UK pubcaster BBC3 is launching a youth content development scheme and inviting independent production companies based in Northern Ireland to submit format ideas.
The program is a collaboration with Northern Ireland Screen and BBC Northern Ireland, focused on enhancing the quality and volume of production supply and developing a talent pipeline from Northern Ireland to BBC3 to better reflect a diverse range of voices from across the UK.
BBC3 is looking for feel-good ideas aimed at 16-to-24-year-olds that celebrate and unite young people, based on the success of shows such as Glow Up, Eating With My Ex, Hot Property, The Rap Game UK and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The youth content development scheme seeks to culminate with the production of a factual entertainment series for BBC3, to be featured on BBC iPlayer.
The successful commission will be the first of four briefs attached to the partnership, with a plan to launch the next brief in six months’ time, with a total of four commissions coming from the scheme across the next two years.
Expressions of interest will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Dec. 5.
“This partnership in Northern Ireland is the first of its kind for BBC3 and we want it to help us showcase the distinctiveness and the drive of the local creative sector across the whole of the UK,” said Fiona Campbell (pictured, center-right), controller, BBC3, in a statement.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young creatives from Northern Ireland to help shape the future of BBC3 and share stories from this place that have never been seen on screen before,” added Eddie Doyle (center-left), head of content commissioning. “The creative sector in Northern Ireland has a lot to offer and we’re confident that this partnership model can unlock a lot of value for local independent production companies.”
Details, guidance on pitching, selection criteria and timeline are available on the BBC Commissioning website.