Channel 4 has announced a slate of new doc commissions for 2019 with orders for Optomen, Story Pictures, Halcyons Heart Films, Pulse Films and Ricochet.
Cop Control (w/t) 8×60’ from Optomen goes inside the nerve centre of policing, the Command and Control Unit – colloquially known as Force Control. Filmed over a six-week period in the largest geographical policing area in England and Wales – Devon and Cornwall –the series will present a 360-degree view of one force’s attempt to meet the most pressing policing needs at a time when the system is under more pressure than ever. Executive Producers are Amelia Hann and Nick Hornby, Series Producer is Charlotte Wassermann, Senior Producer/Director is Chris Rowe and Commissioning Editor Alisa Pomeroy.
The Decision (w/t) 4×60’ from Story Films gains access to Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, one of the UK’s largest mental health trusts. With demand rising and resources stretched like never before, this series will explore the unprecedented pressure on mental health services and the seemingly impossible decisions that clinicians have to make every day. The Executive Producers are Adam Hopkins, Peter Beard and David Nath, the Series Producer is Sophie Jones and the Commissioning Editors are Charlotte Desai and Rita Daniels.
The Bankers’ Fortress (w/t) 1×60’ from Halcyons Heart Films centres on Broadgate -the 32-acre complex in the City of London at the centre of Britain’s global banking empire. Made over two years, the film goes inside the lives of the men and women who populate Broadgate – from the richest to the poorest. Executive Producer is Simon Ford, Producer/Camera person is Laura McCutcheon, Director is Joseph Bullman and Commissioning Editor Danny Horan.
Inside Missguided (w/t) 4×60’ is produced by Pulse Films. The series explores the growth and frenzied expansion of Missguided -one of the UK’s largest online fashion retailers and reveals what life is like for their young, female dominated workforce. Nitin Passi, the company’s maverick owner, saw his Manchester based company go from zero turnover to over 200 million a year. But after eight years of enormous success, Missguided lost £26 million in 2017/2018. The series will follow the brand as they double down their efforts and attempt a glitzy comeback. Executive Producers are Nelesh Dhand, Jon Alwen and Sharyn Mills. Commissioning Editors are Rita Daniels and Fozia Khan
Ricochet’s Born To Be Different 1×60’ returns for another instalment. First commissioned in 2000, the documentary project began following the lives of 6 children, each born with a disability, and the impact that has on them and their families. In this latest episode -the first since 2016- the show catches up with Hamish, Emily, Zoe, William and Shelbie, now turning 19 and taking their place in the world as adults. Executive Producer is Joanna Ball, Producer is Cat Green, Producer/Director is Laurence Turnbull and the Commissioning Editor is Fozia Khan
Danny Horan, Head of Factual at Channel 4, said: “Our country is fast changing and more complex and our institutions are under more pressure. We have a duty to tell these stories and reflect people’s lives and experiences. Getting deep access into institutions is at the heart of what we do – whether it’s a police force having to make critical decisions where to place their resources, a NHS Trust deciding a priority of mental health needs or a multimillion pound fast fashion business that is feeding the hunger for the latest trends. They are often the bellwether of our society.
“I’m also thrilled to announce two new eye opening and heart rending films which form part of the greater strategy for Channel 4 – to be the home of documentaries.”
Staff Reporter
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