 programme via its Indie Growth Fund and Nations and Regions content spend.“Over five years and 60 alumni, we have gained a rich and unrivalled insight into the UK’s indie sector, which remains the lifeblood of our world-class creative industry,” said Indielab founder and CEO Victoria Powell. “The biggest take-away is that our programme is more relevant than ever in today’s market, which is facing unprecedented change. UK indies can no longer survive purely on domestic commissions, they must look to the global market. This requires constant focus on building new skills and new relationships. In addition, M&A activity is predicted to rise after a quieter 12 months. Our aim is to use our network and knowledge to provide UK indies with the tools and intelligence they need to navigate these challenges.”New to the Indielab sponsor roster this year is Getty Images with returning sponsors including Banijay Rights.