Drama | Channel 4

Introduction

Channel 4 Drama’s aim is to commission and broadcast the most talked-about and original drama in the UK. We commission new work from both established and up-and-coming drama writers, in order to be a surprising, thought-provoking, entertaining alternative to the drama output on other channels.

Recent shows include Peter Kosminsky’s series about Russian cyberwarfare, The Undeclared War; acclaimed drama Somewhere Boy from new writer Pete Jackson; Dominic Savage and Kate Winslet’s BAFTA winning I Am Ruth, and Iain Weatherby and Charlie Covell’s dark thriller Truelove, as well as award-winning, progressive soap Hollyoaks. Through drama, we are always encouraging audiences to look at the world in a new and different way.

Our main focus is on contemporary dramas which will resonate with a British audience. We will consider period drama, as long as the idea has a resonance in the present day or feels like it is seen through an entirely fresh lens. The second half of the 20th century feels like the most likely period for us to land.

While we are always happy to read ideas from new writers, please be aware that all submissions MUST be submitted via a PACT-registered production company. Channel 4 cannot accept unsolicited material from individual talent or members of the public.

Our Drama favourites

Truelove

Drama starring Lindsay Duncan and Clarke Peters. A gang of older friends make a pact that sets them on a dangerous path.

Somewhere Boy

For 18 years, Danny's dad has kept him locked away in their home, safe from the 'monsters' outside.

It's A Sin

Russell T Davies drama about five friends whose lives are tested as they grow up in the shadow of AIDS.

See more Drama

What are we looking for?

Following a restructure of the Drama department we are reviewing our commissioning strategy and will be publishing detailed guidance on our commissioning priorities here soon.

Submissions process:

Due to the high volume of material we are receiving, we are revising our submissions process. Whenever sending scripts or treatments to the team, please also submit a brief overview of the project, along with the format and the slot it is intended for. We would ask that you only submit ideas which feel like they are relevant to the commissioning priorities as laid out above.

When sending in submissions to anyone in the department, please ensure you always cc Lucy Haig and Lauren Blumfield. Please allow at least 28 business days for us to come back to you with a response, and be aware the response time may be a fair bit longer.

If you are developing an international co-production, ideally with significant funding already in place, then please send to Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions.

To make sure we are inclusive and accessible to all, please let us know if you require any adjustments or assistance for meetings and communications with you.