Out: Ed Sayer, VP Commissioning, National Geographic Channels International

Ed Sayer is leaving his post as Vice President Commissioning at National Geographic Channels in London, to take up a post at Discovery Networks International.   Source: Broadcast

In: Simon Young, Commissioning Executive Producer, NGCI

Simon Young has been appointed as Commissioning Executive Producer at National Geographic Channels International’s (NGCI) global content hub, based in London and reporting to  Hamish Mykura, Executive Vice President and Head of International Content for NGCI. Simon will work across a slate of series and single films which will air on National Geographic Channel in […]

Greenlit: Hidden Kingdoms, BBC1/Discovery/RTL/France Televisions/CCTV9

Hidden Kingdoms (3 x 60′) -Stephen Fry is back to narrate in his own brilliant way, but this time the animals will be some of the smallest creatures – he  introduces us to a cast of animal characters, from chipmunks to dung beetles, the African sengi to the Southeast Asian tree shrew, allowing us to […]

In: Charlotte Reid, Director of Production and Development, Lifestyle and Entertainment, Discovery Networks International

Charlotte Reid has been appointed as Director of Production and Development, Lifestyle and Entertainment, Discovery Networks International. In this newly created role, she will lead lifestyle and entertainment commissioning in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, as well as serve as executive producer on key returning series for DNI and the UK. She will report into Sarah […]

Greenlit: Tropical Diseases, Discovery Western Europe

Tropical Diseases w/t (6 x 60′) – Docuseries that follows the staff and patients at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and other institutions that have to diagnose the unusual, and sometimes fatal, illnesses afflicting travellers returning from abroad. Channel: Discovery Western Europe Producer: Twofour TX: Early 2013 Source: Broadcast

In: Edwina Follows, Director, Commissioning and Production, Discovery Networks Canada

Edwina Follows has been appointed to the position of Director, Commissioning and Production, Discovery Networks. In her new role, Follows will be responsible for the commissioning, development and production of independent programming for Discovery Channel and its related networks (Animal Planet, Discovery World HD, Investigation Discovery and Discovery Science). Read more: Bell Media press release

In: Tracy Forsyth, Senior Vice President, Programming and TV Channels, BBC Worldwide

Tracy Forsyth (formerly commissioning executive at UKTV) has been appointed  in the newly created role of Vice President, Commissioning at BBC Worldwide. Reporting to David Weiland, Senior Vice President, Programming and TV Channels, Tracy will oversee the commissioning and co-production of programmes for BBC Knowledge, BBC Entertainment, BBC Lifestyle, BBC HD and UK.TV, BBC Worldwide’s […]

Up: Emma Swain, Controller of Knowledge Commissioning, BBC

Emma Swain has today been confirmed as the BBC’s new Controller of Knowledge Commissioning, responsible for devising and leading the Knowledge strategy across the breadth of factual programming, including arts, music, history, natural history, business, science, religion, consumer journalism and contemporary factual. Emma has been the acting Controller of Knowledge Commissioning since February 2011. For […]

Greenlit: Squeamish, Discovery

Squeamish w/t (14 x 30′) – A sprightly look at 80 strange and revolting customs and inventions from around the world Channel: Discovery / Discovery UK Producer: Talkback Thames TX: TBC Source: Broadcast

Greenlit: Coldest Race on Earth with James Cracknell, Discovery Channel UK

Coldest Race on Earth with James Cracknell (1 x 60′) – Documentary following extreme adventurer James Cracknell as he trains for the Yukon Arctic Ultra cycle race; the challenge comes after a near fatal cycle crash, which he sustained whilst filming Race Across America with James Cracknell (Dangerous Films). The Coldest Race on Earth will […]

Meet the UK Factual Commissioner: Dan Korn, SVP Programming, Discovery Networks UK

Dan Korn, Senior Vice President, Programming, Discovery Networks UK recently outlined his commissioning needs to attendees of the Broadcast Factual Forum (March 2010). Dan oversees programming on thirteen Discovery channels in the UK: Discovery HD, Discovery Knowledge, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Animal Planet, DMAX, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Home & Health, Discovery Travel & Leisure and Discovery Shed. Click through to find out what programmes are working for him at the moment, and what he’s on the look out for. (Photo by Torres CC BY-SA 2.0)

