A new strategic accelerator for established independent production companies repositioning for a changed market
Applications open 10AM Tuesday 20th January for the new Indielab Content Futures 2026 Accelerator.
The independent TV and content sector is operating in a market that has fundamentally shifted. Commissioning dynamics have changed, audience behaviour has fragmented, and routes to value now extend far beyond traditional broadcast.
The Content Futures 2026 accelerator programme has been specifically designed to support independent production companies to reassess their commissioning focus, audience data, revenue mix and operating model – with clarity and commercial realism.
Applications are open to established Indies across scripted and non-scripted genres, including previous Alumni, to receive three months of strategic positioning across core business areas, commencing in April.
What is Content Futures 2026?
Indielab Content Futures 2026 is a cohort-based strategic accelerator for independent production companies operating in a structurally changed market.
It is designed for founder-led and leadership teams with an existing track record repositioning their business in response to new commissioning realities, evolving audience demand and diversified revenue opportunities.
The programme focuses on decision-making across content, audiences, commercial models and capability – helping companies sharpen focus, avoid false opportunities and build more resilient futures.
Who is the accelerator programme for?
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Established independent production companies
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Founder-led or leadership-run businesses with existing credits and trading history
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Companies experiencing pressure from fewer commissions, slower greenlights or margin compression
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Indies reassessing content strategy, revenue streams and partnerships
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Teams making next-phase strategic decisions about focus, priorities and growth
This programme is not introductory. It assumes experience and focuses on next-phase decisions.
Indielab alumni are warmly welcomed. This is a newly designed programme reflecting how significantly the market has shifted, offering alumni the opportunity to recalibrate content, revenue and growth strategy in light of new commercial and structural realities.
Key Areas of the Programme
Strategic direction & growth planning
This work focuses on the real strategic decisions facing independent production companies now. Participants assess how shifts in commissioning, audience behaviour and production economics affect their business, and where growth exists. Using structured frameworks, companies clarify their core proposition, prioritise content and revenue opportunities, and identify which activities to stop, sustain or invest in. The emphasis is on focus and commercial realism, not growth for growth’s sake.
Applications Open - 10am Tuesday 20th January
Funders & Sponsors
With grateful thanks to our 2026 funding partners and sponsors
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