12 July 2023
S4C International has appointed Claire Urquhart to head up a new Commercial Content Fund.
The fund, part of S4C International's commercial line, will support projects with commercial potential including drama, premium factual and children's content.
It's aim is to seek out creative partnerships that take bigger and bolder Welsh content out to the world.
Claire brings over 20 years of experience in development and production.
She established her own company Silver Strand, that was at the forefront of creating commercial content for the international market.
Having previously held Head of Development roles at BBC Features and Formats and several leading independent production companies, Claire has a strong record of creating returnable brands, formats, brand-funded shows and award-winning series.
Claire Urquhart said:
"I'm excited to be taking on this role. I know the challenges producers face in getting big ideas over the line but I also know the rewards are huge.
"I can't wait to see the brilliant projects that emerge from this fund. I'm also looking forward to meeting the production community in Wales and working closely with them."
Claire will be working alongside the S4C Commercial Team, Chief Finance Officer Sharon Winogorski and Chief Operating Officer Elin Morris.
She will also work closely with the S4C Commissioning team led by Chief Content Officer Llinos Griffin-Williams and overseen by S4C Chief Executive Sian Doyle.
Sian Doyle said,
"It's a pleasure to be able to welcome Claire to S4C.
"She brings with her a wealth of experience, ideas and knowledge that will be invaluable to us as we launch the fund.
"I'm confident that the fund will be a huge boost to the creative sector in Wales and play an important part in S4C's plans for the future."
The announcement comes at an exciting time for the media sector in Wales.
There has been a boost in investment and international interest in Welsh-language content bolstered by the support of Ryan Reynolds and his new channel Maximum Effort, that is showing S4C content on 'Welsh Wednesdays' to audiences across the US.
Claire elaborated on her vision for the fund:
"I want to harness this momentum by stimulating creativity, supporting collaboration and driving commercial success.
"Whether it's securing rights to a top-selling book, creating a pilot in a popular genre, or scaling up an exciting production – the team will look at projects on a case by case basis.
"All we ask is to bring us your biggest and best ideas"
The fund will launch officially in the coming months with full details of what it offers and how to apply.
To learn more about the Commercial Content Fund and explore potential collaborations, please contact claire.urquhart@s4c.cymru
