Screen-industry organisation Climate Spring has launched its new development fund for global unscripted TV and factual entertainment.

Previously offered to scripted content, the new fund will provide finance opportunities for production companies and creatives for unscripted television shows that boost the content and conversation on climate change.

The aim of the fund-backed content is to reach mainstream audiences with new formats that are able to engage viewers in climate solutions rather than scare or induce feelings of guilt.

The fund will focus on supporting unscripted formats related to the transition away from polluting fossil fuels, ranging from shows on home renovation, nature-friendly farming, cooking shows, competitive formats, noisy pop-docs, ambitious factual entertainment productions and more. The fund is looking to develop shows in the English language market globally as well as for European audiences.

Development exec David Leach (formerly of Boom TV, Multistory, True North and Icon Films) is the new head of unscripted at Climate Spring; his role will include building partnerships in the unscripted production community.

David Leach, Head of Unscripted at Climate Spring, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to build momentum within the unscripted community around an issue that we all face together.

“Broadcasters are increasingly asking for ideas in the climate space and I hope to work with production companies to offer innovative and entertaining climate content that reaches under-served audiences. With this fund I also want to offer indies space to take more creative risks especially in fact-ent.”

Rainforest image by Taunting Panda via Creative Commons.