Channel 4 plans to take majority participations in third -party production companies as part of its plan to go to internal production.
On Wednesday, the British commercial broadcaster published its annual report, Channel 4 unveiled its creative investment fund, which will support companies with commercial potential.
Jonathan Allan, COO of Channel 4 and the new acting CEO, refused to reveal the value of the company’s independent investment war box. Canal 4 has cash reserves of 111 million pounds sterling ($ 150 million).
Allan said that the Creative Investment Fund would be an evolution of the long -standing independent growth fund, which has taken small participations in companies such as Warp Films, which made Hit Netflix Adolescence.
Allan said that Channel 4 “would reasonably invest” in producers, but recognized that the company would not be able to compete with deep competitors like ITV Studios.
He added that Channel 4 would go to production in a “progressive and carefully managed” way, starting with the launch of the anonymous internal unit in 2026 as a distinct business. He would not disclose income projections.
Deadline revealed Tuesday that Channel 4 hired Ibison, the executive research company led by the former YMU talent agent Nicola Ibison to find a production manager. The role will report to Allan.
The passage of Channel 4 in production is a significant step, signaling the end of its 40 years of history as a network which was the victim of Green all its content in the independent production sector. The British government has removed the publisher’s broadcaster channels in Channel 4 in 2023 as part of an agreement to maintain the company in public hands.
The new internal production boss should have relations with British broadcasters, streamers and American partners, stressing Channel 4’s ambition to make shows for third parties.
