Channel 4’s biggest ever commission in Northern Ireland, 4thought.tv, is relaunching its website to mark the recommission of the series for a second year.

The website provides the online platform to accompany the Channel 4 religion and ethics series that airs every day at 7.55pm. The site has been remodeled with additional features and improved functionality to reflect its status as a major platform for debate on religion and ethics.

The website, originally developed with the support of Northern Ireland Screen, features in-depth discussion of complex contemporary issues featuring over 450 short personal films designed to evoke an emotional response or stimulate debate.

The relaunch of the website follows the announcement in August that Belfast-based Waddell Media is to produce a second series of the 4thought.tv television series, which will again feature ordinary people giving highly personal reactions on ethical and spiritual matters. The new series will be more news reactive, providing insight into breaking stories and key global events, such as the phone hacking scandal, Japanese Tsunami and recent riots.

Originally ordered in 2010, 4thought.tv was Channel 4’s first multiplatform commission from Northern Ireland, and the new order of 365 films signifies Channel 4’s increasing commitment to production in the Nations and Regions.

Channel 4 cemented its strategy of developing partnerships with new and emerging creative companies in Northern Ireland by bringing together three Belfast-based companies – production company Waddell Media, and digital design partners Johnston North and Atto – to produce the television and online components for 4thought.tv.

Susie Wright, Media Project Manager, Channel 4 Creative Diversity, said:

“4Thought.tv represents Channel 4’s innovative approach in working with both new and established companies, bringing them together and encouraging relationships. It was the discovery of a game on Twitter created by Johnston North that drew the attention of Channel 4’s Multiplatform Commissioning Editor, Adam Gee to the company and led to the formation of this strategic partnership, and a major digital commission for Northern Ireland.”

Jannine Waddell, Managing Director, Waddell Media, said:

“4thought.tv is a fantastic commission for us. It allows us to grow organically as a company and nurture promising new talent. Under the new leadership of Eamon O'Connor the series is going from strength to strength and the exciting website redesign will enhance the brand even further.”

4thought website

October 2011