Channel 4 Invests in Scottish Producer Firecrest

LONDON: Channel 4 has purchased a minority stake in the Scottish TV company Firecrest Films.

Firecrest Films was set up by Nicole Kleeman in 2008 with an initial focus on current affairs. The company’s output has expanded to include features, documentary and specialist factual. The indie has delivered content for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN.

David Abraham, the chief executive of Channel 4, said: “Nicole’s track record in delivering critically acclaimed content that has led the national news agenda demonstrates the creative talent we have across our nations and regions. Investing in an impressive Scottish producer such as Nicole builds on Channel 4’s ongoing commitment to develop a U.K.-wide creative industry with a focus on growing businesses outside of London to ensure TV better reflects the stories and lives of people right across the U.K.”

Kleeman said: “It has been incredibly rewarding getting Firecrest to this stage but it’s now time to take the company to the next level. This is an exciting time for Scotland’s booming indie sector and with Channel 4’s investment I’m looking forward to hiring a new creative team to increase our output and in turn scale a significant factual TV business in Glasgow, which will hopefully bring more opportunities to a new generation of Scottish production talent.”