17 May 2021

Three Welsh production companies and one Northern Ireland company have been successful in their latest bids to the UK Young Audiences Content Fund.

Boom Cymru, Ceidiog Productions, ITV Wales and Paper Owl Films have all received funding to create brand new commissions for S4C.

The British Government-funded Fund run by the BFI (British Film Institution) has approved funding for four commissions to be broadcasted on S4C.

The commissions include a new drama sci-fi series called Y Goleudy (The Lighthouse) (Boom Cymru), an animated drama series about mental health for 8 to 12 year olds called Dwdl a Fi ( Ceidiog Productions), a young people's programme on politics and the election called Etholiad 21: Taswn I'n Brif Weinidog (Election 21: If I were Prime Minister (ITV Wales) and a co-production with CITV for the youngest children called Hapus (Happy) (Paper Owl Films).

Addressing a deficit of new distinctive children's content that inspires and reflects the lives of young people in the UK, the YACF is designed to contribute up to 50% of the production costs for projects that have secured a broadcast commitment from a free-to-access, Ofcom regulated platform, and supports producers to develop new ideas within this field.

Today the YACF announced an enriching mix of animation, comedy, drama, sci-fi, political documentary and news.

Sioned Wyn Roberts, S4C's Children's Commissioner, said: "We are delighted to announce a range of brand new series for children and young people in Wales.

"Our latest programmes include appealing and topical series that address important topics such as mental health and emotional well-being in a subtle and fun way.

"From sci-fi to election to well-being our new slate of productions is diverse and inclusive and will inform, educate and captivate our young audiences.

"We are extremely grateful to the Young Audiences Content Fund for their support in enabling us to bring these productions to life on screen. "

Following a successful Spending Review, the YACF will continue into its third year and receive up to £10.7m from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for year 3 of the pilot scheme, totalling up to £44.2m for the three years.

The BFI noted that the breadth of commissions demonstrated the importance of Public Service Broadcasting in the children and young people's sector.