Tiny Dragon Productions: Case Study

An early-stage SME based in Newcastle, specialising in immersive, location-based theatre experiences using mixed-reality and multi-sensory storytelling.​ 

Funding and Support Received:​ 

• £25,000 loan (with ACE match funding)  
• and 1:1 business support.​ 
• North East Create Growth Programme 

Funding Supported:​ 

• ‘Space Camp’: A 20-minute immersive adventure with film and 3D sound for families.​ 
• Delivered in a converted shipping container, placed in town centres, museums, and festivals across Sunderland.​ 
• Attracted 1000 attendees, positively impacting areas with low cultural uptake, and driving secondary spend in nearby businesses.​ 

Impact of Funding:​ 

• Enabled capacity building and innovation.​ 
• Helped hire new staff and purchase key equipment.​ 
• Instilled a commercial mindset, supporting business development and revenue generation.​ 

Founder’s Perspective:​ 
“Creative UK helped us move away from grant funding to a revenue-generating business. Their support turbocharged our growth and allowed us to achieve our biggest ideas faster. 

With the help and care of the Creative UK team, tiny dragon Productions has been able to triple it’s turnover year on year and to achieve our biggest ideas on a much shorter timescale.  Their expertise, guidance and incredible network has turbo charged our fledgling business – giving us skills and advice as well as support to successfully access vital funding. 

This has opened up a wealth of fresh opportunities for us to learn and grow. The funding has catalysed the creation of an exciting new product for tiny dragon and allowed us to develop strong business relationships with new partners, enter a new marketplace and build a scaleable business.”

- Matt Runham, Creative Director 

Read more: North of Tyne Culture and Creative Investment Programme announces first Creative Boost investment in Tiny Dragon Productions - Creative UK