The UK government is reducing the overall budget of the British Film Institute’s Young Audience Content Fund (YACF) by US$18 million, which has kidcos in the region concerned about future content.
The original budget for 2019-2021 was set at US$80 million (£57 million). But following a review by the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the organization will now only get a US$15-million (£10.7-million) top-up for its final year of operation, thereby reducing the total three-year budget to US$62 million (£44 million).
This cut means YACF can now finance approximately 20 fewer shows, according to Broadcast Magazine.
UK nonprofit org The Children’s Media Foundation (CMF) was quick to respond, saying in a statement that the budget reduction “seems petty-minded and illogical.” And according to the CMF, it will result in cancelled shows.
The YACF is part of a three-year push to bolster original kids content in the UK industry. It was launched in 2018 and has led to a number of new shows receiving development funding such as Adastra Development’s Mimi’s World, Paper Owl Films’ Sol, Animation Garden’s Mustard and Ketchup (pictured), Sorbier Productions’ Three at 3 and Zodiak Kids Studio’s Ted’s Top 10.