Inbetweeners producer backs calls for Glasgow to secure Channel 4 HQ
The producer of the hit comedy series, The Inbetweeners, has backed Glasgow’s bid to become home to Channel 4’s new national headquarters.
Chris Young, who oversaw the award-winning series on the channel and produced the 2011 film version, said it would be a “game changer” for the Scottish film and television industry if the nation’s biggest city was chosen. Mr Young, whose production company Young Films is based in Skye, said: “For over 30 years we has worked closely with Channel 4 and Film4 on many award-winning and successful TV shows and films, including The Inbetweeners.
“We have always appreciated the fact that Channel 4 has embraced our commitment to working in Scotland and I believe that having Channel 4’s national hub in Glasgow would be a game changer for the Scottish film and television industry.”
It comes as Channel 4 yesterday laid out guidelines for those cities hoping to host the broadcaster’s new headquarters or become home to one of two new creative hubs.
The publicly owned broadcaster plans to move 300 of its 800 staff out of London and will open three new sites in the nations and regions.
Jonathan Allan, commercial chief of the channel, told a briefing that the host city for the national HQ should have a working population of 200,000 and a travel time of up to three hours from London, adding the winning city should also have a high level of physical and digital creativity.
A spokeswoman for Channel 4 said the guidelines were “not set in stone”, explaining: “If a city or region can show other strengths and benefits they can offer as a potential new home for one of the Channel 4 hubs, then we want to hear from them too.”
Stuart Cosgrove, the journalist, broadcaster and author who is chairing Glasgow’s bid, said the city met all the guidelines outlined by Mr Allan, adding that he travelled from London to Glasgow “door to door” yesterday in two hours and 20 minutes. Glasgow, he said, is also serviced by more daily flights than any other bidding city.