Transparent Television has become the first indie to use a new production financing model established by Channel 5.

The deal saw Barclays Corporate provide funding for Transparent’s new C5 factual series Danger: Diggers At Work, with 25% instalments released through the production process. The Richard Desmond-owned broadcaster then pays Barclays back at a later date.

ITV and Channel 4 are understood to operate similar models, which enables them to spread risk and hold on to cash for longer. It is believed to be the first time C5 has used the model and Broadcast understands it will adopt it again if an indie and a financier, such as Barclays, are receptive.

“Where the parties agree to financing deals, Barclays Corporate is one of a handful of key financiers that Channel 5 could sign an interparty agreement with, but ultimately it’s the indie’s choice,” Barclays Corporate and C5 said in a joint statement.

Transparent managing director Jazz Gowans said the deal helped get Danger: Diggers At Work into production quickly and provided financial security and transparency.

The 6 x 60-minute series will air next month and stories include excavation for the Olympic Stadium and clearance of one of the UK’s longest-burning forest fires.

It will look to build on the success of similar blue-collar C5 shows, such as Eddie Stobart: Trucks & Trailers.

Danger: Diggers At Work was ordered by C5 fact ent and features commissioner Ian Dunkley and will be executive produced by Transparent’s Gowans and Richard Hughes.

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