Channel 4 is on the hunt for “bold, returnable” British unscripted formats, launching a proof-of-concept development fund.
The fund, to be overseen by Art Sejdiu and Vivienne Molokwu, will greenlight three to five concepts from indies, with each being offered £100,000 in development support. The focus is on “big, broad, returnable formats.” The goal is to take at least one to a full series commission, which will be funded by Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media Company.
Sejdiu, Channel 4’s head of commissioning development, said, “Big ideas need big development, and Channel 4 wants to support the independent production sector to develop the best ideas. This fund is about giving British indies the space and backing to really kick the tires on ambitious new formats. I hope it’ll help the next wave of original British unscripted IP break through.”
Molokwu, senior commissioning editor at Channel 4, added, “Well-funded proof of concepts can transform our understanding of an idea and offer invaluable insights. With this new fund, Channel 4 is strengthening its partnership with the U.K.’s independent production community by investing in and supporting great ideas early on to help create the next generation of standout, returnable formats.”
Ideas should be submitted via 4ideas. The deadline for initial submissions is the end of July.
