Channel 4's 4iP
The eagerly awaited launch of 4iP in the West Midlands has finally arrived with Screen WM and Channel 4 unveiling a £10 million joint investment 4iP fund, supported by Advantage West Midlands. In addition, Screen WM has also secured a £1.3 million support package.
There has been massive excitement and anticipation surrounding 4iP since the announcement back in March that Screen WM had secured a £10 million new digital fund, with Birmingham set to become one of the first UK commissioning hubs for 4iP.
What we're looking for ...
4iP is a creative pilot fund that aims to re-invent how publicly-valuable content is conceived, funded and delivered on new media platforms. In plain English, that means supporting great ideas for websites, games and mobile services which help improve people's lives. 4iP is expressly not a television fund!
Key elements of creating a successful 4iP application include:
- Is your project 100% native to digital networks, with its centre of gravity in participation or collaboration?
- Will it deliver Channel 4's public purposes in a 4-like fashion?
- Can it thrive without ongoing support from 4iP - what is the commercial model?
- Can it thrive without without cross-promotion from TV channels?
For full submission guidelines, please click here
How to apply ...
The application and commissioning process has been designed to be as fast and effective as possible in the early stages, with a simple online submission form. Submit your outline ideas online via the 4iP website at submit.4ip.org.uk
All proposals will be considered as long as they support truly innovative use of digital media and demonstrate genuine public value. 4iP’s editorial focus will be on working with the best talent from around the region both individually and within more established businesses.
What happens next ...
Step One:
Proposals reviewed by 4iP Digital Media Manager and Screen WM's Head of Innovation
Step Two:
The best ideas will be developed with 4iP Digital Media Manager before being pitched to Channel 4's 4iP steering group for endorsement
Step Three:
Channel 4 endorsed projects will be invited to submit full and detailed application to Screen WM online
Step Four:
Projects which meet Channel 4 and Screen WM objectives and criteria for the fund will be invited to pitch to Screen WM. Approved projects will be submitted to Screen WM's 4iP investment panel for final endorsement.
For a full and detailed outline of this process - including Business Link engagement, please download the following file:
4ip_process_BL_revised (.pdf 891 KB)
Here to help ...
The new £1.3 million support package will be delivered by Screen WM to support digital screen media in the region and will help with 4iP project development, major networking and showcase events, attracting top level commissioners to the region, and innovative cross-sector workshops to help encourage collaborations between regional TV, film, games, arts organisations and digital media companies. Watch this space for details of forthcoming events.
Click here to view Screen WM CEO, Suzie Norton's introduction to 4iP
Click here to view Screen WM Head of Innovation, Jason Hall's outline of 4iP
Click here to view interview with Stuart Cosgrove, Channel 4's Director of Nations & Regions
Click here to view interview with Tom Loosemore, Channel 4's Head of 4iP
You can also read more about 4iP by visiting the Channel 4 4iP website.
Who do I contact?
Initial enquiries should be directed to Claire McArdle, Digital Commissioning Manager, 4iP, West Midlands
You can email me