Greenlit: Wartime London with Harry Harris, Discovery UK

Wartime London with Harry Harris (1×60′) – Black cab driver Harry Harris (Patsy Palmer’s brother) visits London sites that have Nazi links. Channel: Discovery UK Producer: Mandrill Films TX: September 2009 Source: Broadcast

Greenlit: Home Front Britain with Jim Carter, Discovery UK

Home Front Britain with Jim Carter (6 x 60′) – Jim Carter presents a series of Ministry of Information films that were last seen during WWII. Channel: Discovery UK Producer: Telesgop in association with the British Film Institute TX: September 2009 Source: Broadcast

Wanted: What the UK Digital Channels Want

At the Intelligent Factual Festival last week a number of commissioning execs outlined their channel brands and where they’ve still got gaps. Click through to see what ITV3, ITV4 and Discovery UK want. (Photo by rightee – CC BY 2.0)

Factual Entertainment Commissioners: Difficult to Deliver

Ever so often a show comes along that changes the landscape and influences everything that comes in its wake: Big Brother (contributors/contestants/celebrities confined to one location for the duration of a series), Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With the Stars (celebrities pairing with professionals to learn a skill and compete), One Born Every Minute (fixed-rig shows). The latest show to be spreading its DNA far and wide seems to be Gogglebox. At Sheffield Doc/Fest in 2015 a panel of Factual Entertainment Commissioners discussed their current needs.

Science Commissioners: Go Big or Go Home

If you are tasked with developing science programmes you face a number of challenges: the number of channels that actively embrace science is small, and sometimes those channels – in an attempt to attract as broad an audience as possible – can disguise their science content so thoroughly that it ceases to be science in the eyes of actual scientists. This makes for some uncomfortable conversations when trying to research and develop a science series or talent scout potential onscreen experts. Nonetheless there are commissioning opportunities out there for those dedicated and determined enough. A panel of science commissioners at Sheffield Doc/Fest discussed what science programming means to them and what they are looking to to commission in the coming months. Interestingly although many programmes and approaches were mentioned, few of them were recognisable as science.

In: Jeff Hasler, EVP Development and Production, National Geographic Studios

Jeff Hasler has been named executive vice president of development and production for National Geographic Studios, the production division of the National Geographic Society. National Geographic Studios is responsible for all television, film and video production for the organization — from giant screen to digital short form. Hasler reports to Brooke Runnette, president of National […]

Up: Rick Holzman, General Manager and EVP, Animal Planet

Rick Holzman has been promoted to the position of General Manager and Executive Vice President of Animal Planet. In this role, Holzman will oversee strategy and all day-to-day operations for the network. Previously, Holzman served as Executive Vice President of Programming and Scheduling for Animal Planet and Science Channel. He will continue to report to […]

Development Lessons From Three of the Best Films at IDFA 2013

IDFA in Amsterdam is always my chance to concentrate fully on watching films over anything else and typically watch around 25+ films over the course of several days. This focused immersion in documentaries is guaranteed to be thought-provoking and often throws up several interesting themes or trends; here’s a round up of my top three favourite films from IDFA 2013 with an attempt to articulate what makes them successful. I’ve chosen these documentaries on the basis that of the 22 films I saw these were the ones I found most enjoyable and that have stayed with me, and I would definitely watch them all again. But beyond being enjoyable, what can we learn from these films that could help us when developing and pitching our own films? (Photo courtesy of Dogwoof)

How to Write a Proposal a TV Commissioner Will Actually Read

Commissioning editors can receive up to 80 programme proposals a week; few will be read from start to finish. Many commissioners never read past the first paragraph, or even the title. On average, they make a decision within 40 seconds. Usually that decision results in the proposal being filed in the bin.

So how can you make sure a commissioner keeps reading to the end of your proposal? Here are ten ways to make your proposal stand out and keep your commissioner reading to the end.

I Want to Pitch My Idea, But What’s in it For Me?

Many new filmmakers worry that partnering with a production company will mean that they will lose control of their project, or even have their idea stolen.

So what’s the reality? What happens to an idea before it’s officially greenlit, and what are the best ways of avoiding the pitfalls? This thorny issue was tackled during a panel at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2013.

