BBC - Commissioning - Drama on BBC Two

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Drama on BBC Two

• See all BBC Two briefs

Controller: Ben Stephenson

Overview

BBC Two audiences enjoy looking at the world in provocative and imaginative ways – telling stories about the world we know both past and present.  The increased hours mean that we can provide a full range of drama on the channel: new and returning series e.g. The Hour; emotionally-driven singles e.g. The Night Watch and United; serials e.g. The Shadow Line  and White Heat; adaptations e.g. Parade’s End and The Crimson Petal and the White.

What’s been working well gallery

The Hour - a six-part series, centred around the lives of three journalists working in 1956, trying to launch a new, ground-breaking news programme.  It has been a hugely impactful, much talked about programme, and is set to return to BBC Two in the summer for a second six-part series.

Page Eight - a spy drama set in London and Cambridge, had Bill Nighy starring as Johnny Worricker, a long-serving MI5 officer.  It achieved an audience of 4.58 million and a share of 18.2%.

A new epic drama for BBC Two, White Heat, charts the lives of seven friends from 1965 through to the present day. The series follows them over almost five decades as their lives, loves and destinies are shaped by the political events of each era.

The Night Watch - secured an excellent audience of 3.4 million viewers, making it the most watched programme on BBC Two for the day.  With a share of 14.1%, the one-off drama nearly doubled the channel slot average.

Drama - BBC Two Series and Serials – 4-6 x 60’ at 21:00

• 2-3 series that modernise the genre and deliver sophisticated entertainment.
• 2-3 serials that bring visionary and epic stories of our past and present to a broad audience.

Drama – BBC Two Singles – single 90’ at 20:30 or 21:00

• 3-4 filmic singles that deliver memorable high points across the year

Tariff range: In order to maximise our drama hours (as above) we need to be offered a variety of prices between £500k - £850k per hour across serials, series and singles.

Where are the opportunities available?

For 2013/14 we have commissioned approximately half of the series and serials, the remaining slots are in the WoCC.  For singles, there are opportunities to commission 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 Two service strategy?

If you would like to know more about Janice Hadlow's BBC Two channel strategy, please visit the BBC Two page.