Channel 4 opens the door to social experiment from Firecracker Films

6 July 2021

Channel 4 has commissioned Open (w/t), a bold new social experiment exploring whether relationships can thrive without monogamy from Firecracker Films. The series was commissioned from the broadcaster’s Global Format Fund, the ringfenced spend designed to stimulate the creation of original new formats from UK-based indies for UK and International audiences.

Open (w/t) is a bold new social experiment, following a grou pof currently monogamous couples as they explore for the first time whether they would be happier in an open relationship. Though still largely taboo, the question of whether or not humans are truly suited for monogamy is a universal preoccupation which continues to divide opinion, not only among scientists, but among the public at large. But what are the implications of renouncing monogamy? Assisted by sex therapists and relationship coaches, the couples will embark on a series of intimate challenges to road-test if the idea of having sex with other people is at odds with maintaining a committed relationship.

The six-part series was commissioned by Head of Factual Entertainment Alf Lawrie with commissioning editors, Tim Hancock and Vivienne Molokwu.  Exec Producers at Firecracker are Federico Ruiz, Tom Garland and Chief Creative Officer, Jes Wilkins. Firecracker is part of the Tinopolis Group and the series and format will be sold internationally by Passion Distribution.

Tim Hancock said, “This provocative new series confronts a profound and unsettling question that is rarely asked openly – but with the insight, warmth and sensitivity of the best factual entertainment formats.”

Jes Wilkins said: “I’m delighted to be in at the start of C4’s Global Format Fund journey with a new series that has so many of the provocative and purposeful hallmarks of successful shows that Firecracker have made for Channel 4 in the past”

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For more information contact Kate Conway, kconway@channel4.co.uk