C4 pumps cash into All 4 content

Channel 4 in the UK has announced a “multimillion-pound” increase in investment in original and acquired online content for its VoD service in 2017.

Richard Davidson-Houston

All 4, which houses programming recently aired on Channel 4 as well as exclusive foreign shows under the Walter Presents banner, will be given eight “thematic strands” that will form the basis of future commissions and acquisitions.

These include New Romantics, which will explore modern love in all its forms; Rich Kids, an examination of what it means to have a rich life; Ballsy, a home for those pushing life to the limits; and Freaks & Uniques, a look at extraordinary people living unbelievable lives.

There are also strands for music and culture, gaming and the internet, topical series and drama and comedy. This content will sit alongside brand-funded series online on All 4, which is also being given a makeover to make it more user-friendly.

“This phase in All 4’s evolution sees us yank it out of the world of catch-up TV and into the expanding OTT space. In all aspects of the user experience, from editorial to design and functionality, All 4 is becoming more personal and intuitive to use,” said Richard Davidson-Houston, head of All 4 and digital content at Channel 4.

Elsewhere, Channel 4 has commissioned Back (6×30′), a comedy written by Emmy-winning Simon Blackwell (Veep, In The Loop, Peep Show), starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb (Peep Show).

The series is being produced by That Mitchell & Webb Company in association with ITV Studios-owned Big Talk Productions, with BBC Worldwide handling international distribution.

Meanwhile, the broadcaster has commissioned a third season of reality series SAS: Who Dares Wins, which will begin filming next year. It has also picked up the exclusive free-to-air UK television rights to show all England and Scotland football matches at the UEFA Women’s Euro tournament next summer.