25 April 2023

S4C, the Welsh-language broadcaster, has joined ScreenSkills' Unscripted Fund, which works to strengthen the creative sector with new talent and skills in production across the UK.

S4C is the latest broadcaster/streamer to sign up to the fund, joining the BBC, Channel 4, Sky, A+E Network UK, Discovery UK, Channel 5, Netflix, Amazon, ITV, UKTV. The genres supported through the fund are specialist factual, general factual, factual entertainment, sport, entertainment, current affairs, arts and classical music, religion and ethics and education.

"I am really delighted that S4C, the Welsh public service broadcaster is joining the fund," commented Sarah Joyce, Head of Unscripted and Children's TV for ScreenSkills. "Since its creation, the fund has been committed to developing a skilled production workforce across the whole of the UK and we look forward to working with our colleagues at S4C to make a real and sustainable impact behind the camera in productions across the whole of Wales."

"We're delighted to bring Welsh-language programming to the Unscripted TV Fund," added Iwan England, S4C's Head of Unscripted. "Talent development in Wales is a crucial part of S4C's work and, by joining the Fund's steering group, Welsh voices and the sector in Wales will be represented as the Fund's work priorities are set."

The Unscripted TV Fund was created in 2021 with a clear commitment to investing in training outside London. A minimum of 50% of the fund is invested to support training beneficiaries based in the nations and regions, rising to 100% in specific shortage areas. A minimum of 50% of the spend on training is awarded to out of London trainers, and this network has grown over the last two years. At least half of the membership of the fund's council and working groups come from outside London representing all nations and regions, as well as the various genres supported by the fund. Additionally, a minimum of 50% of its beneficiaries have to meet at least one industry-recognised diversity and inclusion aim.

Notes to Editors

Unscripted UK productions contribute 0.25% of the agreed price of the commission split equally between the broadcaster or SVoD and the production company, up to an agreed cap. This means for every £1,000 spent, the broadcaster will pay £1.25 and the production company will pay £1.25. The broadcaster or SVoD collect the fund contribution for the production company.

S4C is a public broadcaster and the only Welsh language television channel in the world. S4C distributes a wide range of programmes including drama, documentaries, news, music, entertainment, live sport and children programmes. Independent production companies produce most of the programmes. Online content includes HANSH a short form service, aimed mainly at 16-34-year-olds. S4C Clic – S4C's player and on demand service provides exclusive content, catch up, archive material and box sets.