BBC - Commissioning - Comedy on BBC Four

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Comedy on BBC Four

• See all BBC Four briefs

Controller: Cheryl Taylor

Overview

Comedy on BBC Four is a valued part of the channel's ambition to be a lively energetic channel where the audience is stimulated, challenged and entertained.

The Audience

The BBC Four audience appreciates smart and informed comedy, often with a real world edge.

Our recent commissions

Getting On – Semi-improvised comedy co-written by and starring Jo Brand, Joanna Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine, and directed by Peter Capaldi. Unflinching and uncompromising, the show opened with an impressive 728k (4.2% share) for its first episode and has been commissioned for a third series.

Twenty Twelve – Written and directed by John Morton (People Like Us) and starring Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Hynes and Olivia Colman, Twenty Twelve is a mockumentary about the run-up to the Olympic games. The series pulled in an average of 364k (1.70% share) across the series and has subsequently been snapped up by BBC Two.

Comedy - BBC Four Single & Series 3 & 6 x 30’ Post-watershed

Tariff range: Comedy One

Comedy on BBC Four should have impact, offer an insight, have strong 'content', feel credible and have a point of view. Subject matter and casting is important to an audience that will have made a conscious choice to tune in, which can often mean securing big names who believe in the project and are passionate about the subject matter, as with Jo Brand and Getting On.

BBC Four is not the home of 'dark comedy', so while satire and thought-provoking ideas are important this shouldn't be at the expense of big laughs. For authored pieces, we look for an opinionated and intelligent take which is passionate, refreshing and exciting. 

One-offs will be considered if they are led by named talent (as Ruth Jones in Hattie, which was commissioned through Comedy), offer an interesting and engaging theme, or could play as part of a wider season.

What are the opportunities available?

There are limited opportunities as we have to stretch our small slate to fund 2 or more series on BBC Four.  We welcome projects from Indies and In-House Production across all Nations and Regions.

How should I submit my ideas and who should I pitch to?

All proposals should be submitted via the e-commissioning system to the relevant genre controller or commissioner. Take a look at the Who's Who for the latest comedy commissioning team contacts.

Want to know more about the broader BBC Four service strategy?

If you would like to know more about Richard Klein's BBC Four channel strategy, please visit the BBC Four page.