A SCOTTISH production company has said it is "thrilled" after receiving a funding boost from Channel 4.
Glasgow-based Freedom Scripted won cash from the broadcaster's Indie Growth Fund.
The independent firm was founded in 2018 by former BBC, STV and World Productions development producer Mike Ellen.
Freedom Scripted focuses on high-end, contemporary drama and has a range of projects currently in development.
Developments include an adaptation of Sarah Moss’ critically acclaimed novel Summerwater by John Donnelly; Southside, a Glasgow-set crime thriller from up-and-coming writer Raisah Ahmed and Berlin-based show running team HaRiBos; and Unseen, a fresh take on invisibility from Bafta winning Welsh writer Alan Harris.
Head of Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund Caroline Murphy said: “Mike has a proven track record having been involved in some of the biggest TV drama during his career spanning more than 20 years.
“Freedom Scripted is at a really exciting moment in its journey and I’m delighted Mike’s company is joining the Indie Growth Fund. Our investment will provide the opportunity to make some key hires and take this business onto the next level.”
Ellen, CEO and creative director at Freedom Scripted, said “We’re thrilled to be joining the Indie Growth Fund at a perfect time for Freedom and very much looking forward to working with Caroline and the brilliant team at Channel 4.
"Having built a strong slate of dramas with writers we love and with much more to come, I’m confident this investment will enable us to go to the next level and produce entertaining and talked about shows we can be proud of from all of the UK.”
Before founding Freedom Scripted Ellen was Head of Development at the Oscar-winning indie production On The Corner.
He was previously part of the team at the BBC which green-lit a host of hit shows including: Murder; Peaky Blinders; Wallander and Shetland.
During his time there he also produced fifty episodes of long-runner River City. At STV Mike worked as Script Editor on iconic Scottish dramas Taggart and Rebus as well as the Bafta-winning High Times.
The addition of Freedom Scripted takes the current portfolio of companies in the Channel 4 IGF to 18, with ten companies having joined since 2020.
