Welsh language channel S4C is one of the first broadcasters to receive backing from the £57m Young Audiences Content Fund.
The channel, which has its head offices in Carmarthen, has been awarded more than £500,000 to develop content for children and young people.
The fund, managed the British Film Institute (BFI), and financed by the UK Government, backs creative and inspirational projects for children and young people.
The fund was launched in April 2019 and within six months it has been responsible for co-producing nine series and programmes with six different broadcasters, which as well as S4C, are Channel 5, ITV, BBC ALBA, TG4 and Sky.
From a total of 120 applications that were received, S4C has been successful in winning two drama commissions aimed at young people, which deal with challenging subjects.
Additional social media material will also be created, aimed at engaging with young people.
The dramas are:
- Person/A (from Cwmni Da), a play for 12-14 year olds, developed and produced by a team of young people. Themes that are discussed in the series include mental health, emotional intelligence and abuse.
- Y Gyfrinach (from Boom Cymru), a play for 14-18 year olds, tackles geographic isolation by following five friends who are going away for a weekend together.
Amanda Rees, S4C's director of content, said: “Commissioning original and bold children’s content in Welsh has always been a priority for S4C. The YACF fund will allow us to develop even more ambitious content for our younger viewers and refresh the channel’s appeal specifically for older children – an age group that of course watches less traditional television then ever before.
"Thanks to the fund there is also an opportunity to collaborate with other broadcasters to create ambitious content such as animations that can appeal globally. We are extremely grateful for the strategically important opportunities this fund has created and anticipate it will lead to better Service for younger viewers across the country. “
Jackie Edwards, head of the Young Audiences Content Fund, said: “We are impressed with the quality of the applications and are delighted that S4C has been successful in attracting sponsorship from the fund. The commitment and level of partnership from the broadcasters certainly helps to ensure the Fund's positive impact.
"As they take advantage of the opportunities the fund offers, and open their schedules and budgets, we are bringing great new content to children and young people. I'm really excited to see these productions by S4C and the other broadcasters in action.”
