Keeping Faith producer wins drama order
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S4C has confirmed a tranche of new commissions, including a three-part drama from Keeping Faith producer Vox Pictures.
Cyswllt (mewn Covid) will reflect life during a lockdown period of over three weeks, examining themes of loneliness and hope.
The rapid commissioning round had previously been announced as part of a major new package of support; following the call for content, S4C received more than a hundred ideas from production companies across Wales.
The new dramas will be filmed in actors’ homes on laptops and mobile, but also with additional camera material. The programmes and series will be broadcast before the end of July.
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.
Among the raft of commissions is Syrjeri Amlwch by Caernarfon-based production company Darlun, which will follow doctors and staff at Amlwch health centre.
This centre will be the main hub of the north-west Wales outbreak and the fly-on-the-wall documentary will look at how the surgery and local community are coping with the Covid -19 situation.
Other successful commissions include: Ffarwelio, which follows 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 various kinds of small buildings in back gardens.
Priodas Dan Glo from production company Boom Cymru plays on the Priodas Pum Mil brand. As weddings across the country are being postponed, a very different wedding will be organised foron couple who have long wanted to marry.
S4C’s director of content Amanda Rees 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."
