Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
29/05/2002

Belfast companies receive TV production boost

Four independent television production companies with ambitions to become Northern Ireland's leading production houses are being given a head start through a scheme funded by Invest Northern Ireland and Channel 4.
Stirling Film & Television Productions, Brian Waddell Productions, Hot Shot Films and Mint Productions - all based in Belfast - have been successful in their bid to take part in a training and business development programme that will help them land more commissions from UK-wide broadcasters and the international market.
The Research Centre for Television and Interactivity, based in Glasgow, will deliver the Network Development Initiative (NDI) - funded by Channel 4 and economic development agency, Invest Northern Ireland.
Each company is to receive funding to employ a researcher on a fixed-term contract of a year to work exclusively in the area of research and development. A key focus of the initiative is to give the new researchers, and the producers they work with, access to senior commissioning editors across all television networks. They will receive an insight into what sort of programme ideas broadcasters are looking for and how to make a successful pitch.
The NDI is designed to encourage independent producers to become more competitive and to increase their opportunities of winning commissions from the UK networks, rather than rely on local broadcasters.
Piloted last year the initiative was a huge success, with participating companies landing major commissions from UK-wide broadcasters. Topics covered in the NDI training programme include an examination of current trends in television; stimulating ideas and successful programme analysis; techniques for successful pitches; and opportunities offered by digital television. However, priority will be given to introducing researchers to executives from the UK networks in order to understand their programming needs.
Kevin McCann, Director of Enterprise Support with Invest Northern Ireland, the core funder of the initiative, said: "Research and experimentation is key in the development of this sector. The ability to produce high-standard, thoroughly researched proposals automatically lifts a company on to a level where it can seriously compete for those essential commissions which will ensure sustainable growth."
Stuart Cosgrove, Head of Programmes (Nations & Regions), said: "The four successful companies are committed to growing their business through reaching these wider audiences beyond their region. A new dedicated researcher on the team will enable them to focus on achieving this."
Channel 4, www.channel4.com
(GMcG)
VMI.TV Ltd

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

09/07/2024
Clear-Com Announces Successful Deployment Of Its Gen-IC® Virtual Intercom
Clear-Com® has announced the successful deployment of its cutting-edge Gen-IC® Virtual Intercom and SkyPort™ Virtual System Management Platform at the
27/06/2024
Fluid Showcases Successful Partnership With CANAL+
Fluid has showcased its highly successful partnership with CANAL+, where it seamlessly integrates sports data across the broadcaster's operations in 2
08/10/2024
Unveiling The Top London Set Building Companies
Unveiling the Top London Set Building Companies: Transforming Your Vision into Reality Are you looking to bring your creative vision to life? Look no
27/07/2021
USSI Global Develops Key Research Programme
USSI Global has crafted a new research and development programme focusing on audience analytics thanks to a new partnership with AdMobilize. The progr
30/09/2005
BBC joins forces with Research Centre to create new Producer Programme
The BBC has strengthened its partnership with the Glasgow-based Research Centre for Television and Interactivity, by creating a new year-long Series P
17/11/2004
NIFTC launch new programme for small film and television companies
A new scheme, The Film & Television Creative Entrepreneurship Programme, has been launched for small companies based in Belfast and working in the fil
03/06/2004
New research launched on independent film and television production companies
A new study exploring how independent film and television companies led by minority ethnic professionals can further share in the success of the produ
08/02/2002
C4 Researcher programme aims to keep talent in the regions
A development programme funded by Channel 4 is to focus on the 'brain drain' of talent from the regions to London. The Researcher Development Programm
15/11/2006
LOVEFiLM Launches Television Programme Downloads For UK Customers With Discovery Networks
Lovefilm.com has added TV programmes from Discovery Networks to its product line up. The service, which already offers over 62,000 titles in its onlin
20/10/2004
Research finds indie television producers invest £31.5 million in training
The independent television production industry spent £31.5m on training in 2003, according to research undertaken by Spectrum Strategy and commissione
07/01/2004
Research finds public ambivalent about digital television
More people would be willing to take up digital television if they were given the right information and the switchover were easy and cost-effective, a
11/12/2002
MEDIA Programme grants over €2 million to Irish companies
Irish film and television companies received in excess of €2 million euro in EU finance from the MEDIA programme in 2002. The 14 Irish film and televi
18/01/2005
Research shows minority ethnic led production companies face hurdles
Minority ethnic led (MEL) independent production companies face particular barriers to success in the film and television sector, according to new res
05/01/2004
Senior management reshuffle announced at SMG
SMG Television, owners of ITV franchises Scottish Television and Grampian Television, are set to expand their collaboration with international program
08/03/2024
Sky Receives Seven Nominations For 2024 Royal Television Society Programme Awards
Sky has received seven nominations for the 2024 Royal Television Society Programme Awards across kids, entertainment, factual and sports programming.