Media Cymru and S4C invest in R&D for digital-first programmes

Media Cymru, in partnership with S4C, has invested £80,000 in research and development (R&D) projects creating original content for unscripted digital first shows for younger audiences.

The Media Cymru × S4C Digital Content Innovation Fund – aligning with S4C’s YouTube, social media and digital content strategies – was designed to build knowledge, experience, capacity and expertise in the Welsh production sector, as well as to target digital shows that could be distributed across multiple platforms. 

Four Wales-based companies each received £20,000 to research and develop their ideas.  

The awarded companies were: On Par Productions, Orchard, Slam Media and Tomos TV who are looking at animation, comedy and factual as part of the Digital Content Innovation Fund. 

Llion Iwan, S4C’s Chief Content Officer said:“As S4C realises its ambition to expand viewing as a digital-first broadcaster, investing in a range of original content on those digital platforms is more important than ever. We are grateful to Media Cymru for its support as we collaborate to see Wales, and the Welsh language, thrive.”

Professor Justin Lewis, Director of Media Cymru said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with S4C on the Digital Content Innovation Fund, which aligns with the broadcaster’s YouTube, social media and digital content strategies. Pivoting towards digital is becoming increasingly important for production companies and this fund offered an opportunity to explore, invent and try new things with the view to creating to new business models and opportunities across digital platforms. 

“The purpose of this fund was to build knowledge, experience, capacity and expertise within the Welsh production sector, specifically targeting digital shows that could be distributed on multiple platforms. We have seen four innovative concepts come to the fore and this demonstrates the valuable impact of allowing indies time for research and development to create something new.”

About the Media Cymru × S4C Digital Content Innovation Fund projects: 

On Par Productions: Legend Hunters 

This digital-first factual series sees presenter Seren Hawley-Plows explore the myths, customs and traditions that have shaped Wales, from Mari Lwyd and healing wells to herbal remedies and seasonal rituals, re-examining them through a modern lens. 

Rooted in Wales’ rich storytelling heritage, the project uncovers the true origins of these beliefs and asks what they can still reveal about who we are today. 

Orchard: Diwrnod i’r Brenin / King for a Day 

A short-form, made-for-digital interview series where each episode sees a celebrity guest pitch what they’d do if they ruled for 24 hours. From banning small talk to making dry robes compulsory, no idea is too absurd or outrageous. Over three fast-paced rounds, they’re challenged to present, debate, and defend their wildest royal decrees, all under the watchful eye of our cheeky Court Jester-style host, Iestyn Arwel.

The pilot episodes welcome Drag Race UK series 7 finalist Catrin Feelings and award-winning comedian, actor, and writer Jayde Adams, as they each share their three decrees.

Slam Media: Crinj 

A new digital series exploring life’s most painfully relatable, cringe-worthy moments – told by adults brave enough to finally confess their deepest, most embarrassing stories.  

The unique format transforms real people into expressive animated characters to protect anonymity, so contributors feel freer to openly share the moments they’d never normally admit. Blending authentic voice recordings with vivid, character-driven animation, each episode brings memories to life – capturing both the humour and the heartbreak, reminding us that everyone has a cringe story worth telling. 

Tomos TV: Unbelievable 

A digital-first documentary format that uses cutting-edge AI recon to bring untold Welsh stranger-than-fiction stories to life for global audiences. The project will pioneer an AI-enhanced workflow to produce consistent, cost-effective, high-quality video and audio content. 

For updates on the Media Cymru × S4C Digital Content Innovation fund projects, follow Media Cymru and S4C on LinkedIn or sign up to Media Cymru’s newsletter.