21 April 2020
S4C has today announced the intention to commission tens of new programmes and series worth millions, to be broadcast before the end of July.
During a meeting with the sector on 8 April, S4C announced a package for the production sector for a rapid commissioning round.
Looking specifically for ideas arising from the current situation, S4C wanted access-dependent documentaries, and programs and comedies to lift viewers' spirits during the Covid-19 crisis.
Over a hundred ideas were received from production companies across Wales. Now S4C is pleased to confirm the commissions that have been successful.
One of those is Syrjeri Amlwch by Caernarfon-based production company Darlun which will follow doctors and staff at Amlwch health centre.
This centre is a designated local hub which will combat the Coronavirus outbreak and this fly on the wall documentary will give viewers a peek of how the surgery and local community are coping with the Covid -19 situation.
Another programme that has received a commission is Priodas Dan Glo from production company Boom Cymru.
As weddings across the country are being postponed and playing on the Priodas Pum Mil brand a very different wedding will be organised to one special couple who have long wanted to marry.
Trystan and Emma will be helping to arrange a wedding full of surprises with the help of many well-known celebrities and loads of guests appearing on screen.
Another commission will be Cyswllt (mewn Covid) a, drama by Vox Pictures which also produces Un Bore Mercher/ Keeping Faith.
This three-part play will reflect life during a lockdown period of over three weeks and discuss the loneliness and hope of this strange time as each generation is affected.
Filming will take place mainly at actors' houses on laptops and mobile phones, but also with additional camera material.
Other commissions include, Babis Covid which will document a happy but difficult time as families cannot come together to celebrate, Ffarwelio following a family of funeral directors, Ffermwyr Ifanc yn Cicio'r Corona looking at some of the Young Farmers Clubs schemes to cope, Natur a Ni a programme discussing all things nature, set in a garden, and Ty Bach Mawr looking at creating all sorts of stunning small buildings in our back garden.
In addition there are exciting plans featuring the characters of Pobol y Cwm, Best of Priodas Pum Mil, Best of Gwesty Aduniad and Ysgol Ni Maesincla: End of Season to ensure that these popular programmes remain on screen.
Amanda Rees, S4C's Director of Content.
Amanda Rees, S4C's Director of Content said: "It has been a significant challenge to keep a full schedule on screen as series and events that are the cornerstones of the schedule fail to deliver during this time for obvious reasons.
"The loss of hours of soap, drama, sports and events has left holes in the schedule to fill. Now viewers will be able to enjoy a wide variety of programmes that respond to the situation of the coronavirus.
"We are very grateful to the production companies who have shown tremendous ingenuity in responding to our call, with the intention of turning creative ideas into relevant and quality content, within an extremely tight timescale."
