BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 Foreword “BBC Commissioning is at the of the UK What we’ve Introduction Production sector – working with the most exciting talent, producers and partners to bring achieved in 2019 brilliant British stories to the screen. am proud that we have done even more to support Context What we’ve achieved creativity and excellence across the sector this Commissioning bold British content that In 2019 we have strengthened our UK audiences love is what BBC Television creative footprint even further. We have is here to do. We are proud to work with worked with more producers than ever year, and this report sets out what we have world-class production talent across the before, more new producers, more producers whole of the UK – and are committed to based in the Nations and Regions and achieved in 2019.” invest in the next generation to ensure more qualifying independent producers. we continue to do so in the future. We have also increased the scale of Tim Davie Creative success relies on a vibrant our support for new talent and smaller BBC Director-General and diverse production sector – and it companies, particularly outside London is the BBC’s role to support the health and those that have diverse leadership. of the UK supply base at a time of The majority of our programme hours intense global competition. We want are made by independent producers + producers and talent to continue to and we have increased the levels of see the BBC as a place that nurtures, competition across our content. 350 enables and amplifies their best work. Suppliers This report demonstrates that we have: Our commissioners are amongst the best •• strengthened our support for the in the business, adding creative value and bn+ k+ television production sector impact to the stories writers, directors •• continued to be open, fair and £1.4 29 and producers want to tell. Together we transparent in the way we work Spend original Hours original can discover and shape the shows that •• fulfilled our commitments in the UK TV content UK TV content reflect the richness of all four Nations Commissioning Process Framework and leave audiences wanting more. •• exceeded all our regulatory requirements This report focuses on performance in 2019. For more background on how we work please see the BBC Commissioning Supply Report 2018 and the BBC Commissioning website. The first three chapters focus on Network TV*. Section 1: Section 3: % Inspiring Great Delivering our 54 British creativity ambitions and Indie productions commitments 57% Producers outside London Section 2: Section 4: Backing brilliant Nations, Children’s ideas, talent and and Sport companies The Greatest Dancer, BBC One, Thames/Syco

Further information * Network TV covers Network Drama, Comedy, Entertainment, Factual, Looking ahead Daytime and News related Current Affairs. Non-network TV, Children’s and , BBC One, Sid Gentle Films – Sport have their own sections. On page 6 Front cover credit: Gentleman Jack, and appendix Golden Globe Best TV Drama and 7 Children’s and Sport are included BBC One, Lookout Point 77 in Network TV as part of our Nations and RTS Best Drama Series New producers Regions support where relevant.

BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 1 Section 1: Inspiring Great British creativity Section 1:

Communication Inspiring Great British creativity In 2019 we increased the volume of X briefings, updates and face-to-face to s Inspiring meetings and went to more cities to 22 8 12 1 1 talk to producers where they are based. Briefings Cities Sessions out of London 2018: 18 2018: 6 Bookable face-to-face More than half of our briefing meetings at briefings Great British activity was outside London. 2018: 8 creativity Attracting brilliant ideas is critical to the quality and impact of our programmes. We

regularly brief producers across the UK to Clare Sillery, Head of Documentary Commissioning, Patrick Holland, Controller BBC Two, Nasfim Haque, Commissioning Editor BBC Three, update them on our commissioning priorities – Sheffield Doc/Fest Edinburgh Festival Creative Cities Convention, Cardiff and share information and resources to support their development. Our commissioning process is open, fair and transparent – we work with + + more new suppliers than any other UK public 700k 20 8 service broadcaster. Visits to website Video brief updates News updates New measure for 2019 Recorded commissioner briefs 2018: 3+ Case study: on current priorities Factual Briefing In the BBC/Screen Scotland partnership agreement we committed to develop a stronger Factual format pipeline over time. In April 2019, we added a format masterclass to our regular commissioning briefing in . Five network commissioners attended from Documentary, Specialist Factual, 22 Current Affairs and Popular Factual. Briefings The Factual Business Partner also attended to discuss strategic support. Our Audience Insight team presented young Factual audience research. Each commissioner then met with small groups of producers to discuss what makes a good format, using examples of successful formats, those that haven’t worked as well, and sharing taster tapes of successful pitches. Companies had the opportunity to follow up one-to-one to discuss specific ideas.

Fleabag, BBC Three, + Multi-award winner 80 Scottish based Factual + Producers attended , BBC One, BBC Studios 700k Seven Worlds, One Planet, BBC One, BBC Studios – BANFF Best Environmental Programme Website visits

2 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 3 Section 1: Inspiring Great British creativity Section 1: Sharing information and resources

Case study: Inspiring Great British creativity More independent producers are accessing BBC audience data on their programmes Audience masterclasses through our online portal. They can now also To help inspire ideas that match our see research articles and presentations which audience needs, our commissioners and enable them to strengthen performance of Audience teams regularly share relevant existing shows and gain insights to inspire analysis and insights with producers, as new future ideas. Presentations are also available on research becomes available. BBC Pitch for those bidding for new business. The interactive sessions help focus development teams on new themes or trends – and stimulate ideas in areas we know appeal to our audiences. This year we ran the following masterclasses: + •• ‘Factual Young Audiences’ in Scotland and Birmingham Drama Audience Insight presentation: The Capture, BBC One, Heyday Films and EastEnders, BBC One, BBC Studios •• ‘Wind-down TV’ in Salford for 130 Indie audience accounts Entertainment and Daytime producers 2018: 100+ •• ‘iPlayer Viewing’ at a pan-genre BBC Two briefing in Northern Ireland •• ‘Drama Overview’ for scripted producers in London

