BFI fund YACF gets cut by US$18 million

The reduction could mean 20 fewer UK kids shows get financing support in the initiative's third year, which the CMF calls "illogical."
May 17, 2021

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.

About The Author
News editor for Kidscreen. Ryan covers tech, talent and general kids entertainment news, with a passion for kids rap content and video games. Have a story that's of interest to Kidscreen readers? Contact Ryan at rtuchow@brunico.com

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