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Features & Formats, BBC One and BBC Two
Our development priorities are updated for every commissioning round (last updated July 2009). We also include information on the commissioning team and process .
Factual Features and Formats now commissions all video content on all platforms including bbc.co.uk, mobiles and interactive 'red button' services as well as for television.
Contact Details for Independents
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
Features and Formats are a key way to deliver volume for factual programming at the BBC.
The most important thing F&F can do is capture the attention of a busy modern audience.
Ideas should be able to deliver strong, simple answers to the following questions:
Full details of our specific Development Priorities are available here .
BBC One
Full Details of Our Requirements Channel Context
Full Details of Our Requirements
Channel Context
BBC Two
Full Details of Our Requirements Channel Context Knowledge Multiplatform Strategy
Knowledge Multiplatform Strategy
Rogue Traders On BBC ONE, Rogue Traders' mixture of great entertainment and compelling factual content has returned to great effect with big, young audiences.
Ramous, Rich and Homeless Famous, Rich and Homeless was a huge success with the BBC ONE audience and, though it was on our documentaries slate, showed the benefit of wrapping important contemporary issues in an entertaining format.
Grow Your Own Drugs On BBC TWO, Grow Your Own Drugs is a great example of a distinct proposition, eye catching title and superb, fresh talent.
The Hairy Bikers The Hairy Bikers continue to engage broad audiences of different ages with their inclusive charm and great food.
The title, the billing and the talent should capture the attention of a busy modern audience. Propositions with a clear sense of what they can do for the audience are key.
Always entertaining and accessible, formats on ONE should change everyday lives for the better, giving people empowering ways to view life.
Formats on TWO should break new ground to appeal to broad audiences, whether it's bringing different perspectives to established subjects - or finding authentic but entertaining ways to explore otherwise complex areas.
Please read the full details regarding factual genre tariffs for independents .
Your feedback about these development priorities is welcome here .
Commissioning Team and Timeline
Commissioning Team
Commissioning Editor, BBC ONE & BBC TWO Features & Formats
Jo Ball Jo Ball
Commissioning Executive Producer
Alison Kirkham
Alex Menzies Alison Kirkham (BBC ONE) Alex Menzies (BBC TWO) covering for Lisa Edwards, who is on maternity leave
Knowledge Commissioning Executive Producers (Nations)
Sam Anthony
Nick Shearman
James Hayes Sam Anthony (Scotland) Nick Shearman (Wales) James Hayes (Northern Ireland)
Multiplatform
Multiplatform Executive
Max Gadney Max Gadney Features, Formats and Specialist Factual on BBC Three, History and Business, Current Affairs and Religion
Nick Cohen Nick Cohen Features and Formats on BBC ONE and TWO, Music and Events, Arts, Documentaries
Business and Finance team
Head of Operations & Business Affairs Knowledge
Anne Sullivan Anne Sullivan
Commissioning Process
Timeline of Factual Commissioning Process
• All proposals are registered on a confidential database and independent suppliers receive an acknowledgement of their proposal within two weeks of receipt.
• The relevant Commissioning Editor will either reject or progress proposals within six weeks of receipt (four weeks from acknowledgement.)
• Proposals may be provided with funded development, in which case the timetable to commission will be subject to negotiation between the external supplier and the BBC and determined by the development contract.
• The final decision will be no later than 20 weeks of receipt of the proposal. A successful proposal will be given approval by the relevant Commissioning Editor.
• Projects may be held over in exceptional circumstances but only with the formal agreement of the supplier.
• At any point during this maximum 20 week period, an external supplier may write to the Commissioning Editor asking for a progress report and be guaranteed a response within 10 working days of receipt.
Page last updated 7 August 2009
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