BBC - Commissioning - Pitching TV Ideas

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23 November 2009
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Pitching Tv Ideas
This page answers many of the frequently asked questions about pitching ideas to the BBC. Member of the public who want to pitch ideas should check the special information here .

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

Q. Where do I send my ideas ?

A. Details of how to submit programme proposals from members of the public are here . Inhouse teams and independent production companies should submit their programme proposal via e-Commissioning . Q. What information do I need to give you in my proposal ?

A. Full details are given in the Requirements section.

Q: What happens if I've got a cross-genre idea?

A: We realise that not all programme ideas may fit into one of our genre categories but may straddle two (or more) genre. We positively welcome these genre-busting ideas and fully understand that our new structure has to deal with a complex multi-genre multi-media world where programmes don't sit in neat categories. Select the genre you think is most appropriate through the e-Commissioning system. If its more appropriate to come through another genre then they will speak to that genre about your idea. However if you submit the idea to more than one genre then you must indicate this.

Q: I've got an idea with an interactive element. Where do I send it ?

A: You can still send the idea to the relevant genre team or National contact. They will liase with New Media as appropriate to ensure that we explore the interactive potential of your idea.

Q. Can I send my proposal to more than one genre / commissioner / production area ?

A. Yes you can but you must indicate if you are offering to more than one commissioner.

Q. Can I pitch my idea to a Nation (Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) ?

A. Independent production companies have the choice of whether to offer ideas to Network via the contact in individual Nations or via the Genre Controller in London. However you must indicate if you are offering to more than one commissioner or production area. COmmissioning for Nations and Regions is currently not available via the e-Commissioning system.

Q. I've got an idea for a programme for BBC Scotland / BBC Northern Ireland / BBC Wales. Where do I send it ?

A. Information for Nations and Regions Television output is available here .

Q. Can I continue to offer through my existing Production contact ?

A. ALl proposals must now be submitted via the e-Commissioning system.

Q. I've got a Factual Entertainment idea. Do I pitch it to Factual or Entertainment genre ?

A. Factual Entertainment programmes by their very nature are a fusion of the two genres – so some overlap between the genres is inevitable. To provide clarity as to whether an idea should be targeted at Factual or Entertainment, try to define it by which of the following criteria are dominant

Subject Matter:

Where there is clearly Factual based content at the heart of the proposal - advice, learning or practical take-away value - and that is the dominant element (regardless of approach) the idea should be sent to Factual.

Approach:

Where the approach rather than the subject matter is dominant and has core Entertainment values – then the idea should be sent to Entertainment. (e.g. Apprentice)

Where the approach is primarily narrative/observation led (even if other components) then the idea should be sent to Factual.

Q. Do the BBC accept ideas from abroad ?

A. We can accept ideas from independent companies abroad but it is very difficult to make these logistically as an independent project probably needs a UK company to parent it. This might be possible for some foreign companies but it is not straightforward.

For individuals abroad it may be better to consider the options here as we cannot accept ideas from individuals abroad directly.

Note that we we may also consider buying programmes as an acquisition rather than making them ourselves.
Bear in mind:
Factual commission singles and series of universal appeal to a broad-based UK audience so the majority of our commissions are domestic ideas. We are happy to receive proposals from independent companies abroad provided they meet the criteria of mass appeal within the UK. We have very limited slots for acquisitions and again our priorities are domestic films with a broad universal appeal.

Independent companies from abroad with entertainment formats should contact the Format Factory . Companies with sitcom scripts from abroad should contact the Script Development Unit .

Q. I've produced a programme abroad and would like to send it to the BBC to see if they are interested. Where should I send it ?

A: Programme Acquisition are responsible for buying all fiction for the BBC's channels. This includes feature films, TV movies, mini series, and drama/comedy series.

Storyville acquire completed single documentary films - see the Storyville site for more information about their recent programmes.

Unfortunately given our domestic focus we do not acquire general factual programmes from abroad.
Q: Do you commission music for programmes ?

A: TV only commissions programme - we do not commission music or theme tunes. If you wish to produce/compose music/themes for television then you should contact the relevant production area or an independent company.
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