Channel 4 New Media, formerly known as 4 Interactive, is pumping around£500,000 into FourDocs, a free broadband documentary channel set to launch in July.
The initiative, the brainchild of More4 controller Peter Dale, will allow users to upload and download short-form films at no cost and get practical advice from experienced programme-makers.
Users will be able to judge each other's films and entries can be on any subject, but must be no more than four minutes long.
FourDocs will also make an archive of up to 30 celebrated documentaries available for viewing on the internet. C4 hopes that both amateur and professional film-makers will use the new platform, which will be part of the channel's existing website.
Documentary producer Patrick Uden has been lined up as executive editor for FourDocs. Interactive producer Magic Lantern has created the channel and the company's managing director, Anthony Lilley, will be the executive producer.
Uden described FourDocs as a "fully interactive service with a strong public service element".
"People have access to extremely sophisticated film-making equipment nowadays and this channel gives everyone a platform and a community," he added.
Duncan put new media at the heart of his vision for the channel when he restructured commercial arm 4Ventures earlier this year.
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