Broadcast Behind the Screens

Speaking to Hannah Bowler, Discovery UK's Victoria Noble, Senior Director, Production & Development, unpacks the male-skewing original content that channels Quest and Discovery are looking for (think: experiential and immersive.)  Noble discusses what she's been working on and commissioning under lockdown, and reveals that Discovery UK has greenlit 100+ hours of new content in the past month alone. Plus, the type of multi-platform show she's looking for, and whether they're asking anything different of producers in regards to funding models. Listen now. Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

In this weeks episode, S4C's Amanda Rees talks to Heather Fallon about how the broadcaster navigated commissioning during the pandemic, as well as their recently announced slate of popular factual and factual formats. Rees also discusses what she is looking for in a co-production partner and offers her advice for the production community.    Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

Our newest podcast host, media researcher Heather Fallon, speaks to Sky Arts Director and Head of Entertainment for episode 14. They discuss the recent announcement that Sky Arts is going to be a free-to-air channel from September, and what Edgar Jones hopes this means for the arts industry at such a challenging time. Edgar Jones also reveals what he's looking to commission and whether going free-to-air will change his upcoming slate. Plus, how lockdown changed Sky Arts' commissioning strategy and what producers should consider when pitching to them. Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

Commissioning Conversations is back for our first regular episode of season 2. This week sees Broadcast Intelligence senior media researcher Hannah Bowler speaks to the President of the Food Network, Courtney White. They discuss how the benefits of finding unexpected talent for the network, how UK producers can work with them and who to pitch too, plus Courtney's favourite TV chef.  Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

Commissioning Conversations returns for season 2 and a very special episode, your weekly hosts, Broadcast Intelligence researchers Hannah Bowler and Alice Redman, in conversation with each other, discussing their latest Commissioning Under Covid report.  In addition to discussing the report, Alice and Hannah also look back at season one of Commissioning Conversations, plus their reactions to lockdown TV and their speculations on the future of the industry.  Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

Red Planet Pictures, who produce the hit series 'Death In Paradise', talk to Hannah Bowler about what it's like to produce the show - and how the pandemic has halted production. Joint Managing Director, Alex Jones, and Executive Producer, Tim Key, also give their take on working with different commissioners from the BBC, ITV and UKTV, how they're managing to keep traction on development projects, plus the fact that there is still an appetite for pitches from commissioners. Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

In our tenth episode, senior media researcher Alice Redman talks to Jordan Laird, Creative Director at Studio Something. Studio Something are the studio behind acclaimed show 'A View From The Terrace', which provides a look into the world of Scottish football. Laird discusses how the show came to be, what the process was like after the pilot was shot, what it's like working with BBC commissioners, and more.  Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

Speaking to Alice Redman, Thornton discusses what he's looking for in lockdown, pitch preferences, as well as what pitches best suit UKTV channels Dave, Gold, W and Alibi. Plus if his strategy will alter in the future, post-pandemic. Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

Listen to Episode 8 with guest Scott Lewers, who talks to Hannah Bowler of the Commissioner Index. Lewers unpacks his role at Discovery, talks how programming has been affected by coronavirus, his strategy post-corona, how to pitch to Discovery and how non-linear platforms are impacting the industry.  Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.

Episode 7 features Fatima Salaria, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4.  Speaking to reporter Jo Tilley, Salaria discusses adjusting to life in lockdown, the state of play with shows currently in development, and the importance of pushing out commissions in the current climate.  Subscribe to the Commissioner Index here.