Channel 4's Indie Growth Fund invests in Glasgow-based indie Freedom Scripted

22 June 2022

Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund has invested in the Glasgow-based independent production company Freedom Scripted.

Founded in 2018 by former BBC, STV and World Productions development producer Mike Ellen, Freedom Scripted focuses on high end contemporary drama and has a range of projects currently in development working with some of the most exciting and diverse talent across the UK. Developments include an adaptation of Sarah Moss’ critically acclaimed novel Summerwater by John Donnelly; Southside, a Glasgow set crime thriller from up and coming writer Raisah Ahmed and Berlin based showrunning team HaRiBos; and Unseen, a fresh take on invisibility from BAFTA winning Welsh writer Alan Harris.  

Head of Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund Caroline Murphy said: “Mike has a proven track record having been involved in some of the biggest TV drama during his career spanning more than 20 years.

“Freedom Scripted is at a really exciting moment in its journey and I’m delighted Mike’s company is joining the Indie Growth Fund. Our investment will provide the opportunity to make some key hires and take this business onto the next level.”

Mike, CEO and Creative Director at Freedom Scripted, said “We’re thrilled to be joining the Indie Growth Fund at a perfect time for Freedom and very much looking forward to working with Caroline and the brilliant team at Channel 4. Having built a strong slate of dramas with writers we love and with much more to come, I’m confident this investment will enable us to go to the next level and produce entertaining and talked about shows we can be proud of from all of the UK.”

Before founding Freedom Scripted Mike was scripted Head of Development at the Oscar-winning (Amy and Senna) indie On The Corner and at Alex Rider producers Eleventh Hour. He was previously part of the team at the BBC which green-lit a host of hit shows including: Murder; Peaky Blinders; Wallander and Shetland. During his time there he also produced fifty episodes of long-runner River City. At STV Mike worked as Script Editor on iconic Scottish dramas Taggart and Rebus as well as the BAFTA winning High Times.

The addition of Freedom Scripted takes the current portfolio of companies in the Channel 4 IGF to 18, with ten companies having joined since 2020.

 

Notes to editors

About the Indie Growth Fund

Led by Head of Fund Caroline Murphy, Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund provides additional support to the UK independent creative sector by investing in UK-based SMEs, taking minority stakes to help them to grow their business to the next stage. The Fund’s future strategy is focused on prioritising investment in the Nations and Regions, diverse-led and digital businesses across the UK.