S4C Digital Media Ltd, the commercial investment arm of Welsh broadcaster S4C, has taken a minority stake in Middlesbrough-based Wander Films.
Wander said the funding will support original IP development, expansion into new markets and growth across branded entertainment, digital content and television. The studio will retain its existing leadership and creative direction.
Founded by Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner, Wander works with brands including Greggs, KPMG and the British Library, as well as various broadcasters. It recently launched Unthinkable, a self-published YouTube series about survival, resilience and willpower, as part of a wider slate of original formats in development.
Clover, Wander’s CEO and co-founder, said: “We’ve built Wander by focusing on making content people want to watch, not just what brands think they need to make. The lines between brand, platform and broadcast have blurred, and that’s where we operate best. This investment gives us the backing to push further into that space and keep building something really exciting.”
Wander has been selected for Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund and has participated in its Business Boost programme and the BBC’s Digital Accelerator.
Wander also works with Welsh clients and partners. S4C said the investment is expected to support further collaboration in Wales. Geraint Evans, CEO of S4C, said: “Wander represents a new kind of content studio that understands how audiences engage today. Their ability to produce audience-first content across marketing, social media, digital platforms and broadcast makes them an exciting company to support, and S4C looks forward to being part of their next stage of growth.”
Pictured: Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner
