http://www.s4c.co.uk/producers/ news items and the latest information from S4C for programme producers 30-Jun-2009 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 1 daily /production/rm/news_view/newsid/475/language/eng/ <p>An invitation to tender for programmes within S4C's cultural service will be published on S4C's production website on 10 July 2009. The closing date for submissions is 20 August 2009 and it is anticipated that interviews will be held during the week commencing 7 September 2009. </p> 30-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/474/language/eng/ <p>Today, Thursday, 25 June, the S4C Authority has published its Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 2008. To download a copy please go to: </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/abouts4c/annualreport/e_index.shtml">http://www.s4c.co.uk/abouts4c/annualreport/e_index.shtml</a></p> 25-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/473/language/eng/ <p>Question: </p> <p>Has S4C got a set number of ideas or specific period in mind for the Development Tender for Fiction? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>The development period for ideas will be discussed with the successful tenderer and will depend on the number and duration of scripts, availability of the talent involved and S4C's transmission schedule. </p> <p>Question: </p> <p>Will S4C offer any other facilities (e.g. audience research or S4C staff time) in addition to the budget available? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>The commissioning team will be involved with defining and supporting the development of ideas. Any requests for research will be considered in line with S4C's requirements and the needs of the idea being developed. </p> <p>Question: </p> <p>Will the ideas being developed have to conform to S4C's Commissioning Process (i.e. applications via the electronic system)? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>The ideas developed under this contract will be commissioned in line with S4C's Commissioning Process - see S4C's Produceion Site for details. </p> 18-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/472/language/eng/ <p>Question: </p> <p>Can you confirm that the aim is to develop three factual history ideas and what will be the term of the development contract. </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>The aim is to develop up to three ideas. This does not necessarily mean three commissions. We will agree to a specific development period and schedule for the contract. </p> <p>Question: </p> <p>Will S4C offer any other facilities (e.g. audience research or S4C staff time) in addition to the budget available? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>The commissioning team will be involved with defining and supporting the development of ideas. Any requests for research will be considered in line with S4C's requirements and the needs of the idea being developed. </p> <p>Question: </p> <p>Will the ideas being developed have to conform to S4C's Commissioning Process (i.e. applications via the electronic system)? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>The ideas developed under this contract will be commissioned in line with S4C's Commissioning Process - see S4C's Produceion Site for details. </p> 18-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/470/language/eng/ <p>Question: </p> <p>Are you looking for ideas for sketch programmes as part of this tender? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>We are not inviting ideas for sketch programmes for this tender.</p> 17-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/469/language/eng/ <p>Question: </p> <p>Can you confirm the correct date and day of the closing date of the Development Tender for History Series? </p> <p>Answer: </p> <p>The day is Tuesday, not Thursday. With apologies, we would like to confirm that the correct closing date for Development Tenders for History Series is Tuesday 14 July.</p> 17-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/467/language/eng/ <p>'S4C has been an active participant in the Digital Britain project to date and will carefully consider today's report in order to make a full assessment of its implications. The impact of Digital Britain on future news provision and children's programming is of particular interest given S4C's prominent role in these areas. We will continue to engage with Digital Britain with the clear aim of ensuring the future of public service broadcasting in Wales.</p> 16-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/465/language/eng/ <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/guidelines/s4c_children_policy_0609.pdf" >S4C Policy for the Protection of Children and other Vulnerable People (PDF)</a></p> 15-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/464/language/eng/ <p>Invitation to apply for Development Agreements for Fiction for S4C </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/datblyguffuglen_eng.pdf">Development Tender for Fiction (PDF)</a></p> 10-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/462/language/eng/ <p>Invitation to apply for Development Agreements for History Series for S4C </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/datblyguhanes_eng.pdf">Development Tender for History Series (PDF)</a></p> 10-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/460/language/eng/ <p>From 9 September onwards, the Sbectel teletext service on S4C digidol will cease. Sbectel on S4C's analogue service will continue until the end of 2009. Information on S4C programmes and services will be available online at s4c.co.uk.</p> 03-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/458/language/eng/ <p>03 June 2009 </p> <p>Two new tenders will be published on S4C's production website within the next week: </p> <p>1. Development Tender for History Series </p> <p>2. Development Tender for Fiction </p> 03-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/457/language/eng/ <p>S4C is significantly increasing its provision of cultural programming in 2010. This new service will be offered as an open and competitive tender. As part of the expansion, the Sioe Gelf programme will not continue. Tender details will be published within the next few weeks.