Channel 4 supports 13 Nations and Regions Indies through Emerging Indie Fund Extra

Channel 4 has announced details of 13 indies from across the UK which will receive support as part of the broadcaster’s inaugural group of Emerging Indie Fund Extra companies.

EIF Extra offers additional support to companies which have previously been part of the Emerging Indie Fund, providing critical slate development funding to help them to develop further ideas to pitch to the channel.

EIF Extra supports companies from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as companies from across the English regions. It offers financial backing to develop a strong, diverse slate of content, and training to refine and align content strategies with Channel 4’s priorities.

EIF Extra is only available to companies which have previously successfully participated in the EIF, including those that received discretionary awards.

Rebecca Thompson, Head of Indie Relations, Channel 4, said: “We have already built up a strong cohort of existing emerging indies that we have supported throughout the previous four years of Emerging Indie Fund, and remain committed to supporting these companies. 

“After a period of disruption across the industry, and the launch earlier this year of our new Fast Forward strategy, we wanted to offer some of these indies an opportunity to access some additional support to help them adapt to the changed climate and strategy. The selected indies have already used their EIF experience to build relationships and establish a slate of great ideas, and we’re excited to see where this additional support will lead them.”

Emma Hardy, Channel 4’s Director of Commissioning Operations, said: “Channel 4 is deeply committed to supporting independent production companies based in the Nations and Regions through programmes like EIF Extra. It aims to empower companies and ensure that creative talent from across the UK has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation's vibrant cultural landscape.”

Companies which will be the first participants in Channel 4’s EIF Extra are - 

• Blair Black Films – Belfast
• Chatterbox – Brighton/Gateshead
• ClockWork Films – Leeds
• Fabel Productions Ltd. – Belfast
• Flabbergast TV– Glasgow
• Frank Films – Bristol
• Full Fat TV – Birmingham
• Hill 5.14 – Bedfordshire
• Kailash Films – Cardiff
• Postcard Productions – Cardiff
• SLNda Limited – Loughborough
• The Slate Works – Frome
• Walk on Air Films – Belfast
   

Nagajan Modhwadia, CEO & Executive Producer at SLNda said: “Our company is seven years old, and for the last three years, Channel 4 has been an incredible cheerleader and support to us. They have recognised the potential of our tiny, ambitious, independent company, providing their time, patience, and expertise to help us grow. 

“This award means so much to us, both as a symbol of Channel 4's belief in the work we are doing, but also as a vital practical resource. We cannot emphasise enough the financial challenges of being an unfunded indie company in the scripted drama space, and this award will enable us to continue developing the writers and the stories that we have so much belief in. We are so grateful for this opportunity - thank you, Channel 4!” 

Gwen Hughes, Founder and Creative Director at Kailash Films, said: “We are thrilled to receive this support from Channel 4, especially at a time when the industry faces significant challenges. For smaller indies like Kailash this award is vital and will enable us to build on what we have already achieved at the channel whilst also making new connections with EIF Extra companies from across the UK.”

Tobi Olujinmi, Founder and Executive Producer at Hill 5.14, said: “We’re beyond delighted to be a part of the Emerging Indie Fund: Extra. Channel 4 has always supported the vision of Hill 5.14, so we’re hyped to be working closely with them again, as we at Hill 5.14 continue to develop bold and distinctive ‘light on a hill’ stories.”