About

Yorkshire and the Humber is home to 1,000 businesses across TV, film and games, which employ over 6,000 people. The region’s screen industries have seen employment increase 116% between 2015 and 2018 (compared to 11% nationally).

Despite this, the industries of the region face unprecedented challenges. From talent and skills shortages, to the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technology, a lack of diversity in the workforce, the difficulties in bringing new products to market, and the coronavirus crisis, there has never been a more pressing need for support in the screen industries.

SIGN aims to meet these challenges through a comprehensive, three-year programme of activity. Diversity and inclusion is prioritised across all the work undertaken. Our team of experts research the issues, and find innovative ways to combat them.

We work closely with businesses in the region to fully understand their specific needs and the problems they face. Training and business support is delivered in consultation with industry and specialist partners. Strong collaboration with industry ensures that the interventions we deliver remain relevant. This translates into useful knowledge, creative and diverse activities, and sustainable growth. 

SIGN builds upon and extends the work of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Creative Economy Programme, including XR Stories; Innovate UK’s Audiences of the Future Programme, including Weavr; the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Digital Economy Programme, including Digital Creativity Labs; and the work of Screen Yorkshire, the British Film Institute (BFI) and ScreenSkills.