The Ranganation, BBC Two, Zeppotron

A single search engine has broadened the range of BBC archive available to contracted producers to support their research. 5Masterclasses 200 Indie archive accounts 2018: 119* 437 4 Producers attended Famalam, BBC Three, BBC Studios New website resources • BBC Three short-form Fair access delivery guidance • BBC Pictures delivery guidance for TV Nearly 200 new companies registered on • Diamond guidance for BBC Pitch in 2019 – bringing fresh ideas productions and perspectives. Where producers didn’t 187 137 • Updated regional production meet our criteria – but have strong talent New companies registered New suppliers invited or 2018: 341 approved by commissioners definitions guidance or ideas – they can still access BBC Pitch 2018: 242 on the invitation of a commissioner. To keep the system up to date we carried out an audit in 2019 to remove companies who hadn’t used their accounts.

Glow Up, BBC Three, Wall to Wall Defending the Guilty, BBC Two, Big Talk Productions

Note system change: 2018 = companies with Digital Archive Accounts. 2019 = Archive Search accounts.

4 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 5 Section 1: Inspiring Great British creativity Supporting creativity Section 1: Inspiring Great British creativity across the UK Supporting the strength of ideas, talent and companies In 2019 we held 17 briefings in the Nations We have Network commissioning editors in the Nations and Regions is a key BBC priority to meet and Regions and launched a targeted BBC to support the development of ideas and our ambition of increasing production and strengthening Three Invitation to Pitch in Northern companies in each of the Nations and commissioning outside London. Ireland with ring-fenced development funds Regions. 17* of our Network commissioners and a guaranteed commission. are based outside London.

Scotland Northern Ireland

Commissioner support Commissioner support

Drama: Gaynor Holmes Drama: Tommy Bulfin Comedy: Gregor Sharp Comedy: Gregor Sharp Entertainment and Daytime: Factual: Clare Mottershead Jo Street (until August 2019)/ Daytime: Muslim Alim Neil McCallum (from March 2020) Children’s: Julia Bond Factual: Craig Hunter (until May 2019) Daytime: Muslim Alim Children’s: Julia Bond Mountain Vets, BBC Two, 360 Production ’s Tour of Scotland, BBC Two/BBC Scotland, My Left Nut, BBC Three, Two Rivers Media + Rollem Productions 4 12 20 4 14 8 Writers Michael Patrick The Victim, BBC One, Briefings Commissioners visited Companies supported Briefings Commissioners visited Companies supported and Oisín Kearney STV Productions 2018: 3 2018: 19 2018: 20+ 2018: 3 2018: 12 2018: 10+ Writersroom New Voices Programme

Wales England

Commissioner support Commissioner support

Drama: Ben Irving Drama: Mona Qureshi Comedy: Gregor Sharp Comedy: Gregor Sharp Factual: Catherine Catton Factual: Emily Smith, North & Midlands; and Daisy Griffith, Daytime: Lindsay Bradbury South West Daytime: Alex McLeod BBC Three: Nasfim Haque

Big in the Valleys, BBC Three, Sundog Pictures BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2019, + + BBC One, BBC Studios Gavin & Stacey, BBC One, Fullwell 73, 4 13 10 8 19 40 Baby Cow & Tidy Production Briefings Commissioners visited Companies supported Briefings Commissioners visited Companies supported Years and Years, BBC One, Biggest scripted show of the decade 2018: 2 2018: 12 2018: 10+ 2018: 7 2018: 28 2018: 10+ Red Productions

* Commissioners based outside London include all Network TV genres including Drama, Comedy, Entertainment, Factual, Daytime, Children’s and Sport (please note two of the 17 left during 2019, one has been replaced to date). Briefings and commissioner support includes Drama, Comedy, Entertainment, Factual, Daytime and Children’s. Commissioner visits exclude BBC Children’s and BBC Sport as they are fully based outside London. Wales and Bristol Factual producers are invited to briefings in both locations.

6 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 7 Section 2: Backing brilliant ideas, talent and companies What we do Section 2: Backing brilliant ideas, talent and companies

We are proactive in driving progress. We invest in ideas to make them the best they can possibly Backing be, and our commissioners score highly in producer surveys for the creative value they add. We back small businesses to ensure we always have a rich and diverse supply base to work with. We stimulate and nurture talent to encourage them to make their best work for the BBC. brilliant ideas, And diversity of voice, experience, culture and place are at the heart of everything we do.

All genres have dedicated development funds to work with producers to convert ideas from concept to fully talent and formed commissionable programmes for our companies channels and iPlayer. The BBC commissions great ideas to excite, educate and 260Companies funded entertain audiences. We also support the long-term health of development 2018: 250+ the UK creative sector and drive change where the market Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out, BBC Three, October Films – National TV Awards Best Factual Entertainment needs it, to ensure we can continue to do that. Our current priorities are to increase diverse representation both on and % % % off screen, to strengthen production in the Nations and 90 10 0 Indies BBC Studios In-house Regions, to ensure we tell stories from all communities across 2018: 90% 2018: 10% 2018: 1% the UK, and to promote a greener Britain. Some of this we do ourselves and some we do with partners in the industry.

We invest in companies to stimulate growth and strengthen their creative % pipeline where they play a key role in delivering our % creative and strategic goals. 100 75Companies out of London Development spend contestable 30 Companies* * Includes out of London and Business development support portrayal fund partnerships.

