Channel 4 to join The Digital Fiction Factory

Channel 4 has partnered with The Digital Fiction Factory to create new multiplatform drama concepts. Channel 4 joins BBC North and Conker Media who founded the initiative in April 2011.

The partnership, which will run for two years, will result in the creation of four unique multiplatform Drama content concepts in the first year across new and emerging platforms - which could include games, connected television, web and social media; as well as broadcast television. Channel 4 may go on to commission one or more of these concepts.

The Digital Fiction Factory aims to nurture both new and established writers' interest in innovative and experimental drama formats. Channel 4's collaboration with The Digital Fiction Factory will see them join the existing network of BBC North and a range of creative companies and academic institutions based in the north. Companies within The Digital Fiction Factory will have the opportunity to build new relationships with Channel 4, complementing the commitment to increasing digital diversity of supply.

Lee Hardman, Director of The Digital Fiction Factory said: "We're delighted to welcome Channel 4 as a stakeholder-partner in the DFF which brings greater opportunity for the Creative and Academic networks and a clear focus on near-future storytelling innovation."

Hilary Perkins, Multiplatform Commissioner for Drama, Channel 4 said: "I am very pleased to be working with the Digital Fiction Factory; creating truly multiplatform Drama is a big challenge, so this is a great opportunity to explore new ideas and concepts, and to expand our relationships with companies and writers in the North."

Notes to Editors

About The Digital Fiction Factory:
Based in the North West and working with established creative talent, The Digital Fiction Factory is a creative partnership between Conker Media, BBC and Channel 4 and looks at developing the concept of multi-layered fiction: telling stories across two or more platforms. Although concerned with advances in technology, The Digital Fiction Factory is not primarily a technical endeavour, rather the project is writer driven and audience focussed: creating digital fiction events that will play out across existing, new and emerging platforms, including:
TV and radio (including IPTV)
Online
Mobile (including Tablet)
Social media
Live events (including publishing and live performance)