Building on the success of the BBC’s first animation initiative, BBC Children’s and Education has announced that the Ignite Animation Programme will return for a second round with a new search for the best animation talent the UK has on offer.

With applications open today and running until Thursday 8th February 2024, the BBC is once more on the lookout for fresh, bold and innovative animated TV series ideas for a fully funded development opportunity.

Successful creators will receive funding to co-develop their idea in partnership with the BBC, developing it into an industry standard proof of concept which we will then consider for a potential commission.

Open to all, the BBC is on the lookout for UK-centric ideas that appeal to children of all ages from sole creators over the age of 18, collectives, animation studios, production companies or anything in-between.

The return of Ignite reinforces the BBC’s commitment to UK animation and double downs on Patricia Hidalgo, Director, BBC Children’s and Education, pledge to invest in the development of the UK’s animation industry in a bid to create more home-grown UK shows, that reflect the lives and culture of UK children.

Ignite one was launched in 2021 as the BBC’s biggest solo initiative open to any and all animation talent from across the UK, offering the chance to create a brand-new project from scratch. The BBC called on talent from both established independent production companies, BBC in-house production and talented individuals looking for their first break and received over 1000 ideas.

The unprecedented initiative yielded three animation projects including Duck and Frog, Captain Onion’s Buoyant Academy for Wayward Youth and The Underglow, all of which are currently in the commissioning process.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director, Children’s & Education: “Whether you’ve been in the industry for years or just starting out, the beauty of Ignite is that it is open to anyone. We saw so many great ideas from the first initiative, we know the talent is out there and we’re really proud that we can facilitate the development and offer opportunity to new talent from across the whole of the country. We need a buoyant children’s sector and it is critical that there is more culturally relevant content for UK kids on our screens. Ensuring that happens is a key priority of mine and the BBC’s.”

Full details on how to submit ideas and details on the process can be found here.