9 October 2025

S4C and the Arts Council of Wales are inviting applications from production companies interested in creating a long-form documentary film about the arts in Wales.

Key Details:

• Long form documentary film (length between 70 and 90 minutes) also suitable for cinema and S4C prime time.
• Budget up to £130,000.
• We welcome all types of art forms, including those that are not usually often represented in Welsh language documentaries. The ideas could also include showcasing the arts of Wales internationally.
• The content can be a portrait of an author or artist, an aspect of literature, music, dance or theatre, or any other element that sheds light on the best of our arts.
• Ideas that include diversity and new or minority voices will be encouraged.
• We would prefer contemporary subjects, but historical treatment can also be considered.
• We are looking for strong talent, unique stories and bold treatments.
• The content needs to be delivered by November 2026 at the latest, to allow time for the content to be shown in cinemas before broadcast.

Additional Requirements:

• A creative and definitive approach to the subject is expected.
• A definite idea of ​​the tone and style of the film.
• All proposals should include a distribution and screening plan – including cinema screenings, and showings at various festivals.
• Information about the key creative team and your experience
• When applying, contractual implications should be considered on the content that will live on the linear broadcast and on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.

Budget

Up to a total of £130,000

How to submit an idea?

If you are interested, it will be necessary to submit the idea through Cwmwl for the attention of Llinos Wynne before 12:00 on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

Each company can submit up to 2 ideas so we suggest that you discuss interest in the idea with Llinos Wynne in advance. The two ideas should be presented separately on Cwmwl.

Additional information

There will be a window of 6 months between the delivery date and the transmission date in order to enable a period of screenings in festivals and cinemas.

The S4C production website offers useful information including technical, contractual and communication information if you have a question about the production processes.

A representative from the Arts Council will be part of the initial reading process and offer input.

It is the intention of Llion Iwan, Llinos Wynne and the Arts Council to select a shortlist by the beginning of January 2026 - the right is reserved to adjust the timetable and our intention will be notified by email.

If you are successful, S4C will administer the commissioning process through the usual route. It will be necessary to discuss the budget and the contractual details with the Business Affairs department, and for the idea to be put on the S4C - Cwmwl commissioning system. This should not be done before being invited to do so.

The right is reserved not to commission any of the proposals received.

We look forward to receiving your proposals.