Small indie fund In January 2020 we launched 50 our small indie fund: ring- Companies supported* fencing £1 million a year to back / small independent British 2 3rds businesses with turnovers Nations and Regions of less than £10 million. Glastonbury, BBC One, BBC Studios Selected companies each get RTS Best Live Event % a commissioning mentor and 25 50 Giri/Haji, BBC Two, Sister Pictures Diverse led Murder Case, BBC Two/BBC Scotland, Firecrest Films Small companies BAFTA TV Best Supporting Actor a bespoke support package. supported

* Extended to 100 post-Covid.

8 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 9 Section 2: Backing brilliant ideas, talent and companies

What we do continued Section 2: Backing brilliant ideas, talent and companies

Diversity, portrayal and representation Talent development

Representing all audiences in the Talent is the lifeblood of creativity UK is a priority for us. To back and excellence – we actively nurture BBC Elevate Directors that up we have two ring-fenced and support new faces and voices. We funds to support progress. invest in or manage multiple schemes Launched December 2019 to give bespoke We run multiple schemes aimed at from entry level to showrunner across experience to disabled production talent discovering and developing the directors all genres – both editorial and craft. We to work with suppliers on big BBC shows. of the future. From new talent, through support emerging talent to continue Programmes include: The Apprentice, Strictly first credit, to big break; the initiatives m their progress across the BBC. Come Dancing, EastEnders, Call the Midwife, are run through BBC Films, Drama, £2 Who Do You Think You Are? and Pointless. Documentary, Arts and BBC Three. Diversity Fund + To strengthen diverse + 300 8 12 representation on and off screen Applications Production partners Director schemes through tailored investments, 30 talent initiatives and bursaries. Bursaries, talent schemes and targeted initiatives Comedy New talent We set up the BBC Comedy Association Several schemes are aimed at discovering / to discover under-privileged and under- new voices and faces – giving them 1 3rd represented young talent. We ran the BBC their first break in TV. These range Case study: m BAME and disabled Comedy Writers Room, alongside the Felix from Comedy Slices and First Timers, Man Like Mobeen £2 Dexter and Caroline Aherne bursaries – to through a Daytime Drama craft trainee Portrayal Fund* discover new writing and performing talent. scheme to BBC Three Pitch, placing new BBC Comedy, Tiger Aspect and Film To strengthen representation Documentary talent with a Northern indie. Birmingham funded a training scheme to of all four Nations through offer eight entry level positions for young production partnerships, Midlands talent from a range of different increased ambition and range of production locations. 2 16 10 backgrounds on the BBC Three comedy. Comedy bursaries New Comedy writers New talent schemes developed The aim was to give first-hand experience of the TV industry by working behind the scenes. The trainees worked across a number of departments including directing, Case study: Case study: producing, costume, make-up and Guilt camera work. BBC Writers Room The Neil Forsyth penned Scottish Four of the placements were funded by •• Aims to broaden the talent pipeline for Comedy/Drama was the biggest BBC Comedy, two by Film Birmingham BBC Drama and Comedy – especially single portrayal fund investment. and two by Tiger Aspect. young, diverse and outside London. A BBC Scotland and BBC Two co- •• The flagship TV Drama Writers Other key investments in 2019 commission, it also secured backing BBC Drama supported Turbine Studios Programme places 12 promising writers from Screen Scotland and supported the to run a scheme on Steve McQueen’s a year with A-list indies to develop a fully sustainability of Happy Tramp North as Small Axe, that supported 14 BAME crew funded episode script for an original TV a key Comedy producer in Scotland. from entry level trainees to Head of drama series. The scheme averages 60% Department roles. Casting agents worked across the female, 50% BAME. whole of the UK, searching for Scottish BBC Arts worked with Douglas Road •• A Comedy extension of the scheme in actors from all backgrounds to Productions and the Young Vic on Soon Scotland led to Bryce Hart Davies being ensure strong on screen portrayal. Gone: A Windrush Chronicle to support both commissioned to write the Beep for established and emerging writers, directors The production provided training BBC Two. Dublin Murders, BBC One, Element Pictures and Euston Films. and producers. opportunities for people from socio- •• The CDS Directors Scheme won the Writer Chandni Lakhani Ex Drama Writers Programme economically diverse backgrounds as Creative Diversity Network Award 2019. well as neurodiverse filmmakers. Of the directors 34% were BAME, 57% + + Top: Man Like Mobeen production trainees The series won critical acclaim women, 3% trans. Of 32 directors, 31 have 500 60 20 5 BBC Three, Tiger Aspect and was watched by three million been called back for their own block. Writers supported Writing schemes Writers Programme Bases Middle: The One Show at The Royal Welsh Show, BBC One, BBC Studios people, more than half a million Development alumni in current London, Salford, •• Recent Nations Voices credits include: Alan programmes, development Cardiff, Belfast, Bottom: Guilt, BBC Two, Happy Tramp North and of those were in Scotland. Harris, Wales, for The Left Behind, BBC Expectation Entertainment script-rooms, talent On BBC Drama slate Glasgow Guilt 2 has been commissioned and Three, Michael Patrick and Oisín Kearney, searches and will go into production in 2020. Belfast, for My Left Nut, also for BBC Three, workshops across and Tony Schumacher, Northern Voices, four Nations for The Responder, BBC Two. * 19/20 was the final year of this three-year investment.

