Barcroft Studios Commissioned by Channel 4 for 4Real Content

Channel 4 has commissioned the independent factual production company Barcroft Studios to produce a raft of short-form factual digital films for the 4Real youth programming content strand through a yearlong output deal.

The commission will see Barcroft Studios produce more than 100 original factual films that will be distributed on social channels. Sam Barcroft, Barcroft Studios’ CEO, will executive produce the 4Real output and will be collaborating with Channel 4’s recently formed Digital Creative Unit (DCU) editorial, commercial and social teams to maximize the reach and success of 4Real’s output across social and digital platforms.

Barcroft said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with Channel 4 on this bold, innovative new move in creating, formatting and distributing original digital content tailored for young audiences. Our 12 years of knowledge gained from producing over 2500 digital original shorts, married with Channel 4’s creative expertise and brand values, is an exciting proposition. We’ll work together to discover and launch grassroots talent and formats for the future that will resonate with youth audiences where they spend their screen time.”

Danny Horan, head of factual at Channel 4, added: “It’s not before time that we are commissioning digital first factual content. We hope the Channel 4 brand and reputation, combined with Barcroft’s expertise, will produce extraordinary stories using innovation and new talent. It’s a new path—one which will extend our reach, our breadth of storytelling and capture a younger, wider audience.”