NOTES ON MEET THE COMMISSIONER EVENT WITH BEN GALE AND SIMON WILLIS 29 JUNE 2007
NOTES ON MEET THE COMMISSIONER EVENT WITH BEN GALE AND SIMON WILLIS 29 JUNE 2007
Hosted by Simon Willis form BBC South West and Ben Gale BBC Commissioning Editor for Factual Features and Formats, held at the BBC Plymouth on Friday 29 June 2007
The aim of the event was to give PM-P members a chance to find out more about the commissioning requirements at the BBC on a regional and national basis. At the end if the main presentation members had a chance to talk to Ben about their ideas in ten-minute one to one meetings.
PM-P members attended the event presented by Simon Willis, executive producer at BBC South West and Ben Gale, commissioning editor for Factual Features and Formats BBC1, BBC2 and BBC3.
Simon Willis began the presentation with an overview of what is happening at a regional level. He indicated that there will be no big expansion in regional commissioning and will continue with network initiative tie-ins with shows like Saving Planet Earth and Building Britain These commissions are usually via an informal tender process with pre selected local independent production companies being invited to submit a proposal.
Simon indicated what was on offer suggesting that there was no increase in money but no death off regional programming. What is being commissioned is cracking landmark ideas with past programmes being commissioned on subjects such as mining due to the recent world heritage status being awarded. Also a key point to note is the ability to use cross platform formats with the ability to playout on the web and radio along with other internet and multi media opportunities.
Ben Gale began with an overview of the structure of BBC1, BBC2 and BBC3 commissioning and showed a selection of clips from television shows that had been recently commissioned to point out the style and content that reached the three different BBC channels target audiences.
Ben revealed that the BBC had a slate of £50 million and money cut backs have hit some genres. At the moment the preference if for younger skewing programmes that can be shown across the three channels e.g. start on BBC3 then shown on BBC2 or BBC1.
The 8pm-10.30pm slot is where the money is 7pm-8pm tends to be the repeat slot.
Right idea no barrier – if you haven’t worked with the BBC before then you may be married up with other indies who have.
BBC1 idea then talent
BBC2 talent then idea
BBC3 idea then talent
One show looking for ½ hour show between 7.30pm –9pm
Looking for physical makeover genre with clear narrative ending, garden and DIY with a significant twist. Think what started on BBC2 then moved to BBC1 formats tested on BBC2.
Idea first then talent when pitching TX pilots.
E-commissioning process for pitching ideas, this allows you to email a paragraph outlining an idea, if they like the idea then you will be asked to submit a proposal using e-commissioning http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/
BBC2 8pm-9pm slot Tuesday – Thursday evening
Food and chefs catered for want formats along the lines of interiors, design, fashion or technology. Technology must try to appeal to not just to a male audience but female as well and not be geeky.
Ben points out that BBC2 wish to bring down the audience age particularly wishing to attract a female audience of 25-45 year olds.
Characteristics for commissioning – interested in content, genre plus model e.g. food plus travel
No gardening formats for BBC2 happy with what is already in place.
Want shows that are content rich with expert knowledge
BBC3 to continue with shape and size it is along the entertainment theme appealing to under 35 year olds.
Looking for premium 60 minute repeatable formats e.g. dog borstal, freaky eaters
10.30pm slot 8x60 minutes e.g. sex with mum and dad, singing with the enemy
Also looking for more formatted documentaries like Filthy Rich and Homeless
Two themes they would be interested in – ethical consumerism and Body Image/Beauty
BBC wishes to reduce the number of titles – high volume - making programmes that are fewer, bigger, better.
E.g. The apprentice main programme shown on BBC1 then after show programme straight after on BBC2
Think big fund young skewing cross platform ideas, cross channel ideas.
Prices: BBC1 - £80K 30 minutes
BBC2 - £80K 30 minutes
