Global Pitch Guide
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LOOKING FOR/ Carrington has responsibility for ABC KIDS (kids two to six years), ABC ME (six to 12 years), as well as ABC Children’s online, interactive and mobile offerings—including the outlet’s on-demand platform, iView. Some of ABC Children’s current commissions include Australian drama’s (Mustangs FC, Grace Beside Me), animation (The Deep, Bluey), factual entertainment (My Year 7 Life, Nippers) and comedy (Trip for Biscuits). Carrington encourages producers to think about diversity—i.e. stories which give a voice to children, whatever their ethnicity, background, gender or sexuality. PREFERRED APPROACH/ You may send your proposal via email ([email protected]). At a minimum, Carrington suggests you should include the following details: Title of submission, target Michael audience, format, genre and a short program synopsis. Carrington MARKET CIRCUIT/ Kidscreen Summit, MIP Junior, MIPCOM, Asian Animation Summit Head of Children’s Entertainment and Education Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia) 2 global pitch guide 2018 LOOKING FOR/ In 2018, BabyFirst is interested in acquiring 3D character- driven animated series that have clear educational and entertainment value, and target its core viewers (six months to three years). The network is also seeking concepts that can fit into non-linear digital platforms. PREFERRED APPROACH/ For acquisitions, send Kerman an email ([email protected]). Producers can get in touch with his team via email ([email protected]) to get the appropriate submission release form before sending pitches. MARKET CIRCUIT/ Kidscreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM Arik Kerman EVP Programming & Digital BabyFirst (US) 3 global pitch guide 2018 BBC Kids Canada LOOKING FOR/ BBC Kids Canada is looking for content that reinforces the channel’s unique British-flavored brand to complement programming that is largely sourced through an output deal with BBC Worldwide. The focus is on fresh, funny animation and live-action comedy series and shorts for kids ages six to 12, preferably UK-produced or co-produced. The channel is largely acquisitions-based, but it does commission a small amount of original Canadian content. Knowledge Network LOOKING FOR/ As an educational public broadcaster in British Columbia, Knowledge Network is deeply committed to its kid audience, offering 72 hours per week of high-quality children’s programming on its linear service and several thousand full episodes on demand via its website and app. The focus is on fun, story-driven shows that spark a Michele Paris child’s imagination and love of learning, that are grounded in literacy, Senior Program Manager science and arts concepts and themes of diversity, teamwork and BBC Kids Canada/ empathy. While the Knowledge Kids block serves children aged two Knowledge Network to eight, the current priority is on securing programming for an upper- preschool demographic of four to six. (Canada) Preference is for animated series with a minimum of 26 or 52 episodes. There is also a need for high-volume interstitial shorts between three and seven minutes in length. Pre-buys are largely reserved for Canadian- content productions and international co-productions. However, Knowledge Network does make several non-Canadian acquisitions each year based on available slots. As a regional channel, Knowledge Network often pre-licenses children’s programming in collaboration with other regional, Canadian English or French-language broadcasters. PREFERRED APPROACH/ Producers looking to pitch should begin by sending an email to Paris ([email protected]) with a brief description of the series, before following up by phone. Guidelines for submitting acquisitions are available at knowledge.ca/producers. MARKET CIRCUIT/ Kidscreen Summit, MIPCOM 4 global pitch guide 2018 LOOKING FOR/ BBC Worldwide is looking for all types of animation and live-action programming, particularly series that are innovative and that can be exploited across all media for world distribution. In the preschool area, Hurford-Jones says her editorial strategy has, at its heart, the CBeebies International Channels and content that fits the key CBeebies values of trust, stimulating imaginations and a passion for great storytelling. The purpose is to encourage learning through play and inspire creativity and imagination. BBC Worldwide is always seeking projects that are distinctive, contemporary and relevant to children across all global markets. In the six-plus age group, Hurford-Jones is open to all genres and formats, looking for unique programming with an international and commercial spin that stands out across all routes to market. She says Henrietta BBCW considers a project’s commercial potential and how it will stand Hurford-Jones up against different territories’ locally produced programming. They are also happy to consider work at an early concept stage or Director of Children’s something that is further developed. Content and Editorial BBC Worldwide (UK) PREFERRED APPROACH/ Contact Hurford-Jones via email ([email