Channel 4 Producers Handbook

UK broadcaster Channel 4 needed to bring its Producers Handbook to life and to upskill independent programme makers around the UK. The goal was to help that audience understand how the C4 legal and compliance team can help them create cutting edge content.

We created scenario-based, story-led digital learning that was designed to target the key behaviours of referring up and seeking advice, as well as building capability in responding to different situations.

This started as a single module in 2019 and is now a growing library of rich online content, with new material added each year. The modules feature well-known Channel 4 talent and are packed with helpful, practical information. They are available externally to all independent producers.

We developed new interactive formats for each subject:

Factual programmes – navigate the legal and ethical decisions involved in producing an observational documentary about the lives of teenagers in a deprived seaside town. How can you decide which production choices are OK?

Blue light programmes – join an online development meeting between the Executive Producer and Director of a series following the emergency services. Your job is to flag up anything you see as a potential risk. Do any of their decisions need expert input or advice?

Duty of care – work through a sequence of fictional programme ideas. For each one, you decide… could there be any concerns over the welfare of contributors? This module was linked to the launch of significant new guidance from Ofcom, the UK broadcasting regulator.

Each of the modules reinforces the idea that Channel 4 is here to help producers make the programmes that they want to make.