Channel 4 has issued a challenge to indies to bring them ideas that are “too bold for any other broadcaster or streamer to commission.”
It comes as it launches the 2023 Contestable Fund, where independent producers can pitch “popular, genre-bending and genuinely inventive ideas” to commissioners, with the aim that the best can go into production next year.
The funding is provided by GroupM Motion Entertainment.
“The Contestable Fund was created to encourage indies to think big and pitch the kind of ideas that might not fit into narrow genre briefs and has attracted some of the most inventive and exciting pitches we have seen,” explained Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer.
“We’re looking for audacious, audience-driving shows that also underscore Channel 4’s mission to create genuine change through entertainment. The successful commissions might take time to develop, but we hope they will add to our roster of programmes that go into production next year for tx in 2025.”
Ideas should have the potential to be talked about, become a regular in its linear schedules and be “serious drivers” for its streaming service.
“We love the Contestable Fund as it allows us to create ambitious, buzzy and channel-defining shows with our indie partners,” added Kiran Nataraja, Director of Content Strategy and Planning.
“We’re seeking distinctive ideas that may be cross-genre, with scale and the potential to return, and give us fresh and exciting content to attract broad audiences on both streaming and linear.”
The closing date for initial submissions to the Contestable Fund will be 2nd February 2024.
The process will be overseen by Channel Executive, Art Sejdiu, and final decisions will be made over the Spring in commissioning rounds with Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer and Kiran Nataraja, Director of Content Strategy and Planning.
