C4I Distribution Ltd, formerly Channel 4 International, is responsible for the worldwide exploitation of programme rights. Typically this will involve licensing to TV stations, but it could also involve selling rights for exploitation across PPV, DVD or new media platforms. C4I, which is now a part of the Digital Rights Group, manages a substantial investment fund which it uses to source rights commissioned by broadcasters primarily in the UK and US but from around the world. C4I also co-produces programming, working with the world's major broadcasters on big budget programmes, which would otherwise be considered uneconomic for producers and broadcasters to fully fund.
The programming represented in C4I's library covers formats, documentaries, drama, comedy, animation, music and arts.
C4I Distribution Ltd is made up of a number of specialised departments:
Sales - the Sales team has built up relationships with an extremely broad range of buyers across the globe. In addition to meeting regularly with buyers in their home territories, the Sales team represents the C4I catalogue at all the key international programme markets.
Acquisitions - this unit is dedicated to sourcing projects and finance from established partners worldwide. It is also responsible for co-ordinating all co-production activities. Once a project is approved, the programming team works directly with all parties to ensure its successful completion. With its experience of the international marketplace, the programming unit can also advise Producers on how their ideas might be developed to maximise their nternational potential.
Copyright issues are a hugely complex area, so the Rights department works with producers at the earliest stages to ensure that all potential revenue generating opportunities are realised.
Our Marketing department operates within a very well defined business to business environment. Given this, the emphasis is on highly focused marketing, ensuring that each piece of communication is appropriate to the particular audience.
Our Business Affairs department specialises in international co-production agreements and distribution issues. The Finance department is responsible for collecting and reporting revenues that arise from our activities. These are reported to our various partners on a regular basis.
The Materials department are responsible for on-line and hard copy publicity delivery, broadcast materials, and advising our production partners on the format and content that works in the international marketplace.