Sony, S4C renew formats pact

Sony Pictures Television has renewed a formats development pact with Welsh pubcaster S4C.

This pact sees the pair work on non-scripted format ideas with Welsh production companies, with a focus on primetime entertainment, fact-ent, reality and game shows for S4C that SPT then sells internationally.

The partnership is in its second year, and has already spawned two full series commissions and to pilots currently in development.

Those that made it to air are Ar y Dibyn (Wild Recruits), a 6x60mins outdoor physical competition series from Cwmni Da that goes out in Wales in the autumn; and Ffasiwn Bildar (Model Builder, WT), a 6x30mins competition format in which contestants vie to become the face of the building industry on the catwalk. It comes from Teledu Avanti cyf and is filming this summer ahead of broadcast on S4C.

The pilots in development are a format focused on reviving traditional trades and a reality series set in the world of truckers.

“S4C is a fantastic creative partner and our collaboration has already produced great results,” said SPT’s chief creative officer for international production, Wayne Garvie (pictured). “We will continue to build on that success over the coming year to really showcase Wales and Welsh producers to the global television community.”

S4C’c content commissioner for entertainment, Elen Rhys, added: “As well as sharing creative expertise and innovative new ideas, one of the great advantages of the scheme is to make the most of what the creative industries have to offer and to showcase Wales across the world, opening economic opportunites for broadcasters to buy into our formats and offering the chance to come here to make their programmes.”