Channel 4 has commissioned two new digital documentaries to air on its YouTube service Channel 4 Documentaries. Crash for Cash: Uncovered (Zandland) and Slap Fighting: Uncovered (Recorded Time) are both commissions that have come about in response to C4’s Nations and Regions Digital Factual Brief.
Crash for Cash: Uncovered is a 1×20’ film in which investigative journalist Mike Okay (pictured) goes inside the gangs that crash cars for cash, scamming insurance companies and innocent drivers. Slap Fighting: Uncovered (1×20’), produced by Belfast-based Recorded Time, in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen, sees comedian and combat sports-lover Elliot Steel explore the controversial sport of Slap Fighting.
Crash For Cash was commissioned by Catriona White, digital commissioning editor, while Slap Fighting was commissioned by Thomas Pullen, digital commissioning executive, both with Sacha Khari, head of digital commissioning.
White said: “Crash for Cash is an excellent bit of access-driven filmmaking from Zandland. It not only exposes a shocking scam, but also the scale at which that scam operates and how it can affect all of us. Mike Okay investigated brilliantly, and we’re so excited to bring him to Channel 4 audiences for the first time.”
Pullen said: “Slap fighting has been dominating algorithms the world over. It’s brutal, bizarre and impossible to look away from. Elliot’s investigation sensitively pulls back the curtain on this growing phenomenon, diving into a world that’s as gripping as it is dangerous. Slap Fighting: Uncovered is adrenaline-charged, thought-provoking viewing that’ll have audiences watching through their fingers right to the final slap.”
Benjamin Zand, executive producer for Zandland, commented: “Crash for Cash: Uncovered is exactly the type of journalism we champion at Zandland – bold, access-driven and right at the heart of the story. Mike brings such a strong and unique approach as a creator who’s used to getting access to incredible worlds, which lets audiences experience the story up close as he does.”
Jackie Doyle, executive producer for Recorded Time, added: “It’s been a real eyeopener, watching Elliot and the team get to grips with slap fighting, so thanks to Channel 4 and Northern Ireland Screen for setting us all off on this journey. The film presents conflicts on the stage but also in our own heads as we join with Elliott in juggling the risks and rewards and rights and wrongs of this growing phenomenon.”