</p> 01-Jun-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/455/language/eng/ <p>'This is the first opportunity in black and white for Wales to look at itself in broadcasting terms and assess what we have at our disposal to make a difference. </p> <p>Iona Jones, S4C Chief Executive, Western Mail, 27.5.09 </p> <p>To read the interview in full, go to: </p> <p><a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-news/2009/05/27/s4c-confident-it-can-deliver-english-news-content-91466-23719711/">www.walesonline.co.uk</a></p> 27-May-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/454/language/eng/ <p>Message from the Chief Executive </p> <p>I'm proud of the production sector's success in winning 17 Bafta Cymru awards. This is a considerable achievement and a worthy reflection of the excellence and variety of Welsh language productions. Congratulations also to those who were nominated. </p> <p>I'm grateful for the recognition given to S4C's role in securing these successes. As you know, it is a period of major change in the broadcasting industry and in general, and our ability to work together is of utmost importance. </p> <p>With best wishes. </p> <p>Iona</p> 18-May-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/452/language/eng/ <p>Question 3 </p> <p>Clause 7.5 of the tender document refers to the possibility that TUPE obligations may arise as a result of winning this tender. Is there a specific example in mind where this may arise? </p> <p>Answer 3 </p> <p>As noted in the 'Background and Notes' document, S4C does not foresee that any of S4C's own employees will be the subject of any TUPE transfer. </p> <p>The question of whether or not TUPE is applicable is a legal matter and the applicant will need to consider and seek their own advice on the issue. As S4C is not part of any TUPE Transfer, this will be a matter to be resolved between the outgoing contractor and the successful tenderer. </p> <p>Question 4 </p> <p>What will be the relationship between the successful tenderer and the proposed High Definition children's service - specifically, are there any obligations regarding the use of programmes on the new service? </p> <p>Answer 4 </p> <p>The scope and range of the contract being tendered is noted in section 1 of the document 'Background and Notes'. </p> <p>It is presumed that the principles of the Code of Practice and Terms of Trade will apply to any programmes commissioned (i.e. the content that will exist independently from the links/service) under this contract. These enable S4C to broadcast the content on all its services. The copyright of the service links and brand will be assigned to S4C. </p> <p>Question 5 </p> <p>The tender document notes that the value of the tender is £4million for 156 hours of original programming, which is an average of around £25,641 per hour. S4C's Annual Report notes that S4C commissioned 198 hours of original children's programming in 2007 at an average cost of £53,141. </p> <p>Answer 5 </p> <p>The tendering process is for a contract that includes programmes and presentation links, higher in value and hours than any other single contract previously tendered by S4C. Hence, the nature, size and basis of this contract are very different to the basis of the 2007 commissions. These factors have been considered in determining the value of the contract and it is not appropriate to compare it with the cost per hour of children's programming in 2007. </p> <p>The process of assessing the tenders will also take into consideration the framework in order to recognise opportunities for partnerships/co-production. This will include an assessment of the advantages in order to extend the value of the investment and maximise production values for S4C. </p> <p>Question 6 </p> <p>How much budget/hours are left for individual commissions? </p> <p>Answer 6 </p> <p>Children's programming commissioning is led by the Content Strategy (2009/13) and the Programme Policy Statement. We have already confirmed that S4C will continue to commission a limited number of programmes for this age, beyond the scope of the contract. The number of hours will depend on the precise conditions of the contract tendered and the specific requirements of the service for older children. </p> <p>Question 7 </p> <p>Will the successful applicant be expected to bring co-production finance/partnerships to the table? </p> <p>Answer 7 </p> <p>It is a matter for applicants to decide whether they wish to include any partnerships as part of their application. Applicants can provide further information in Section A (if a consortium is applying) and also in Section O 'Partnerships/Co-production opportunities' of the application form. This is also included as one element of the assessment criteria.</p> 15-May-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/450/language/eng/ <p>The closing date for receipt of requests for additional information and for guidance in completing the Application Form is today, Friday May 15th 2009. </p> 15-May-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/448/language/eng/ <p>Launch of Wales's first complete On-line Drama Series! </p> <p>Tuesday, 12 May 2009 </p> <p><a href="http://www.cyfle.co.uk/english/view_news.asp?page=news&id=50">On-line Drama Launch</a> </p> 11-May-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/446/language/eng/ <p>Sunset + Vine Cymru and Sports Media Services have won in open competition the tender to produce S4C's broadcasts from the Lions' five-week tour of South Africa, which starts in May. </p> <p>S4C's coverage will include highlights of all three test matches on the tour, which take place on 20 June (Durban), 27 June (Pretoria) and 4 July (Johannesburg). Highlights of the seven other tour matches will also be shown. </p> 07-May-2009 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/444/language/eng/ <p>Question 2 </p> <p>Will programmes that currently target 12-15 year olds be included within the tender? </p> <p>Answer 2 </p> <p>The tender notes the following:- </p> <p>'The service is intended to appeal to an age range from 7 years old to early teens. S4C will continue to be responsible for the scheduling of any content within the service and S4C will also continue to commission a restricted number of programmes which will be outside the scope of this tender process.' </p> <p>Any programmes outside the scope of the service will be considered in the normal way by reference to the content strategy and considering their suitability for the schedule etc.</p> 30-Apr-2009