Motif Pictures unlocks growth with support from North East CCIP loan

• Motif Pictures, a Gateshead-based content production company, has received a £75k investment from the North East Culture and Creative Investment Programme (CCIP)

• The funding will support the company’s launch into YouTube and the creation of direct-to-audience digital channels focused on sport, culture and storytelling

• This builds on Motif’s existing relationship with Creative UK, including participation in the North East Create Growth Programme and Shared Success fund

Today, Tuesday 27 January 2026, Creative UK is pleased to announce that Motif Pictures, a Gateshead-based production company, has secured a £75,000 investment from Mayor Kim McGuinness’ North East Culture and Creative Investment Programme (CCIP) to support its next stage of growth. 

The £75k loan will support Motif’s strategic shift towards direct-to-audience platforms, responding to changes in commissioning and audience behaviour. Central to this plan is Left Field, a new YouTube channel that will showcase original interview formats, sports documentaries and short-form content. 

James Craggs and Tautvydas Baranauskas

The North East CCIP is a £1.5 million fund delivered by Creative UK on behalf of the North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness. It is designed to provide loans and equity investment to help creative and cultural businesses in the North East grow, innovate, and create impact. 

Founded in 2020 by James Craggs and Tautvydas Baranauskas, the company has delivered critically acclaimed projects for the BBC, Channel 4, and FIFA+. While Motif’s productions have taken the team around the world, their base remains firmly rooted in the North East. 

Having already worked closely with Creative UK through the Creative Growth Programme and Shared Success funding, Motif has demonstrated strong delivery and commercial potential, making the CCIP a natural next step for the business.

James Craggs, Founder at Motif Pictures, commented:

This is a really exciting new venture for us and we’ve been guided brilliantly by everyone we’ve worked with at Creative UK throughout this process. Our aim is to build platforms that are bold, unique and that amplify new and different voices, and this investment enables us to do that. We’re thrilled to be taking this first step in our journey with an excellent partner.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:

It was a no-brainer to back the brilliant Motif Pictures – with their roots firmly in Gateshead, they’re proof that creative businesses can thrive in the North East. I’m really excited to see what’s to come from them as they build on their impressive track record.

Our creative sector is thriving and we’re investing to make it even better. I want our home-grown talents to be able to succeed in the North East while having the opportunity to take their place on the world stage.

Tom Sweetsur, Investment Analyst at Creative UK, commented:

Motif Pictures really stood out to us as a business with both creative ambition and a clear plan for growth. The team has built an impressive body of work across broadcast and branded content, and we were particularly excited by their move towards developing original IP on direct-to-audience platforms. We’re delighted to be supporting the team at this stage of their journey.

Kristian Foreman, Lead Programme Manager, North East at Creative UK also said:

It’s been great to see Motif Pictures grow over time and engage with Creative UK across multiple stages of their journey – from the Create Growth Programme, through Shared Success funding, and now into investment via CCIP. Building long-term relationships with businesses like Motif is something we really value, and this investment reflects the strength of that partnership and the progress the team continues to make.

For further information on North East Culture and Creative Investment Programme (CCIP) Loans and to find out if your business is eligible, visit https://www.wearecreative.uk/support/regional-growth-programmes/north-east/north-east-investment/north-east-investment-loans/

For all press enquiries, please contact Rebecca Maxwell on press@wearecreative.uk