10 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 11 Section 2: Backing brilliant ideas, talent and companies What we do with others Section 2: Backing brilliant ideas, talent and companies

The BBC is proud to partner with other specialists in the sector to further support ideas, talent, skills and Strategic partnerships businesses across the UK. We do so where our ambitions and values align, and where there is clear NI Screen Screen Scotland strategic benefit, outcomes and value for money. Partnership agreement and shared Partnership agreement and shared initiatives to support the strategic initiatives to support the strategic development of the sector. In 2019 development of the local sector. In 2019 launched BBC Three Youth Development the BBC met or exceeded its MOU Partnership in Factual Entertainment commitments. Talent development and Comedy was launched. 700k 10 BBC investment in Scottish Independent producers in paid development portrayal projects in 2019 on BBC Three schemes Case study: TRC SuperSizer Pact Indielab The aim of SuperSizer is to strengthen the quality of ambitious ideas in BBC co-funds a Diversity Exec to support Business accelerator programme to help development from the Nations and Regions independent producers to deliver on small indies supercharge their growth. to increase the ability of companies to diversity goals. Workshops included Raiders of the Lost Past with Janina Ramirez, Masterclass series with industry leaders to win bigger, higher value commissions. Inclusive Leadership, Inclusive Casting, BBC Four, Alleycats – one of the BBC Three factual inform growth and investment plans. Hiring for Disability and Unconscious Bias. entertainment partnership pilot winners, along with 12 Factual Development Executives Rare TV receive monthly training sessions on idea 16 development, pitching and negotiation, 12 Producers Workshops in four cities with commissioner sessions to gain insight on how to tailor ideas for UK broadcasters. 50+ Case study: 170 Industry leaders In 2019 the BBC hosted the SuperSizer Attendees on 2019 courses BBC Three Northern Ireland delegates for a day of in-depth sessions with the Head of Content for iPlayer, Creative Partnership Head of Planning and Scheduling TRC SuperSizer delegates 2019 Albert consortium, Creative Cities The Youth Development scheme launched as well as Commissioning Editors in September 2019 to enhance the volume for Documentaries, Popular Factual hosted by BAFTA Convention and quality of factual entertainment and Factual Entertainment. production from Northern Ireland and Specialist team working closely with Annual event to strengthen and celebrate ScreenSkills National Film and develop a talent pipeline for BBC Three. All delegates reported their productions to encourage greener ways of production in the Nations and Region, To support production training initiatives Television School skills, knowledge, confidence and working. Provides free tools, training and hosted in Cardiff in 2019. Senior industry After an initial creative and audience across the UK, targeted at skills gaps. To support high-end education relationships had strengthened. resources to help producers reduce their leaders debate topics to support creative brief, expressions of interest were carbon footprint. health of OOL companies to drive growth. assessed, eight companies were given % opportunities in film and TV “Spending time in the company of experts is paid development, and two pilots 35 programme making always a privilege. The clarity and rationale BAME were commissioned, one of which behind commissioner thinking… provided 156 350 6 19/20 Series Producer Programme will be commissioned to series. 32 sound starting points for new ideas.” Productions Albert certified in 19/20 Attendees BBC speakers MAs and Diplomas A second round of the scheme was % Louis Bamber, Button Down (York) 70 launched in May 2020, and BBC Three Nations and Regions % 19/20 Production Co-ordinator Programme 50 creative partnerships have now been Short courses outside London extended to the North of England, Scotland and in discussion in Wales. BFI TRC To develop and support new UK talent To strengthen skills and development 46 8 Ideas in discussion Funded developments through iFeatures and other projects. in the Nations and Regions In dialogue with a UK broadcaster 12 12 Debut filmmakers Development executives 2 supported through iFeatures 4 Pilots 8 Paid developments 3 Diverse trainee researchers With a UK broadcaster Films 19/20 RAD scheme taken into production 1 Hometown, BBC Three, Forest and Wonder Television – RTS Best Presenter Guaranteed commission

12 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 13 Section 3: Delivering our ambitions and commitments Section 3:

Volume of suppliers Delivering our ambitions and commitments

In 2019 the BBC worked with Broadcaster comparison more producers than ever before – Delivering our significantly more than any other BBC UK broadcaster. We also increased 2019 354 the number of new producers we 2018 328 worked with and more than half 2017 295 were in the Nations and Regions. ITV 2019 86 ambitions and 2018 76 2017 68 Channel 2019 0 354Producers 2018 154 commitments 2018: 328 2017 171 Our creative footprint is broader and deeper 77 40 than any other UK broadcaster. We work with New producers New Nations and more producers, in more locations, and are 2018: 72 Regions producers 2018: 29 constantly refreshing the talent we work with. Our commissioners are hungry for the best % ideas, and open to where they come from. 57 Creative competition enables us to drive Suppliers out of London innovation and quality across the sector.

Race Across the World, BBC Two, Studio Lambert BAFTA TV Best Constructed Factual 77 The Rap Game, BBC Three, Naked Television House of Games, BBC Two, UK New producers

Location of suppliers

We have increased the volume Breakdon of suppliers of suppliers we work with based by substantive base in the Nations and Regions. London 42% Scotland 19% % Wales 11% 57 orthern Ireland 10% Suppliers out of London orth of England 6% 2018: 50% Midlands and East of England 2% South of England 9% 40 on-UK 1% New Nations and Regions producers RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, BBC Three, World Of Wonder RTS Best Entertainment * Data not yet published for 2019.

