Channel 4 invites N&R based production companies to apply to its 2021 Emerging Indie Fund

17 September 2021

Channel 4 today launched its 2021 Emerging Indie Fund, opening it to applications from small N&R based indies.

Successful indies can expect to benefit from guidance and insights if they secure a place within the fund.

Last year the fund received nearly 150 applications from production companies across the UK keen to take advantage of all the expert advice and practical support on offer to those who successfully manage to join the Emerging Indie Fund.

A total of 11 indies were selected to receive support from the Emerging Indie Fund and, such was the quality of applications, a further five discretionary awards were made.

Several indies lucky enough to secure successful applications to the fund went on to win commissions with Channel 4 including: Hatchling Films’ My Mother’s Murder; DNA Diners (working title) by Salamanda Media; One Night Stand? by Hello Mary and The Great House Giveaway produced by Chwarel.

Salamanda Media’s Amanda De Freitas said: “Having Channel 4’s backing, support and seal of approval was a huge vote of confidence for us and allowed us to be seen and heard as a tiny indie amongst a pool of big, established companies. With support from the Emerging Indie Fund we have now had our first Channel 4 daytime series commissioned which is an incredible foundation for us to grow our business further.”

Hatchling Films’ founder Fran Baker said: “Launching an indie is a pretty nail-biting experience, but the Emerging Indie Fund has been an enormous help for Hatchling Films - both in developing a slate and whilst making our first commission for Channel 4. The support and intelligence from all corners of the channel has been fantastic, being championed by the channel has made it feel possible to start up and grow a regional indie.”

In addition to providing financial assistance, successful indies receive slate development support and mentoring from a commissioning editor, as well as online sessions with Channel 4 specialists from disciplines such as business affairs, scheduling, commercial strategy, legal, sustainability and creative diversity.

Rebecca Thompson, Head of Indie Relations, Channel 4 said: “Providing practical support and guidance can really help indies grow and move onto the next stage of their development. The combination of time with commissioning and financial support can make a huge difference to small production companies.

“The Emerging Indie Fund is one of the many ways Channel 4 is helping boost growth in the broadcast industry across the Nations & Regions and it’s vital we continue to help generate opportunities by nurturing businesses and talent within the broadcast sector.”

Indies have until 15th October 2021 to submit applications. They are invited to target specific genres – entertainment, fact ent, news and current affairs, daytime, features, factual, comedy, drama and digital.

Details on how to apply can be found here