BBC - Commissioning - Ideas from the Public

Pitching Ideas

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Ideas from the Public

This section can give you advice on finding a job or getting work experience at the BBC. You could also find out about writing for the BBC or using your on-screen talent. You can also make a suggestion about an existing programme or find out how you can develop a new programme idea/format.

Looking for a job in television at the BBC?

Your first stop should be the BBC Jobs website, which provides excellent information and advice on how to go about getting into the BBC, together with information on traineeships (in many areas of television, from production and journalism to engineering) and gaining a work experience placement.

Getting Experience

Many producers start off by gaining experience in local radio or television. You can find a list of regional BBC stations from BBC Local.

It may also be worth checking out your local Further Education colleges to see if they run part-time/evening foundation courses - from film and shooting DV to script writing. Just browsing the net, you will also find more specialist organisations offering similar courses.

There are also many books written on television production and getting started in programme making which can be a great reference point. 

If your idea is of local interest then it may be worth contacting your Regional BBC network or news-room to see if they are interested in covering the story. Contacts for regional BBC stations can be found from BBC Local.

BBC New Talent

The BBC New Talent website is dedicated to finding raw talent - from storytelling to presenting the news on Breakfast.

Writing for the BBC

Find out about the opportunities for new writers at the BBC.

Your Comments

Ideas, comments or suggestions on existing BBC programmes are always welcome, through About the BBC or one of the many chatrooms linked to programmes. You can also express your Point of View.

Got an idea for a new programme or format?

When it comes to unsolicited ideas from individuals outside the BBC (or from abroad), they need to work with an independent production company or a BBC Production department to get their ideas to the screen.

The development and production of a programme is a complex process, needing an in-depth understanding of the television system and involving many people as well as the creator of the original concept. Working with an independent production company or (in some areas) a production department provides this support.

Contacting an Independent Production Company

The best way of getting in touch with an independent production company is to do some research upfront about the companies who produce the type of programmes that you have an idea for (a tip is to watch similar programmes on TV and note down the company names at the end of the programme).

There are a number of different sources you can use to contact the relevant independent production company: a simple web search will often find an independent's own website.

Many of these independent companies are members of PACT, an industry body representing the independent sector. PACT publish a directory of their members. pact.co.uk

Broadcast is a weekly magazine for the TV and radio industry, which provides news on commissioning, production, facilities and technology, and is a useful point of reference. broadcastnow.co.uk

The Broadcast Production Guide is produced in association with Broadcast and Screen International, and can provide information to help you find production companies, amongst other useful film and TV contacts. theproductionguide.co.uk

Note: the BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Contacting a BBC Production Department

BBC production departments can only accept proposals from the public in the areas below.

If you are a member of the public sending an unsolicited proposal (unattached to any industry establishment), you can find the relevant address below.

Note that comedy and drama ideas must be in the form of a fully written script. Find out more in the writers room guidelines.

Drama and Narrative Comedy Scripts

Development Manager, BBC Writersroom
Brock House
3rd Floor
19 Langham Street
London
W1A 1AA
Email: writersroom@bbc.co.uk

Entertainment Formats (quiz/game shows)

BBC Format Entertainment Development Team,
Room 4010,
BBC Television Centre,
Wood Lane,
London,
W12 7RJ

Factual Entertainment Treatments

(Factual Entertainment ideas only: we do not accept proposals of a documentary or General Factual nature.)

BBC Factual Entertainment Development Team,
Room 4010,
BBC Television Centre,
Wood Lane,
London,
W12 7RJ