Some very basic questions we're likely to ask when assessing programme ideas:
- What's it about?
- If it's a series idea is there enough material/potential to sustain a large number of episodes?
- What previous experience has the director/writer had?
- What's the proposed format/duration?
- How does it fit into our editorial remit and the BBC schedules/audiences?
- What will it look like?
Things that make it easier to assess ideas:
- A one page synopsis of a project that answers the questions above. If it is a series idea, paragraph-long storylines for a number of episodes are important. Brief character descriptions can be useful but are not essential. If we like an idea we will ask to see a script, so it is usually best to have written one before you approach us.
- A writing sample for the proposed writer (in the form of a script not a prose piece) if they are not already known to us is essential. A showreel of previous work for the director, if appropriate, is always of interest.
- Proposals that show knowledge of BBC channels and the audiences they cater for.
- CVs for the sender and other people involved in the project. If appropriate a company profile for the production company.
- Suggestions for voice cast.
Things that put us off:
- Original art-work. Always send copies.
- Poor layout. Please lay out scripts as scripts, not prose.
- Ideas that are very similar to existing programmes.
- Lots of lengthy character descriptions and background information, but no script. We would always rather have a script.
- Descriptions of spin-off merchandising. While we do think about the licensing and merchandising potential of ideas, this is not something you need to tell us about in your initial proposal and script.
- Live action comedy ideas.
