Jersey’s government commits funding to Bergerac remake

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Morel described the funding as a “leap of faith”, as there was no guarantee the series would prove popular.

“We have tried in these negotiations to mitigate against that, so that even if the series in itself isn’t successful, we do we get elements of success from it,” he said.

The mitigations included setting up what was described as an “apprenticeship scheme” so islanders with an interest in media could be involved in the filming process in Jersey, he said, adding that instead of giving a lump sum to the production company, the government funding would only cover expenses incurred in the island.

“We’re not just handing over money to the production company and they just disappear off into the distance with the money in their pockets,” Mr Morel said.

“If it is not successful, we know that the worst thing that has happened is Jersey’s government has spent money with Jersey businesses.”