BBC - Commissioning - Billings Information

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23 November 2009
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Billings Information
A guide to our requirements for Billings Information for listings magazines and Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs).

PDF files to Download

Example Billing Form (29Kb) for Independents

(External)

Requires Adobe Acrobat Free Here

Delivery Items

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Publicity Material

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Promotions

Billings

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e-Commissioning

Member of the public with ideas can get information here

Writers Room Link

Durations - don't make your programme too long for your slot - check programme and credit durations here

Interactive TV ideas are submitted to the normal genre teams

General Guidance:

Make your billings interesting but focussed

Sell the uniqueness of your programme e.g. new format or new talent

Be aware that billings information will feed the EPG in addition to listings magazines. The EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is the digital viewers TV guide. It will enable the viewer to see up to seven days of programme listings, build up a viewing diary, tell them when a programme they want to watch is starting - and much more.

Separate Billings Forms are not currently required for material on the Interactive Streams, but reference to any interactivity connected with a billed programme should be listed under Points to Note

Important Points to Note:

If any programme information changes once the billing form has been submitted then ensure you contact the EPG Unit with the new details, otherwise the information about your programme on the EPG will be wrong.

If your billings form is generic because the programme content is not finalised at the time of submission, you will need to inform the EPG Unit with the specific content so the EPG can be updated.

The EPG Unit are able to update information on EPG systems right up to the point of transmission for most programmes.

What Information Do We Need?
Required information includes:
Production Information

A contact name and telephone number in case there are any billings queries

Strand Title

Programme title

Programme Number

Programme Identification Number

Episode title and sub-title (where appropriate)

Episode number

Transmission Information

Indicate is a Live broadcast or New Series.

Channel e.g. BBC ONE

Delivery Date is not currently required.

Transmission Date and Transmission Day

BBC Week number

Billed Transmission Time (if known)

Programme Duration. Either slot duration or actual duration if known

Previous Transmission Information

State if a repeat and if so, the previous transmission date

EPG Information

Parental Rating is not currently required.

Programme Format: please indicate:

Aspect Ratio: 4x3, 14x9, 16x9 letterbox or 16x9 anamorphic.

Sound: Mono/Stereo/Surround

Colour or Black & White: (indicate Black & White if no part of the programme is in colour)

In Vision Subtitles e.g. English subtitles on a foreign film

Description
The description may vary in length depending on the type of programme and its transmission slot. It should include:

Star names, if appropriate - no more than four.

Cast list, if appropriate. It should list the role on the left and the name on the right. The list must be in order of importance and not appearance as the listings magazines and EPG will cut from the bottom upwards if short of space.

Programme description. As a guide for the length:

Type of programme
Length
Single dramas or first part of a single drama serial
100-150 words
Subsequent drama episodes
50-100 words
Films
50-100 words
Factual Programmes
100-200 words
Situation comedy, entertainment
50-100 words
Credits
A maximum of two production credits should be noted on the form including the writer in the case of drama or sitcom.

Editorial and Content Warnings (should be listed under "Points to Note".)

The description field is used to fulfil our remit to alert viewers to potentially difficult content in line with current BSC (Broadcasting Standards Council) editorial guidelines.

Detail any swearing, nudity or violence in as much detail as possible in the points to note section. Note exactly any swear words used and number of times they appear.

reference to any interactive service connected with the programme e.g. the billing for Walking with Beasts Episode 1 included the comment:

"A unique interactive service for 'Walking with Beasts' will allow Digital viewers to uncover the science and special effects behind the series, live on screen, by pressing the red button on their remote control. Or visit the website at bbc.co.uk/beasts"

Note any additional information i.e. delicate issues, strobing effects, legal problems or web addresses

Example Billing
An example billing (for a fictitious programme) is available here (PDF format, 1 page - requires Acrobat Reader, available free (External) here .)

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