14 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 15 Section 3: Delivering our ambitions and commitments Section 3: Delivering our ambitions and commitments

His Dark Materials, BBC One, Mix of suppliers – BAFTA Craft Best Special Effects

In 19/20 the majority of our programme Levels of business trend hours were made by independent producers. The volume of business won 100% % by non-qualifying independent producers 54 continues to grow (up 1 percentage point 90% Network hours independent to 19%). However, this year saw a greater producers increase in the volume of qualifying 80% independent producers (up 4 percentage 70% points to 36%). BBC Studios’ level of % business fell by 5 percentage points 60% 46 and Public Service is up 1 percentage Network hours BBC producers point*. The biggest change in volumes 50% (BBC Studios and Public Service) of business was in comedy and drama. 40% Levels of business by genre 30%

100% 20%

90% 10%

80% 0910 1011 1112 121 11 115 1516 1617 1718 1819 1920 0%

70% BBC PSB BBC Studios QI QI

60%

50% Speed of response

40% There is parity in the speed of decision 30% making between independent producers and BBC Studios. Decisions are taken 20% on eight out of 10 active ideas* within

10% 20 weeks for both supply groups. The remaining ideas were subject to further

Drama Entertainment Comedy Factual Daytime Sport Children’s 0% development or funding dependencies. BBC PSB BBC Studios QI QI This is an overall drop year on year and we aim to improve our speed of response on BBC Pitch during 2020. %

82Final decisions in 20 weeks. On active ideas: independent producers and BBC Studios

Motherland, BBC Two, Merman Television – RTS Breakthrough Award for Tanya Moodie

The Choir: Our School by the Tower, BBC Two, The Hit List, BBC One, Tuesday’s Child Productions

* Due to year-on-year increases in Children’s and Sport levels of business. * Active ideas are ideas where a decision is possible. Ideas are classed as inactive when they are stalled waiting for confirmation of component elements, e.g. access or talent availability. 16 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 17 Section 3: Delivering our ambitions and commitments Section 3: Delivering our ambitions and commitments

Supply quotas Levels of competition

In 2019 we exceeded all Competition of ideas is baked into our our supply quotas. % % % business model. All ideas are treated on 32 51 62 merit with decisions made on consistent Productions made by qualifying Network spend qualified as Network hours qualified as criteria* and creative judgement. independent companies Out of London Out of London Having exceeded our interim target Quota 25% Quota 50% Quota 50% in 2018, this year we have focused on progress to our 100% target by the end of the Charter period. As required, we removed the In-house Guarantee for Independent Independent production quota Children’s, Sport and non-news related Current Affairs by December 2019. production quota 45% 2019 In 2019 we exceeded the 40% independent production 35% quota by 7%. 30% % 25% •• 30% of programme hours uota 20% 62 on BBC One were made by Hours contested in 2019 qualifying producers 15% 2018: 56% (exceeded quota by 5%) 10% •• 38% of programme hours Target on BBC Two were made by 5% qualifying producers 0% % (exceeded quota by 13%) 2012 201 201 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 100 BBC One BBC Two Pan BBC Hours to be contested by 2027

Essential Royal Ballet, BBC Four, The Royal Opera House Since the 2018 Supply Report, we concluded the Countryfile tender which was awarded to BBC Studios. We asked for feedback from all those who had taken part in our second round Out of London early spend trend by NationsEnglish Regions of tenders, and updated our processes production quota 70% with any lessons learnt. A planning exercise has been completed to look In 2019 we achieved all our 60% at the phasing of future activity. Nations and English Regions spend and hours quotas. We 50%

spent more than 20% in the 40% three devolved Nations and nearly a third in the English 30%

Regions outside London. 20%

10%

0% 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 201 201 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 English Regions Multi-Region Scotland Wales orthern Ireland

Spend by Nation Quota 2019 Hours by Nation Quota 2019 Scotland 8% 9.1% Scotland 8% 15.1% Above: Africa with Ade Adepitan, BBC Two, Wales 5% 8.2% Wales 4% 5.4% BBC In-house Current Affairs Right: Good Omens, BBC Two, BBC Studios, Northern Ireland 3% 3.5% Northern Ireland 2% 2.7% Narratavia, The Blank Corporation English Regions 28% 29.4% English Regions 30% 38.4% Multi-Region 0.6% Multi-Region 0.1% Total OOL Spend 50% 50.7% Total OOL Spend 50% 61.8% Complaints

In 2019 we had one formal complaint which was not upheld, and one informal complaint seeking clarification of issues raised after a tender award which was resolved.

* See page 33 BBC Commissioning Supply Report 2018.

