RDF West, the Bristol-based arm of Banijay Group’s RDF, is to invest in and partner with Welsh factual indie, Wales&Co.
The deal will see the two companies collaborate on specific factual entertainment and documentary productions.
Wales&Co was founded six years ago by Managing Director Martyn Ingram and Creative Director Ian Durham. The business has produced a range of documentaries including most recently, Rhod Gilbert Stand Up to Shyness (BBC One), Young Welsh and Pretty Minted (BBC Three) and Gareth Thomas v Homophobia – Hate in the Beautiful Game (BBC Two). For five years, Wales&Co produced a weekly current affairs programme with Huw Edwards, and is currently in production with a number of series for BBC Wales and other national television channels.
The collaboration will also further RDF West’s moves into Welsh co-production, following its production of Only Connect in partnership with Parasol Media and previous series made in Wales including Oz and James Drink to Britain and Wogan’s Ireland for the BBC, and The Renovation Game for Channel 4.
RDF West’s investment marks a “strategic move into Wales in response to the demand from Broadcasters for an increase in programming from the nations and regions.”
Jim Allen, MD, RDF said: “Having worked with Martyn and Ian before, we feel them and their company are an excellent fit for us in expanding our production efforts in Wales. Wales&Co is incredibly well-established in the nation and we are positive that together, we can produce a host of high-quality content that utilises the best talent in the region. For us, this is a fantastic extension of our commitment to invest in the nations and regions.”
Martyn Ingram, Managing Director of Wales&Co added: “This is a really exciting moment to be working in Wales. With increased commitment from BBC and Channel 4 to the nations and regions, there are many new creative opportunities and we believe that this new, and very different partnership with RDF West will make it possible for us to grow and produce even more quality programmes for a range of broadcasters. Having really enjoyed working with RDF in the past, and very much respecting their creativity and commitment, we are sure they are the perfect partner in the next stage of our development."
Staff Reporter
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