Channel 4 Invests in Whisper Films

LONDON: Channel 4 has picked up a minority stake in the indie sports producer Whisper Films, which is looking to build up the TV arm of its business.

Whisper Films has a reputation for creating high-quality sports programming, with a slate that includes films for global brands within Formula 1, the BBC, ITV and more. The company was set up in 2010 by Sunil Patel, previously a producer for BBC Sport; David Coulthard, a former Formula 1 racing driver; and Jake Humphrey, a TV presenter and journalist who leads BT Sports football coverage. Following Channel 4’s investment, Whisper Films will soon hire a new head of television and a small development team to leverage the company’s extensive contacts and develop the television production arm of the business.

David Abraham, the chief executive at Channel 4, said: “Sports production is an important part of the industry and I’m excited that we’re making our first Growth Fund investment in this area. Whisper is a highly creative and well-connected company that makes incredibly high-end sports programming through its branded content division. We’re looking forward to working with Sunil, David and Jake to help them continue to grow their business as they develop their ambitions to move into TV production.”

Patel, the managing director of Whisper Films, added: “Our partnership with Channel 4 is a fantastic springboard to showcase Whisper Films’ collective experience, creativity and enthusiasm to the broadcast world. We can’t wait to get started on expanding our business to excel in new genres and nurture our valued reputation for distinctive sport and branded content to achieve significant growth in the years to come.”

Laura Franses, the head of fund at Channel 4, said: “We’re delighted to add our eighth investment to the rapidly expanding and diversifying Growth Fund. It’s great to find a very ambitious early stage company with a skillful exciting management team from a different discipline.”