18 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 19 Section 4: Nations, Children’s and Sport Section 4: Nations Nations BBC Nations and Regions continues to invest in creativity across the UK and is working to Black and Scottish, BBC Scotland, Tern TV increase the diversity of its output – to attract BBC Scotland audiences we find it harder to reach, the less secure and the young. Communications Data is for BBC Scotland and BBC One Scotland. Excludes BBC ALBA, hich All four Nations have strong partnerships in We held two industry-wide briefings is 96% SB and % QI place with a mix of established and new attended by 132 and 113 producers. companies, and are working to secure more as Our Head of Audience Research they increase the number of co-commissions presented an overview of the TV and continue to broaden their slates into landscape and local performance at both. other genres. Our website is kept up to date and all Commissioning Executives regularly Developing talent and ideas is key for the meet with suppliers. division and the teams are also working Competition closely with the network commissioning team was tendered in March to ensure there is increased representation for 2019 and won by BBC Scotland all four Nations. Multiplatform Production. The launch of the BBC Scotland Channel Introduction has seen a significant increase in the number of originated slots available – In 19/20 we produced 1,400hrs excluding Sport, around 70% of these of originated programming Drama Entertainment Comedy Factual Sport slots are contestable. across BBC One Scotland and BBC PSB BBC Studios QI QI the new BBC Scotland Channel. The BBC Scotland Channel Ideas and business transmitted 890 originated development hours (50% of its schedule). We’ve supported Studio Something to This was provided by around transition from podcasts to TV with 80 suppliers from across A View from the Terrace. the sector, representing We’ve invested in three sitcom pilots on a mix of both established BBC One Scotland, with The Scotts and new companies. commissioned for series. We work with BBC Writers Room % Scotland, to support young writers. 99 Collaboration with BBC Four included Getting Hitched Asian Style, Of first run originated ’s Fringe Benefits and The BBC Scotland, Firecracker Films programmes made in Scotland Snow Queen, a Scottish Ballet production. Soft Border Patrol, BBC Northern Ireland, The Comedy Unit Talent development, Strategic partnerships hrs diversity and portrayal BBC Scotland ran a theatre partnership 1,400 scheme which resulted in the NTS trans Originated programming We held a Youth Day with BBC Scotland project Adam being adapted for BBC Across BBC One and BBC Scotland commissioners and a commissioner also Scotland. attended the Creative Media Network. Our new partnership with Screen Scotland Keeping Faith, BBC Wales and BBC One, has resulted in eight co-funded projects. Vox Pictures % Talent partnerships 61 We continue to work with Screen Of Factual made by Shadows/trainees on Guilt were accessed Scotland and the Scottish Documentary independent producers through an organisation working with people from different socio-economic Institute to deliver six documentaries backgrounds (GMAC). over two years and partner with MG ALBA to support Gaelic language Screen Scotland invested in Love Song programming for BBC ALBA. Inside Central Station, BBC Scotland, and Night at the Museum. STV Productions Life of Pie, BBC England, BBC In-house

20 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 21 Section 4: Nations

1900 Island, BBC Wales, Wildflame Productions Counsel, Northern Ireland, Lacada Entertainment BBC Wales BBC Northern Ireland

Communications Data is for BBC One Wales and Communications Data is for BBC One Northern Ireland BBC To Wales and BBC To Northern Ireland BBC Wales operates rolling We issued two industry-wide briefs commissioning including regular across the year. Over 60 suppliers meetings with producers across the were invited to our autumn year. Two sector briefings were held first briefing at which the new Head of in Cardiff then Bangor. The BBC Wales Commissioning discussed audience commissioning website is also updated performance and wider ambitions with any significant commissioning for television and digital content. requests or announcements. Commissioners continually meet Competition with suppliers and we update our commissioning website in Commissioning briefings during the line with briefings and any new year included the announcement of programme requirements. potential seasons and the Invitation to Pitch for The Royal Welsh Show. Competition Ideas development Two targeted briefs were issued in 2019. Introduction Introduction Over 50% of the ideas submitted in Drama and Comedy continue to be key the rounds were invited to pitch and

BBC Wales commissions shows Drama Comedy Factual Sport Additional investment in 2019 Drama Entertainment Comedy Factual Sport strategic aims within our commissioning around 75 commissions were awarded. that fire the imagination of portfolio. We have also ring-fenced spend BBC PSB BBC Studios QI QI for local television services in BBC PSB BBC Studios QI QI a nation; distinctive Welsh for younger skewing series and impactful BBC Northern Ireland resulted Ideas development stories of people and place. Factual content which forms part of our in more content supplied across a greater range of We committed to the development of This portrayal and nation to network pipeline. genres – it was a year of historic a small number of proposals, including representation of Wales has Documentaries, local Drama joint funding of co-commissioned never been more important – Talent development and great sporting events. opportunities. a resurgence in Welsh Drama, BBC Wales has targeted spend on the This was enhanced by strong Comedy and Factual, is having a BBC Northern Ireland co-commissioned New Director’s Initiative aimed at finding partnerships and continued significant impact on linear and eight Factual Entertainment programmes, the next generation of production talent growth in co-commissioning. digital platforms and delighting with the potential to produce content for Arts Documentaries and History pieces audiences across the UK. We BBC Wales and BBC Network television. In particular, we marked the with network channels, all produced by support indies from across the period of The Troubles in Northern Ireland-based indies. Welsh production sector and Northern Ireland with a series Strategic partnerships We supported two local Drama initiatives, partner with the broader of landmark Documentary called New Perspectives. Written, creative sector wherever BBC Wales works closely with a range of singles and series for local produced and filmed in Northern Ireland, possible. Uniquely, BBC Wales partners to ensure it commissions content and network television and a these dramas portrayed Northern Ireland works closely with Welsh from a diverse range of perspectives. BBC Tourist Trap, BBC Wales, The Comedy Unit special collection on iPlayer on screen in new ways and nurtured new Ups and Downs, Northern Ireland, Big Fish Films language channel to Wales’ partnership with It’s My Shout has showcasing the work of a talent both on screen and behind the enhance the audience offer. continued to provide a pipeline of new producers coming out of Wales . wide range of producers. talent into the sector. Both in short-form These short feature films are shown at scenes, with support from Northern Strategic partnerships Drama and Documentary formats, this film festivals and can become a stepping Ireland Screen. Counsel and Ups and We match funded the development of initiative has developed exciting new stone towards a fully financed longform Downs broadcast in March 2019. Documentaries and Drama scripts with voices that have gone on to work on longer feature film. Northern Ireland Screen. form BBC Wales content. Drawn together Talent development and BBC Wales has also taken steps during % as a New Voices from Wales boxset on diversity/portrayal BBCNI has an expanding strategic 100 the year to develop the next generation of 60 iPlayer, these voices have been widely partnership with BBC Three and Drama produced by independent content producers. In April 2019, it joined Producers attended The True North, Our Lives and Arts NI shared by a younger, less traditional Northern Ireland Screen for the local production companies forces with S4C and to boost two commissioning briefings strands of programming reflected the BBC audiences. independent sector. Factual TV production training in Wales. diversity of specific individuals and In partnership with Ffilm Cymru, BBC The Factual Fast Track scheme provides communities across Northern Ireland. Our work with NI Screen’s Irish and Wales has also contributed to the Beacon tailored development and training to Ulster-Scots Broadcast Funds has 2 Initiative – a scheme aimed at developing individuals with real potential to become 75 supported a range of minority language Commissioning briefings some of the brightest and best writers and series producers of the future. Commissions output from the local independent Of which eight were production sector. co-commissions

