BBC ALBA Summer Commissioning Round 2025

BBC ALBA’s outlook is broad, and our ambitions are big. We want to move, excite and inspire audiences across Scotland and beyond with strong human stories and unique perspectives. Authenticity, relatability and a willingness to take risks are key.

This commissioning call-out is focused on factual content. We are seeking proposals for bold and brave programmes that can win a wide audience, as well as ideas that can achieve critical recognition for the channel. The quality and authenticity of the core idea and its creative realisation are fundamental to us.

Although co-funding isn’t essential, we welcome proposals which have other partners attached, or which have the potential to do so.

• We are looking for high-impact factual content. Programmes with compelling characters and contemporary issue-led stories are particularly welcome.
• We will consider returning factual entertainment series that have performed well with audiences.
• We are not prioritising historical subjects – unless there’s a contemporary resonance, an innovative approach, or a realistic prospect of co-financing.
• We are not looking for proposals that are essentially music performances with a factual wraparound but we will consider music documentaries

• This round is primarily for content delivering into the 2025/26 schedule – including the key Christmas/New Year showcase.
• We’re looking for distinctive, eye-catching primetime content which will stand out on both the linear schedule and iPlayer.
• iPlayer-first series ideas are welcome. At the heart of iPlayer proposals should be a hooky format to compel the audience to return for more. Episodes should be fast-paced, bold and colourful with bags of wit and attitude.

• We will consider single programmes and short series.
• We can take a flexible approach to durations.
• We will consider ambitious feature-length single documentaries that have a cinematic/festival life cycle before appearing on linear TV.  Feature documentaries should have co-funding attached or a credible co-funding finance plan in place.

Priority will be given to ideas that take into consideration further funding such as, but not limited to:

• Creative Scotland’s Broadcast Content Fund
• Tax reliefs (via BFI tax credits certification) 

Proposals should be one or two pages (max) and must include:

• Programme title. This should be short, searchable and entice the viewer scrolling through iPlayer. Please provide a Gaelic and English version.
• Format.  The number of programmes and their duration.
• Programme price. Cost per programme and/or for the full series (as appropriate).
• Logline. The programme idea in a one-line nutshell.
• Treatment. A summary of the story and an indication or taster reel featuring the key on-screen people; the creative approach and visual style. If you’re pitching a series tell us what makes it hooky and why the audience will want to return for more.
• Mock-up of an iPlayer thumbnail.   A visual and graphic representation of the content; how will it catch the viewer’s eye and encourage them to watch?
• Two or three strong supporting images
• Key off-screen team
• Digital media.  What are the digital and social plans for this idea?
• Marketing opportunities

Please ensure that the above noted essential elements are included in your proposal.

We welcome taster reel although they’re not essential. However, if new talent is involved an audition reel is crucial.

Please do not attach talent names to your submissions unless they have been approached and expressed interest.

Deadline for ideas: 21/5/25, 5pm

The opportunity for a follow-up conversation with commissioners may be given.

We will aim to have made our commissioning decision on or by:  11/6/25

Submissions and any questions on anything contained in this Commissioning Round should be addressed to Claire MacDonald and Jennifer MacKenzie at: bbcalbacommissioning@bbc.co.uk