BBC - Commissioning - Entertainment on BBC Three

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Entertainment on BBC Three

• See all BBC Three briefs

Controller: Mark Linsey

Overview

Entertainment on BBC Three is in great shape and we're keen to keep experimenting by trying new things.

Entertainment on the channel can get right to the heart of delivering what this target age group of 16 to 34 year olds want - ideas that are inventive, provocative, intelligent, attention-grabbing and funny. The channel has a great pedigree in fact ent and we are keen to continue this success by delivering fact ent formats that have warmth and humour at their heart – but we're also looking for more studio-based and talent-led entertainment.

The Audience

BBC Three aims to connect with 16-34 year olds, so tone is really important on the channel.  As such, humour is an entertainment essential for this audience. But younger audiences also want opportunities to connect with others; they are looking for things worth talking about, whether ground-breaking formats or moments sharable online, and great television they'll want to watch & discuss with their friends. 

As well as TV that is light-hearted and fun, we also want to give this audience entertainment content that is opinionated and thought-provoking, providing powerful examples of life and human nature laid bare.

16-34s are inquisitive and ambitious, independent and adventurous and will be attracted to shows on BBC Three that feel like they're absolutely relevant to them and their lives.  However, this doesn't mean they're only interested in seeing themselves or their peers on screen, or they're only interested in youth-specific issues. Great BBC Three programmes will explore the world with the audience and introduce them to a range of characters that they'll love... or love to hate. The key is not to aim too young as this audience don't think of themselves as 'kids'.

What's been working well gallery

Junior Doctors : Your Life in Their Hands shows an alternative perspective on a familiar world, rooted in clever storytelling but without over-formatting.

Audiences continue to enjoy the comedy clips and commentary of World's Craziest Fools.

Russell Howard's Good News, now in its sixth series, remains incredibly popular.

Entertainment - BBC Three factual entertainment shows - range from 6 - 13 eps x 30’ or  60’ 

Tariff range: price targeted up to £150K per hour for weekly Fact Ent, studio shows or celeb-led documentaries.

We are looking for factual entertainment that really creates an impact on the channel and becomes must-watch television which the audience can't help but talk about.  Drama and humour will be key to this, as well as direct points of view, and an approach which has fun absolutely at its heart whilst also challenging any of the audience's pre-conceptions.

Focus on areas and situations that are broad and mainstream but feel really relevant to this audience; think inclusively young rather than exclusively young.

From tastes and lifestyles, to the choices they're making and the issues they're facing, this audience want topics to be treated in fresh yet authentic ways and they really value opportunities to connect with others - whether it's an unmissable event TV to watch together, jaw-dropping moments to dissect afterwards, or more generally feeling a part of something bigger.

Ideally shows should be returnable, easy to join at any time and strong enough to hold an audience in competitive slots.

Talent is key on BBC Three, but our younger audience don't only want to see young talent - they want to see people who have gained and survived experiences, and who have strong opinions. Above all they want people who make them laugh. These could be personalities who are known from other channels and who bring a particular point of view. They could express these in one-off documentaries or longer-form series.

Where are the opportunities available?

• The WoCC - 2012/2013
• The Nations quota - 2012/2013

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 entertainment commissioning team contacts. 

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

If you would like to know more about Zai Bennet’s BBC Three channel strategy, please visit the BBC Three page.