BBC NI Commissioning Call | Ulster-Scots Groundbreakers Documentary Scheme
Sun 18th June 2017
BBC Northern Ireland has announced a call-out for documentary projects for its 2018 slate.
Deadline for submissions of August 8th 2017.
Filmmakers will be required to pitch in September 2017 with two to three projects expected to be funded.
Visionary characters with compelling personal stories are preferred, which appeal to a wide audience both in Northern Ireland and further afield. Ideas should be strong enough to attract co-producers and priority will be given to submissions with high profile talent attached.
Presenters should be able to demonstrate an empathy with the historical character and/or knowledge of the subject.
3 x 30’ Documentaries
BBC Northern Ireland already have a number of projects in production examining Ulster-Scots connections with America, so in this round, would like to hear stories that are closer to home.
History is always popular, but if you’re thinking of submitting in this area, look beyond more traditional models, with an expert presenter guiding the audience through the story. Filmmakers are asked to find new prisms through which to look, different voices, surprising perspectives on the history we think we already know.
Submissions for this landmark slot should resonate with Ulster-Scots communities, but they should also reach out to a wider BBC NI audience, delivering content that is compelling, accessible and informative.
BBC NI is still looking for a sixty-minute landmark documentary, for delivery in 2018. If submissions are strong enough, a sixty minute slot will be considered.