protected]), providing a brief introduction to your project and any associated materials, if available. Producers can also contact Nathan Waddington ([email protected]) and Liz Randall ([email protected]) for further details. MARKET CIRCUIT/ Kidscreen Summit, MIPTV, MIP Junior, MIPCOM, CMC, Cartoon Forum, Asian Animation Summit 5 global pitch guide 2018 CBBC inspires and enables six- to 12-year-olds with world-class, creative experiences across all platforms. It offers multi-genre TV and digital experiences for children and aims to be a one-stop destination for a wide range of hit brands. “CBBC aims to shine a compassionate light on the diverse lives of our audience,” says Taylor, “and open windows on a wider world with content that is bold, innovative, challenging, infectious and, above all, gets everybody talking. We take our public service remit seriously and are proud that many of our most popular brands have clear public service spines.” CBBC is on air from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. On demand is key, with as much as 24% of viewers catching up with their favorite content on CBBC iPlayer every month. The audience needs to find CBBC content Cheryl Taylor wherever and whenever they want it—including on the website, CBBC YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and, imminently, Instagram. Plus, the outlet Head of Content, will have regular launches of quality games and apps. BBC Children’s CBBC (UK) LOOKING FOR/ Taylor says the platform is looking for memorable, innovative and distinctive ideas across all genres and platforms—the starting point should be a clear audience need. “We would encourage content makers to think about their idea working for linear and digital together,” she says. “How your idea will cut through and get the audience talking and sharing on social media? [We want] ideas that can reach new digital audiences who are not frequenting the linear channel.” Recent titles have included: Operation Ouch!, Danger Mouse, The Next Step, The Dog Ate My Homework, Newsround, Blue Peter, Horrible Histories, The Dumping Ground, Creeped Out and Jamie Johnson. PREFERRED APPROACH/ Through the BBC commissioning website (where you can also find more detail): bbc.co.uk/commissioning/tv/articles/cbbc-platforms. 6 global pitch guide 2018 CBeebies offers a mixed genre output, presenting entertainment, drama, comedy and factual content—content that is specifically produced for a young audience, at a pace and in a style that suits them, using a range of formats including live-action and animation. High-quality production values are a given, and program topics should engage a wide audience with well-crafted storylines, a clear purpose and strong visuals in the case of TV and online. Taylor stresses that the platform’s content should connect with audiences, featuring playful content that gives children knowledge and experiences to help them explore, learn and grow. The TV schedule is designed to follow the mood and energy levels of young children throughout the day. CBeebies features stimulating and upbeat shows in the morning, followed by programs with learning themes, activities and storytelling during the day. Over the lunch hour, it provides programs Cheryl Taylor for grownups to co-view with children and perhaps participate in activities such as make-and-do. In the afternoons, it gives children an opportunity to Head of Content, relax and have fun, until it winds down with calming stories before bedtime. BBC Children’s CBeebies (UK) Along with the CBeebies website, the platform also has a Grown Ups social media presence, with podcasts, online audio content via CBeebies Radio, games, digital events, short-form content and a range of playful templates and apps across mobile, desktop and tablet. CBeebies has launched two award-winning and hugely successful apps so far: Playtime and Storytime. LOOKING FOR/ A mix of techniques: live action (real children in the real world) and animation (reality meets fantasy). Taylor says she is on the hunt for a range of formats, from straight narratives to game shows and activity-driven content, as well as an online/interactive component (where appropriate). “We are committed to translating all of our content to age-appropriate web and interactive TV experiences,” she notes. Recent titles have included: Go Jetters, Bitz & Bob, Swashbuckle, Andy’s Safari, Twirlywoos, Hey Duggee, Numberblocks, Pablo, Playtime Island, Do You Know? and Bing. PREFERRED APPROACH/ Through the BBC commissioning website (where you can also find more detail): bbc.co.uk/commissioning/tv/articles/cbeebies 7 global pitch guide 2018 LOOKING FOR/ Channel 5’s Milkshake has a reputation for being the home of some of the finest UK pre-school content, and that continues to be a key driver. The preschool market in the UK is hugely competitive and the audience is increasingly sophisticated, so Channel 5 plans on stepping up its game to make sure it has the widest choice of excellent programming available to meet those needs. “We are also working closely with partners at Nickelodeon to maximize the benefits for all,” notes Muller.