ABOUT
BBC ALBA and BBC Scotland are looking for ideas for new short-form factual-entertainment series aimed at younger digital audiences (18-24). The priority is to deliver factual-entertainment in a fresh and engaging way with the very best of Gaelic talent front-and-centre and behind the scenes.
We envisage episodes of around 8-15 minutes that are custom-built for BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA YouTube. At the heart of the series should be a hooky or compelling format. Think about why the audience will want to return for another bite. Episodes should be fast-paced and colourful with bags of fun, wit and attitude. Please note, however, that we’re not looking for straight documentary.
We welcome interest from Scottish production companies based in the Highlands and Islands or in co-production with production companies based elsewhere. Pitches must show how production companies will support production and the development of Gaelic-speaking talent in the Highlands and Islands.
Proposals should also include two of the following elements in and/or from the Highlands and Islands.
New formats can have a mixed language-scheme, but the predominant onscreen language should always be Gaelic.
We expect the tariff to be circa £1k per minute and we would expect producers to tailor their editorial ambitions to reflect this, or work with additional funders to increase the overall production budget.
SUBMISSIONS
Initial ideas (short treatments) should be submitted before 12pm on 27.03.25. Please include information about on and off-screen talent, including supporting video for new onscreen talent, a budget total, clearance proposals for BBC ALBA YouTube and a company biography.
Pitches should be submitted to gaelicdigitalcommissioning@bbc.co.uk.
This opportunity forms part of BBC Scotland and BBC ALBA’s two-year commitment to support new Gaelic-language production opportunities in and from the Highlands and Islands that includes drama alongside factual-entertainment formats.
