Children’s Short Documentary 2022

We’re delighted to be taking part in this prestigious international showcase for the world’s best children’s factual films once again run by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union). Following on from Lachlan: Balach aig a Mhullach, Lena: An Croitear Òg and Aonghas: Miann na Mara we are looking for story proposals/casting ideas with a view to commissioning a new documentary as part of the scheme.

Please take the following into account when preparing your proposal:

• Theme: “I Can Do It!”
• Duration: 14’45”
• Audience: aimed at 10-12 year-old children – but suitable for 8-12 year-olds.
• Subject: a child (no older than 12) should be at the heart of the story and should tell the story of a personal challenge in their own words. Contributions from grown-ups should be minimal.
• Style: Cinematic, observational, and designed to allow for versioning into other languages.
• Examples of previous films can be found here:https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000f3jd
• Clearances: The EBU requires world-wide rights and clearance for 10 years and other rights that make this a non- standard deal.
• Additional Funding: It is expected that the successful applicant will also seek additional funding via the Young Audiences Content Fund and tax credits.
• Budget: budgets for this scheme have typically been up to £20,000 (MG ALBA plus tax credit) and that is the benchmark we will use in our assessment of ideas. (Please note, though, that additional funding from the YACF could significantly increase the available budget.)

Young Audiences Content Fund

Tax reliefs (via BFI tax credits certification)

Please submit at least two story proposals/casting ideas as part of your proposal.

Deadline for programme ideas – Wednesday 12^th January 2022, 1pm.

Deadline for MG ALBA/BBC partnership decisions – Monday 31st January 2022, 5pm

Final submissions should be sent to claire.macdonald@bbc.co.uk

If you require any further information please contact Bill Macleod on bill.macleod@mgalba.com