22 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 23 Section 4: Nations, Children’s and Sport Section 4: Children’s Children’s Through our commissioning rounds and targeted Winter Walks, Atypical Media briefs BBC Children’s stimulated competition, BBC England creativity and diversity at all levels. We have forged relationships with new suppliers, implemented content strategy for new parents and iPlayer Communications Data is for BBC One England all regional optouts bridging shows, and created impactful content England has a new TV Commissioning across all genres. webpage which sets out current priorities and how to pitch. The Head of TV Commissioning and Head of Development have attended a range of industry events, including Sheffield Documentary Festival and Edinburgh TV Festival. Over the year, individual face-to-face meetings were held with around 20 indies across England. Competition Rather than ideas being pitched through individual regional in-house Current Affairs Editors, England TV Introduction Commissioning is now centralised, to consider the best ideas across the Nation

BBC England appointed a Factual Sport as a whole, with submission through Head of TV Commissioning BBC Pitch. The new commissioning BBC PSB BBC Studios QI QI for BBC England in September team is working with an increasing 2019. This is a new role and number of independent producers and represents a significant shift is looking to broaden the England slate. JoJo & Gran Gran, CBeebies, BBC In-house of focus for BBC England to broaden its audience In September 2019, an Invitation proposition in the future. The to Pitch for the Our Lives strand on Head of TV Commissioning BBC One resulted in 34 pitches from looks after all non-news TV 26 separate indies and resulted in output from BBC England three commissions, two in-house and is based in Birmingham, and one independent producer. supported by a Head of A second-round Invitation to Pitch took Development based in Leeds. place in November 2019. We received 28 BBC England is forging closer ideas from 22 suppliers and commissioned relationships with Network an in-house pitch on that occasion. Commissioning to increase Earlier in the year indies were invited representation of the whole of % to pitch for a series called The Great England, in particular outside Staycation. Three indies pitched in each 77 London, to bring stories from region with one company awarded Cigar Box Blues – The Makers of a Revolution, Faction North, Children’s programmes England to a UK-wide audience, made out of London a commission in each of 11 different BBC One in a range of genres, in the regions. The commissions went to most cost effective way. series on BBC Four. The company Factory Films, Denham Productions, has since secured a follow up series Gosh TV, Robin Hood Media, Button called Winter Walks, using 360 degree Down, Air TV, One Tribe TV, Screenhouse cameras and high-altitude drones. 3 Productions, Saffron Cherry TV, Open briefs Topical Television, Tin Can Island. BBC England began partnering with BBC Three, co-funding content for young people + Strategic/ideas from England outside London including 20 development Factual Entertainment series Angels of Face-to-face meetings with the North from Newcastle made by indie independent production BBC England supported Atypical, a Twenty Six 03 and in-house series Step companies small Leeds-based indie, who secured into the Ring for transmission in 2020. a commission for the Yorkshire Walks

BBC England refers to the division that manages all non-Network content in the English Regions.

24 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 25 Section 4: Nations, Children’s and Sport Section 4: Sport Sport RGB : 183 PPI

The BBC is committed to working with sports rights Almost Never, CBBC, Dynamic Television and Salt Beef Television holders to ensure we open up as many production opportunities as we can, whilst maintaining our ability BBC Children’s removed its in-house Competition Both schemes have been very guarantee three years ahead of positive, not only for these specific to broadcast the events themselves. However, the schedule and has been contesting We held two Commissioning Rounds in opportunities but also our commissioning sports right element will always mean BBC Sport all new programmes since then. 2019. April (New Ideas): 78 submissions relationships going forward, and we’re (54% indie and 46% in-house). Of the confident that will in turn produce works differently to other genres. In 19/20 we continued to open up ideas submitted 50% of indie proposals more distinctive, representative and more hours to competition between were commissioned and 33% of in-house. engaging content for our audiences. independent and in-house producers. September (Returners): 22 submissions Development Communications (48% indie and 33% in-house). Of the ideas submitted 92% of indie proposals In 19/20 we committed development We held two commissioning were commissioned and 67% of in-house. funding to more than 32 companies. briefings in 2019 – one in Salford in The pot is fully contestable. This year January and in Belfast in April. Targeted briefs 35% was committed to in-house public service production teams and 65% to Our Audience Insight team presented Teen Monologues: This brief was independent production companies. a segment of the brief where they specially designed to bring both under- Nearly 70% was spent out of London. shared insights into CBeebies and represented voices and new suppliers CBBC audiences’ attitudes and needs. to the department. As short 10-minute We continue to reserve a small pot of We discussed Children’s priorities at pieces we were able to take more risks and funding for diversity which is open to industry events including the Children’s all five indies commissioned were new both in-house and independent producers. Media Conference in Sheffield. in some way, with three new to Drama, It was increased slightly in 19/20 and we one new to the BBC, and one company have seen a significant increase in the A Top Ten email is sent to around receiving their first ever TV commission. number of applications from the indie 1,000 children’s suppliers every week. market. The fund supports placements New School Drama: This brief was This includes any general updates or additional support for individuals in also looking to bring under-represented from the Children’s senior team under-represented groups in the industry. voices and communities to the network. and the top 10 linear and iPlayer This year it funded BAME talent across a Stipulating the need for authenticity and brands for CBeebies and CBBC. multitude of disciplines, female writers, representation it resulted in submissions directors and deaf production staff. There is also a seasonal newsletter from a broad range of suppliers, from sent out on behalf of the Director of established Drama indies working with We also support the Edinburgh Television Children’s. Last year this was published newer talent, to smaller companies Festival Network Scheme and are twice (summer and winter). making their first steps in the genre. active employer of scheme delegates. Of the eight shortlisted suppliers, six The commissioning website was are either new to the network or new to updated to reflect the new briefing drama, and all are working with new and priorities information. talent behind and in front of the camera. 1,000 Producers and individuals receive weekly audience information 70% Development spend in Nations and Regions Sports Personality of the Year, BBC One BBC Sport Productions

