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BBC HD
HD commissioning is led by the relevant genre team, working with the Head of BBC HD.
The Head of BBC HD sets the strategy and the short-term development priorities for HD delivery in each genre, working with the relevant commissioners and cross-referencing with channel strategies.
HD delivery should be discussed as part of the commissioning process, with any significant production challenges shared at this point. The Executive Producer, BBC HD is available to provide support in developing solutions and can be contacted directly or accessed through the commissioning team.
HD delivery will generally be confirmed as part of the editorial spec for a commission, and agreed by the Head of BBC HD and the genre team.
Ongoing support and advice can be sought from the Executive Producer, BBC HD through the production process. More information on HD Production can be found here .
HD commissions will need to conform to the BBC HD delivery requirements .
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
Head of BBC HD
Executive Producer, BBC HD
Danielle Nagler
Ian Potts Danielle Nagler Ian Potts
It is really helpful to signal as early as possible whether you would like to deliver a potential commission in HD. The commissioning team will indicate to you if you are pitching for certain key slots or types of programmes that we will expect HD delivery.
There are no programmes for which we would absolutely rule out HD delivery. But in some cases we will advise that we do not consider that HD delivery will necessarily enhance the programme significantly for audiences, and therefore a particular project is not a priority for us. Programmes shown on BBC HD need to contain at least 75% HD material.
Depending on the balance of material within the programme, archive material may fall into the 25% non-HD content. There are also creative ways of addressing some archive material or the needs which might trigger its use which can allow for 75% HD material within a programme.
Some of our HD programmes do deliver with 5.1 surround sound. But we also take deliveries in stereo and we are working on wrap-around sound alternatives. Sound requirements will be confirmed for individual projects through the commissioning process.
The Executive Producer, BBC HD provides guidance on every aspect of the HD production process.
* For use by Independent productions only:
Costs for HD are shifting all the time, and in some areas are falling rapidly as SD equipment becomes obsolete and facilities are upgraded.
Generally if the BBC requests HD delivery we will not require an SD version too. Detailed delivery requirements will be attached to the confirmation of any commission from the BBC. More information on HD Delivery formats is available in the Summary of Delivery Formats here .
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