BBC - Commissioning - Drama on BBC One

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Drama on BBC One

• See all BBC One briefs

Controller: Ben Stephenson

Overview

BBC One has the widest reach of all the channels, with nearly 80% of the population tuning in to the channel every week.  Drama aims to be for and about the BBC One audience, providing something for everyone and always accesible to a broad audience.

Drama maintains a mix of established, returning favourites and new and original ideas in either contemporary or period settings, always telling big stories through big characters.  

What's been working well gallery

Call The Midwife ended on a series high with 11.41 million viewers and a share of 34.5% for the final episode, which made it the biggest new drama series on the channel since 2001.

Marking a successful return to BBC One, Luther secured an average audience of over 6.4 million viewers and share of 25.3% across its second series, improving upon the average share of series one by an impressive 37%.

Birdsong Sebastian Faulks' modern classic was adapted by award-winning Abi Morgan.  The first part achieved an audience of 7.01 million and a share of 24.5%.
 

Sherlock and John Watson returned to navigate a maze of cryptic clues and lethal killers in three thrilling, action packed adventures.  The first episode on New Year’s Day attracted an impressive audience of 10.7 million viewers. 

Drama – BBC One Series – 6-8 x 60’ at 21:00, 3-4 x 90’ at 20:30

Tariff range: Prices for BBC One series should be targeted between £500k - £750k per hour.

• Weekdays 21:00, 60’ series e.g. Luther, Silk, Death in Paradise 
• Weekend 20:30, 90’ series e.g. Sherlock, Wallander

Midweek (Monday to Thursday) at 21:00 is our biggest priority.  We need returnable series (and serials) which cover a broad range of genre and tones.

We have slots for up to 13 of these per year although up to 8 of these will potentially hold established returning series.

Drama – BBC One Serials – 2 x 90’ / 3 x 60’ – 6 x 60’ at 21:00

Tariff range: Prices should be targeted between £600k - £800k per hour.

We are looking for a range of serials: high energy crime/political thrillers; pieces which reflect real events of the past or present; emotionally compelling human stories.

We have slots for up to 6 serials per year.

Drama – BBC One Single Films – single 90’ at 20:30 and 21:00

Tariff range: Drama single prices are targeted between £700k - £900k per hour.

We are looking for a number of single films to play across the year; holiday events for both family and adult viewing, e.g. The Borrowers and Toast; contemporary authored pieces, e.g. Stolen; and dramas that stand out as audacious, channel-defining moments.

Where are the opportunities available?

For 2013/14 we have commissioned approximately half of the available slots (series, serials and singles).  There are opportunities to commission the remaining slots within the In-house Guarantee, the WoCC and the Independent Quota.

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 drama commissioning team contacts

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

If you would like to know more about Danny Cohen's BBC One channel strategy, please visit the BBC One page.