CHANNEL 4 is set to partner with Screen Scotland to give Scottish independent production companies a chance to pilot new shows.
The initiative is looking to fund the development of fresh entertainment ideas with the plan of launching a pilot during the Christmas period with a Scottish-based indie this year.
Over the last couple of years, Channel 4 Entertainment has launched a series of pilots including The Greatest Snowman, One Night in Hamley's and Jon and Lucy's Christmas Sleepover. These have gone on to return either as one-off annual shows or as returning series.
Phil Harris, head of entertainment and event at Channel 4, said: “The entertainment team has made a concerted push to broaden our supplier base and on-screen content and our partnership with Screen Scotland is the latest step in that process. I’m excited to see some fresh ideas and form more new indie relationships.”
Channel 4 has spent more than £200 million in Scotland since 2007 and in 2019 it invested £19m.
Dani Carlaw, head of unscripted at Screen Scotland, added: “This initiative offers an incredible opportunity for Scotland-based production companies to work closely with Channel 4’s entertainment team.
"Supporting Scotland to deliver in entertainment is a priority for Screen Scotland, and I look forward to seeing our indies push their boundaries creatively.”
The initiative will be looking for programmes with a one-hour format with a maximum tariff of £250,000, inclusive of talent.
The format can either be pre or post-watershed, but it must be returnable and ideally have comedy and entertainment at its heart.
Channel 4 says it would welcome a show with Scottish tones and themes but this is not necessary.
To find out more about how to get involved visit here.
