The news that Channel 4 has commissioned two new NI series’ from two separate Northern Ireland production companies has been widely welcomed as great news for the Northern Irish TV industry.
The Northern Ireland production companies Tern TV and Big Mountain Productions had much to celebrate recently as they both secured the right to commission two new NI series’ with Channel 4.
These two new NI series’ will also be partly funded by Northern Ireland Screen, with Newry-based Big Mountain Productions commissioned to produce a four-part series and Belfast-based Tern TV also producing four episodes to celebrate small islands.
Partnership with Channel 4 – great news for Northern Ireland Screen
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, speaking about the partnership between Channel 4 and Northern Ireland Screen, said, “Last year, we entered a partnership with Channel 4 to support and grow the production sector in Northern Ireland.
“The More4 Northern Ireland scheme was designed to find a new returnable commission for a local indie. It is testament to the wealth of creative talent we have here that we are now announcing not one but two commissions.
“Our congratulations go to Tern and Big Mountain, and we look forward to seeing both shows when they hit our screens”.
Channel 4 – proud of its tradition of producing great TV shows in Northern Ireland
Jo Street, Channel 4’s Head of Daytime and Features, spoke about how Channel 4 was happy to continue its tradition of producing great Northern Irish TV shows.
She said, “From Derry Girls to Britain’s Most Expensive Houses, we are proud to have a long and collaborative relationship with the brilliant indies in Northern Ireland.
“It is great to commission, not one but two creative new series with our partners at Northern Ireland Screen”.
Tern TV and Big Mountain Productions – both commissioned to produce new tv shows
The TV series that Tern TV has been commissioned to produce will look at celebrating the tiniest islands Britain has to offer; it is called Tiny Islands.
Each episode provides an insight into the lives of their past inhabitants, which include famous figures from saints to prisoners of war as well as farmers and fishermen and artists and monks, all of which lived and worked on these ruggedly beautiful landscapes.
Big Mountain Productions’ TV series, The Country House Auction, will focus on showcasing a selection of unique and rare items as they are brought to be auctioned from castles, private collections and stately home clearances.
On this show, both past owners and prospective rival buyers will explain why the objects are so important to them as antique experts. They will also offer their own personal views regarding the value and significance of each item presented on the show.
