Channel 4 signs retainer contracts with regional digital agencies

1 August 2013

Channel 4 Online today announced it has signed 12-month retainer agreements with two regional digital agencies, Leeds-based Numiko and Rckt based in Sheffield.

 

The agreements will see each agency guaranteed a minimum spend of £100k over the next 12 months specifically for programme support content commissioned by Channel 4 Online. It is intended that these agreements will lead to improved cash flows, a more efficient commissioning process, and potentially support an expansion of business for both agencies.

 

The retainers have been agreed following a call out at the Channel 4 Online Winter Briefing in December 2012, when digital agencies were invited to submit their interest to work regularly with Channel 4 on programme support projects.

 

Of those agencies who submitted their interest, an additional six were shortlisted to showcase their work to the programme support team – these agencies (Corporation Pop, Chunk, The Connected Set, Fish in a Bottle, Aerian Studios, The Project Factory) now form the basis of a trusted pool of suppliers who are likely to work with Channel 4 Online in the coming months.

 

Jodie Morris, Production Manager, Online said: “Through these retainer agreements, we’re able to make an on-going investment in creative talent outside of the larger, more established agencies across the UK. We work with a number of regional digital agencies already, but we wanted to demonstrate a longer term commitment to supporting them, and also to find fresh new talent to work with.

 

“We’ve been delighted with the projects delivered to us by both Numiko and Rckt in the past and look forward to working with them as trusted partners over the next 12 months. We’re also really excited to explore new project ideas with our shortlisted agencies – and to keep on finding new, regional companies interested in working with us as we remain committed to a broad and diverse supply base.”

 

Jaron Ghani, Technical Director at Numiko said: “It’s wonderful to be building on a very fruitful relationship that goes from strength to strength, and we’re very excited about the opportunities this new arrangement allows. It underlines a commitment on both sides to work even more closely and effectively, creating and delivering excellent digital content and experiences, further enhancing the channel’s exciting and thought-provoking output.”

 

Nick Crossland, Senior Digital Producer at Rckt said: “This agreement marks a significant milestone for Rckt and its relationship with Channel 4. It not only recognises the success of our past projects together, but also the ability and creativity of our team to deliver an original body of work which is enjoyed by a wide audience. We always enjoy working with the team at Channel 4 Online and over the next 12 months are really looking forward to working on a diverse range of projects which will help us to push our creative and technical boundaries. We're also thrilled that Channel 4 recognises the thriving creative industries in the North, and the cutting edge digital work that also takes place outside of London.”

 

Additionally, the Channel 4 Online Product team have agreed a retainer contract with London-based design and UX agency, Nice, to collaborate with Channel 4 on User Experience and visual design for the channel’s video-on-demand service, 4oD.

 

The Product team also currently work with a pool of ten agencies for user testing and research services for all Channel 4’s digital services, including apps, websites and games.

 

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

• About Numiko – Numiko is a digital agency working with leading broadcasters, entertainment companies, world famous brands and not-for-profit organisations. Our work is firmly focused on a user centred approach to digital media strategy and creation, including websites, platforms, tools, applications and content experiences that help engage audiences.
• About Rckt – Rckt are a creative digital agency based in Sheffield. Established in 2003, Rckt now has a team of eight talented individuals united by a passion for creating intelligent and beautiful digital work including websites, mobile apps and social media. Their work covers a diverse range of sectors including television, museums and heritage, education and industry. Recent digital work for Channel 4 includes The Mill, My Mad Fat Diary, 24 Hours in A&E, and The Plane Crash (which was shortlisted for several prestigious industry awards for use of social media).
• Nice’s retainer contract covers small to medium sized projects including: designing a new user flow through a specific product; creating a lo-fi prototype to help demonstrate a new concept; and researching and presenting latest industry trends relevant to on-demand video services. Outside of the retainer agreement, Nice also work with the Channel 4 product team on larger projects. 
• The UX agency roster is regularly reviewed with new agencies added as and when specific specialisms are required.