Channel 4 reveals the ten Black, Asian & minority ethnic-led indies selected for its Accelerator

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An additional number of impressive indies have also been identified and will continue to work with the channel and benefit from further development

Channel 4 has today revealed the ten indies selected in partnership with The TV Collective following the launch of its Indie Accelerator last month which has seen over 100 companies submit more than 400 ideas.

The Indie Accelerator scheme will pair the following ten companies with Commissioning Heads of Department for unscripted genres who will help them win commissions for the channel:

Afro-Mic Productions (Northern Ireland), Daytime
Cardiff Productions (Cardiff), Factual Entertainment
Nuwave (London), Factual
Tough Crowd (London), Entertainment
Milk First (Margate), Factual
Meridian Line Films (York), Factual
ClockWork (Leeds), Factual
Uplands Television (Bristol), Features and Format
Ranga Bee Productions (London), Features and Format
Douglas Road (London), News and Current Affairs
The indies were chosen for their understanding of each of the genres’ briefs, their bold and exciting ideas, as well as their potential to bring an array of different perspectives and stories to the channel. They will benefit from development money, face-to-face support, and tailored advice.

The range of companies are a rich mix of new and established indies; to supercharge the progression of those already working across the industry, and to bring in some newer, less established voices.

By working with indies of different sizes, from around the country, the initiative will aim to further build upon the different levels of experience they have.

In addition to this, a number of indies who emerged as strong contenders will benefit from working more closely with Channel 4 commissioners on a more informal basis, across each of the genres.

Babita Bahal, Head of Creative Diversity at Channel 4 said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and completely taken back by the number of companies and the quality of the ideas that were submitted. We’ve made firm commitments about what we want to achieve through this two-year partnership with The TV Collective. We’re excited by the ideas and energy our ten accelerator companies will bring to the channel. Beyond this, we’ve been impressed by a number of additional companies who we will continue to engage with as potential new production partners. Having a broader range of voices working with our commissioning team will inspire new ideas and drive meaningful and sustainable change.”

Simone Pennant MBE, CEO and Founder of The TV Collective said: "The level of engagement and the quality of ideas is an endorsement of the skill and expertise that exists among the Black, Asian and Ethnic minority production community, at a time where smaller Black Asian and Minority Ethnic indies are the hardest hit. I'm looking forward to working with Channel 4 to get these companies to commission and am hopeful this raft of distinctive new programmes will create much needed employment as well as bringing new suppliers to Channel 4.”

The Accelerator will kick-off in September and will provide unprecedent access across the channel and bespoke support for each of the ten indies.

Channel 4 will run this initiative again as part of a two-year, long-term strategic plan to engage with a broader mix of production companies in it’s supply chain. Channel 4 recently announced a new commitment to double the number of BAME-led independent producers that it commissions from by 2023.

Ends

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Notes to editor

Quotes from indies:

Uplands Creative director, David Olusoga said: “The TV Collective/C4 partnership is giving a boost to BAME led indies at a moment when our industry has to transform itself to reflect the audiences and the world we are in. Uplands are delighted that being one of the chosen companies gives us the chance to broaden our potential output on Channel 4. Companies like people can become typecast and being given the chance to pitch our ideas into a new genre is a real boost to a company like ours”.

“Douglas Road Productions is delighted to be part of the accelerator programme and we look forward to developing our relationship with Channel 4. We want to continue to make stand out programmes across a range of genres and this new partnership with Current Affairs will help us to achieve that.”

Heenan Bhatti, founder of ClockWork Films said: “We’re delighted to be partnering up with Channel 4 Factual. As a young TV start-up in Leeds, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to grow as a company, both creatively and commercially.”

Emma-Rosa Dias, Managing Director at Afro-Mic Productions said: “I am delighted, excited and humbled that Channel 4 have chosen Afro-Mic to be one of the ten BAME-led indies to join their Indie Accelerator scheme. The opportunity for our ideas to be supported not only by Channel 4 but by the brilliant Jo Street is incredible and I can see this partnership truly blossoming and creating innovative, exciting and impactful content for Channel 4. Not only are we a proud BAME-led independent, we are also regional and to be able to represent Northern Ireland on this scheme is a real privilege. We are very grateful to the TV Collective and Channel 4 for working so hard to make this happen and for recognising the strength that comes from a diverse and representative TV industry.

“Tough Crowd is hugely excited at what this opportunity means for BAME led indies. Not only is it a klaxon to other industry leaders to renew their commitment to diversity but also an opportunity to showcase the plethora of brilliant ideas that will re energise the entertainment space.”

"Nuwave Pictures are hugely excited to partner with Channel 4. We believe that this relationship is the beginning of meaningful and sustainable change in the television industry where diversity is the KEY to innovative, imaginative and authentic content. It is a new age and we are thrilled to be bringing a nuwave of storytelling to the nations screens!"

“Milk First is thrilled to be part of Channel 4’s commitment to advancing diversity in the industry. We look forward to partnering in our shared mission to amplify Britain’s many voices.”

Source Channel 4

August 25, 2020 7:55am ET by Channel 4  

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