RDF makes Welsh investment

Banijay-owned RDF Television is investing in UK prodco Wales&Co and collaborating with the firm on factual entertainment and documentary projects.

Jim Allen

RDF West, the Bristol-based arm of RDF, is investing an undisclosed amount in Wales&Co, headquartered in Cardiff, and pairing with the firm across a range of unscripted Welsh projects.

Wales&Co was founded six years ago by MD Martyn Ingram and creative director Ian Durham. It has produced a range of documentaries including, most recently, Rhod Gilbert Stand Up to Shyness (BB1), Young Welsh & Pretty Minted (BBC3) and Gareth Thomas v Homophobia – Hate in the Beautiful Game (BBC2).

RDF West has established itself in Bristol with shows such as Shop Well For Less?, Eat Well For Less? and Dickinson’s Real Deal.

The collaboration will also further the company’s credentials in Welsh coproduction, following its success with Only Connect in partnership with Parasol Media and previous series made in Wales including Oz & James Drink to Britain and Wogan’s Ireland for the BBC and The Renovation Game for Channel 4.

RDF MD Jim Allen said the investment was a strategic move into Wales in response to the demand from broadcasters for an increase in programming from the UK nations and regions.

Martyn Ingram added: “This is a really exciting moment to be working in Wales. With increased commitment from the BBC and Channel 4 in the nations and regions, there are many new creative opportunities and we believe that this new, and very different, partnership with RDF West will make it possible for us to grow and produce even more quality programmes for a range of broadcasters.”