BBC - Commissioning - History & Business on BBC Two

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History & Business on BBC Two

• See all BBC Two briefs

Commissioner: Martin Davidson

Overview

BBC Two is the home for television history, having experienced a positive renaissance in both audiences, and subject-matter -- including the highest rating documentary on the channel for the whole of 2010 -- Mary Beard's Pompeii.  Alongside this, our living history genre is still alive and kicking with Edwardian Farm.

What's been working well gallery

Authored series and singles have been the stand out success of 2010.  Many achieved audiences of over 3 m covering subjects as diverse as The Normans, the most famous ruse of WW2, prehistoric Britain, the bureaucracy of the C18th Navy, and an impassioned plea to rekindle our love affair with Victorian do-gooders.

Edwardian Farm saw Ruth, Peter and Alex complete another gruelling year, doing it all themselves on a farm stripped of post Edwardian technology, and once again enthralling a wide audience spell-bound by their efforts.

And our drama-doc, First Light, spearheaded a whole season of shows commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, winning plaudits and a large, appreciative audience.

Proving that BBC Two is still the premier home for thoughtful, provocative assaults on our comprehension of the contemporary world, Adam Curtis's latest series, All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace, has earned reviews bordering on the ecstatic.

History & Business - BBC Two - Stand-out singles / series

A number still remain to be filled in 12/13 -- which can take the form of either stand-out singles (especially if a drama-doc) or series, though unlikely to commission anything beyond 3 parts.

It is imperative that we sustain, if not expand on, the phenomenal resurgence of history on Two; that means blending passion with authority, and both with the kind of winningly immediate performances of our best presenters, like Mary Beard, Ian Hislop, Ben Macintyre, Dan Snow, Robert Bartlett, and Amanda Vickery.  Drama docs - we have one slot a year, and preference will be given for stories rooted in real historical moments, brought to life by screenplays of the highest order.  The mixing in of documentary elements is pefectly acceptable (though not mandatory). 

Where are the opportunites available? 

Opportunities exist within the WoCC and In-house guarantee in 12/13 with more in 13/14 and beyond.

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 history and business commissioning team contacts

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

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