Give Me the Money and I’ll Shoot! Finance Your Factual TV/Documentary Project by Nicola Lees

Building on the success of Greenlit, this book is the most accessible guide to the traditional, emerging and creative funding models being exploited by factual TV producers and documentary filmmakers in an ever-changing international market. It introduces you to ten different kinds of funder – from international broadcasters to ordinary individuals – and reveals their very different motivations for funding non-fiction films and TV series.
Advice from industry insiders – producers, buyers, media agencies and film funding bodies – is combined with a range of case studies that illustrate the benefits and drawbacks of each source of funding. Packed with practical, actionable tips and examples of successful written proposals and grant applications (along with tales of caution), this book explains exactly what TV commissioners, grantors, brands and investors are looking for in a pitch.

Greenlit: Andy’s Wild Adventures, CBeebies

Andy’s Wild Adventures (40 x 15′) –  Andy Day presents a part-animated series that mixes CGI with stunning natural history archive and animation, acting as an animal park keeper who sets off on a journey of discovery with a puppet sidekick called Jinx. Channel: CBeebies Producer: BBC Natural History Unit TX: 2012 Source: Broadcast

Greenlit: Developing Factual/Reality TV Ideas From Concept to Pitch by Nicola Lees

There are some simple principles to successfully developing and pitching your ideas, whether you are working for a global ‘super-indie’ production company, or are a documentary filmmaker pitching a passion project. The extraordinary thing is that no one will tell you what they are! Greenlit is the first book to reveal, step-by-step, how to originate, develop and pitch your factual/non-scripted TV ideas in a global market.

Get insider tips from: * 10 TV development producers – who have a combined 50+ years experience of developing and pitching ideas at all levels; * 20 senior executives who have sold some of the world’s most successful shows, to: * 16 channel executives, who between them have worked at: * 18 TV channels in: * 7 countries across 4 continents.

Greenlit is available now from Amazon and all good bookstores.

Greenlit: Developing Factual/Reality TV Ideas From Concept to Pitch – Recommended Resources

Greenlit: Developing Factual/Reality TV Ideas from Concept to Pitch reveals how to get an idea for a documentary or non-fiction/reality television series such as Touching the Void, The Apprentice or Supernanny from concept to commission and explains why having a great idea is not enough. Candid interviews with fifty top industry insiders – including international […]

Greenlit: Developing Factual/Reality TV Ideas From Concept to Pitch – Filmography

Greenlit: Developing Factual/Reality TV Ideas from Concept to Pitch reveals how to get an idea for a documentary or non-fiction/reality television series such as Touching the Void, The Apprentice or Supernanny from concept to commission and explains why having a great idea is not enough. Candid interviews with fifty top industry insiders – including international […]

Meet the Factual Commissioner: Simon Bohrsmann, Nat Geo UK

Simon Bohrsmann, General Manager National Geographic UK recently outlined his commissioning needs to attendees of the Broadcast Factual Forum (March 2010). Simon commissions across Nat Geo UK and Nat Geo Wild (natural history). Simon’s view on Nat Geo UK: The audience is male-skewing and older He gets a fair amount of his programming from Nat […]

How to Get Your Idea on TV as a Truly Independent Producer

Alom Shaha is a factual TV development producer who has started pitching his own ideas independently, and raising the funding to make his films himself. His latest film is an ambitious 360 multiplatform project that asks, “Why is Science Important?” He proves that an individual can get a project off the ground (in less time than going through the usual channels) and maintain editorial control. (Photo by *USB*)

Development 101: Why Your Idea Will Never Get Commissioned

Do you have a great factual programme idea but are frustrated by other people’s lack of interest? What are you doing wrong?
You’re probably pitching a subject rather than a programme idea.

If you have an idea about gangs, dinosaurs or cooking you have a subject idea not a programme idea. What makes your idea unique, and commissionable, is the execution of your idea – the specifics of where its set, who it features, number of episodes, narrative arc etc. And depending on your interests or production niche, you will tackle your subject in a different way. (Photo by piccadillywilson)

How to Write a Proposal a TV Commissioner Will Actually Read

Commissioning editors can receive up to 80 programme proposals a week; few will be read from start to finish.

Many commissioners never read past the first paragraph, or even the title. On average, they make a decision within 40 seconds. Usually that decision results in the proposal being filed in the bin.

So how can you make sure a commissioner keeps reading to the end of your proposal? Here are ten ways to make your proposal stand out and keep your commissioner reading to the end.

About

TV Mole is a one-stop resource to help you originate, research, write and successfully pitch your ideas to broadcast, digital or cable TV channels. If you are a TV development producer, director, researcher or executive with factual/reality TV ideas you want to see on screen, TVMole is here to help you. Ideas generation Short articles […]