Blue Peter, CBBC, BBC In-house

26 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 27 Further information Further information Looking ahead

We are proud of our performance in 2019 – but will to engage with third-party sport rights holders about seek to improve in areas where we have slipped below competition for production. In the Nations and Regions we what we set out to achieve, or where we want to go aim to improve appeal to young and diverse audiences as further to deliver on our strategic ambitions. well as strengthen the impact of local programming, and in addition BBC England will look to further expand the range In Network TV in 2020 our main focus will be to take action to and volume of genres commissioned in partnership with deliver against our commitments in the Annual Plan: to increase Network to strengthen portrayal of the English Regions. our appeal to the young, diverse and the Nations and Regions audiences – as well as doing more work to strengthen our long- Our ability to deliver progress in 2020 across all commissioning term production and commissioning footprint outside London. teams will be significantly challenged by the sector-wide Women’s World Cup trail, BBC One and BBC Two, Whisper Productions We will also aim to improve our speed of response on BBC Pitch. disruption caused by Covid-19 – but we will continue to take action to support the sector through the pandemic – and BBC Children’s aim to broaden the range and diversity of bake our strategic priorities into the post-Covid recovery. The BBC removed the in-house The BBC has tendered the rights to the suppliers they work with, and BBC Sport will continue guarantee for Sports programmes produce sporting programmes from hrs at the end of 2019, in line with the the independent sector for well over a 470 requirements of the Framework decade. In 2019, the BBC’s snooker, darts, Sports coverage produced by About this report independent companies Agreement. Most Sports commissions women’s football, bowls, women’s rugby The BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report is published annually, in line with the BBC’s Annual Report and Accounts. are dependent upon securing union and selected athletics coverage was sports rights from third parties; so produced by independent companies. rights holders inform the approach The most watched sporting event on UK to competition for the domestic television in 2019, the Women’s World Cup, 7 Appendix TV production of their event. was produced for the BBC by Input Media. Applicants for Sports Personality of the Year tender Communication Partnerships and diversity For more background on how we work please see the following: Top ten suppliers The 2018 Commissioning Supply Report: http://downloads.bbc. In Winter 2019, BBC Sport contacted a BBC Sport works in partnership with By spend co.uk/commissioning/site/-commissioning-supply- wide range of sports rights holders to a number of third parties to promote report-2018.pdf Bad Wolf explain the changes to ways of working participation and inclusion. The Couch and to outline how the contestability to 5k app, for example, is the result of BBC Commissioning website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ Remarkable Productions process would be implemented. a partnership between BBC Sport and commissioning/ Mammoth Screen Public Health England, and has been The new process is up and running How we work: https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/tv/articles/ highlighted as a landmark partnership Boundless although the impact of Covid-19 on by PHE. Since the partnership launched who-we-are-how-we-commission the sporting world has slowed down four years ago, around 23 million runs Hungry Bear Media activity in the sports rights market. Diversity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/tv/production/ have been recorded, with nearly five articles/diversity Talkback million coming in the first three months Competition of lockdown. One of the reasons for the BBC England commissioning: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ Wall to Wall success of the Couch to 5k app has been commissioning/tv/bbc-england To demonstrate our commitment STV Productions its ease and accessibility as people are to contestability we put BBC Sports BBC Wales commissioning: http://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/ looking for simple and regular exercise. Shine Personality of the Year out to tender in cymruwales/commissioning/ early 2019 – as the programme rights BBC Sport’s partnership with the Football Red Production are wholly-owned by the BBC. The BBC Scotland commissioning: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ Association creates the opportunity competitive process attracted strong aboutthebbc/scotland/commissioning/ By hours for free-to-play five-a-side football. In interest from independent sports 2019 we had 33,000 players register, in BBC Northern Ireland commissioning: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ IMG Media production companies and those categories ranging from Walking Football northernireland/commissioning/ from the entertainment sector. The 50+ to disability categories. All categories Remarkable Productions tender was awarded to the BBC’s in- BBC Sport commissioning: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ cater for male and female players, house production team and the first commissioning/tv/articles/sport Cactus TV and in 2019 we introduced additional event of the new contract took place women’s categories to double female BBC Children’s commissioning: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ Wall To Wall in Aberdeen in December 2019. participation to 22% from previous years. commissioning/tv/childrens Boundless Lion Television Mentorn Input Media STV Productions Ricochet

Sports Personality of the Year, BBC One, BBC Sport Productions

28 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 BBC TV Commissioning Supply Report 2019 29