Written by new-contact on Apr 4, 2014. Posted in General Interest

Channel 4 in the UK to invest in international co-productions

Channel 4 in the UK has announced plans to invest in drama co-productions, both internationally and in Britain. Simon Maxwell has been appointed the channel’s first Head of International Drama.

“These are exciting times for television drama,” said Maxwell: “Never has the standard of storytelling been so high or the spirit of creative collaboration been so strong. It’s inspiring to see Channel 4 expanding its commitment to world-class drama.

“Through this new international drama slate, we want to take the best home-grown talent out into the world and bring the world to Channel 4 audiences.”

Added Head of Drama Piers Wenger: “This new additional slate of international co-productions will sit alongside both, adding breadth to our offering whilst also giving the opportunity for Channel 4 original drama to reach an international audience.

“I’m delighted that Simon is joining the team and his appointment is a significant step in ensuring that Channel 4’s distinctive values are at the heart of all of our co-productions. Simon brings with him a wealth of experience as a commissioner and filmmaker and a supreme inside track on the international market.”

Channel 4’s high-profile international TV acquisitions have included the US domestic terrorism drama Homeland (top) and French supernatural series The Returned. More recently the historical drama miniseries New Worlds (above) was filmed for Channel 4 by Company Pictures, having filmed on location in and around Bristol.

The broadcaster has committed to filming more general content on location in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland under the terms of its new licensing agreement issued by UK regulator Ofcom.