Studio boss uses Downing Street event to voice concern over future of children’s content

The owner of a Birmingham-based animation company has voiced concerns to Government over funding to produce important children’s content.

Chris Randall (pictured), from Second Home Studios, shared his views to Jonathan Reynolds, Minister for Business and Trade.

Mr Randall voiced grave concerns over the disappearance of funding for the UK media sector to continue to produce quality children’s public service content.

The meeting took place during a reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to recognise the contribution of small businesses to the UK economy.

Second Home Studios are creators of Birmingham’s first stop-motion animated series, Tweedy & Fluff, which is now celebrating its first anniversary on air on Channel 5’s Milkshake!

Mr Randall said: “Our show, which is awash with public service values, steeped in craft and celebrating the nurturing qualities of caring for something smaller than yourself, was only possible thanks to the BFI Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which sadly is no more.

“We were the last show to squeak through the gates of being funded by this scheme, which was due for a government evaluation to assess the impacts of the Pilot and inform any decision to close or continue the Fund.

“No such evaluation took place and it was simply scrapped by then Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries in January 2022.”

At the reception, Mr Randall was given a rare opportunity to direct concerns to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

He pointed out that for a very modest £44m over three years, the benefits of the Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF) to the audience and the industry could not be overstated.

Mr Randall added: “There is a worldwide crisis in children’s production, but there is an opportunity for this government to create an immediate and meaningful stimulus within this tax year, to keep the industry alive whilst the bigger questions around the new media landscape are considered and a coherent public policy strategy developed.

“Reviews have already been done, but fiscal action is needed immediately.”

Mr Randall said the meeting ended on a positive note when Rachel Reeves offered a direct follow up with her office.