BBC - Commissioning - Religion on BBC Four

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Religion on BBC Four

• See all BBC Four briefs

Commissioner: Aaqil Ahmed

Overview

BBC Four should provide a challenging take on Religion and Ethics. Subjects can be mainstream or niche, but need to have a strong point of view and provide more depth and detail than you would see anywhere else.

These programmes can provide an opportunity to explore less familiar subjects properly for the first time as well as a chance to expand on more familiar areas in fascinating new ways.

Church Architecture, Histories, Shrines, Relics and Art could be good starting points.

What's been working well gallery

How to Read a Church worked well for the BBC Four audience.

Religion - BBC Four - Authored series, flexible in shape

BBC Four is looking for strongly authored Religion and Ethics pieces that explore their subject matter with depth, curiosity and context. Proposals should explore an aspect or an angle on religion rather than provide a panoramic overview of the faith. A History of Christianity and Churches: How to Read Them are good examples of the kind of subject area and talent that can work well for BBC Four.

Ideas will work on the strength of their opinion and the originality of approach.

These series also provide a perfect opportunity to use archive material to add texture and shape to the stories being told.

Religion - BBC Four - Singles - 1 x 60' or 90'

There are limited opportunities for single pieces to make a strong statement on BBC Four's Religion and Ethics slate. These pieces should feel tapped into a wider conversation - either complementing a big series on BBC Two or contributing to a current debate in the wider world. An example will be the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible presented by Adam Nicolson.

Where are the opportunities available?

Opportunities exist for the WoCC and in-house quotas in 12/13.

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 religion 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.