BBC - Commissioning - Religion on BBC One

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Religion on BBC One

• See all BBC One briefs

Commissioner: Aaqil Ahmed

Overview

Religion and Ethics on BBC One is for mainstream audiences. It is the home of Christian worship and major faith festivals and has its finger on the pulse of religious and ethical debate - primarily through its Sunday morning output.

On BBC One, Religion and Ethics should open up the world for our audiences - providing access to the diverse people and stories of faith across the country.

What's been working well gallery

David Suchet: In the Footsteps of St Paul - reflected a fascinating religious story with mass appeal and kept religion firmly at its core.

Religion - BBC One - Break Out series

There is some potential for a big break-out religion project for BBC ONE, similar to The Passion and Son of God in years gone by. This is not a guaranteed commission, but rather something BBC One will try to make work for the right idea.

Straight drama, documentary or a mixed-genre approach are all possible, and a range of subject areas could work, but might once again revisit stories of Jesus or the Bible.

Religion - BBC One - Stand out 1x60' Singles at 2235

There is some space for occasional films at 2235 on the slate going forward. These films should take a documentary approach to a broadly faith or ethics-based story of modern life, such as Young Nuns

Religion - BBC One - Co-Production opportunities 2/3x60' Daytime/Christian holidays

There is potentially space for a cost effective mini series that can run at Christian holidays such as Easter or Christmas. David Suchet: In the Footsteps of St Paul did a good job in this territory.

Where are the opportunities available?

The BBC One religion slate is primarily dedicated to returning strands and religious events.  However, for the right idea as mentioned above, there is the potential to find funding in the WoCC for 14/15 and 15/16.

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 One service strategy?

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