BBC - Commissioning - HD

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HD

Editorial Head of BBC HD: Janice Hadlow

Aims 

BBC HD is a mainstream mixed genre channel which seeks to showcase the quality and range of programmes made for the BBC's other channels and delivered in HD. The channel broadcasts for around 10 hours daily, from 4pm to 2am, on Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media.

We want to work to ensure that programmes which our audiences enjoy and value in standard definition are also available for them to watch in high-definition. This is a technology which audiences are going out and buying fast. They're confident that HD can add to the enjoyment they get from watching television, and we're excited about working with producers to explore what HD is capable of bringing to programmes.

 

 

BBC HD appeals to a broad audience, and complements programme choices available on our other HD channel, BBC One HD. 

We commission HD content across all genres and sub-genres, and in most areas a majority of programming is now being delivered in HD.  We are consistently looking to experiment to extend the range of HD content available to audiences in the UK.

HD commissioning is led by the relevant genre team, working with the Head of BBC HD. You can find more information on the Genre Commissioning teams in the Who's Who.
 

Programme aspirations for BBC HD

We work with all the BBC channel controllers and commissioners to ensure that HD commissioning is effectively aligned to other priorities, so that all significant programme commissions are delivered in HD, and make informed decisions about how to get the most out of the technology.

From April 2011, HD delivery is required for all network programmes made for the BBC.  All HD programmes made for BBC Two, Three, Four, Cbeebies and CBBC are broadcast on BBC  HD either as a simulcast with the relevant SD channel, or time-shifted within the channel.

Any concerns about HD delivery should be discussed as part of the commissioning process, with any perceived production challenges shared at that point.  

Knowledge

Commissions to date have included Madagascar, Tiger Spy in the Jungle, The Victorians, Flog it!, Later with Jools, Travels with Vasari, Great British Railway Journeys, Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets

Current Affairs

Fast turnaround deliveries sometimes present more challenges for HD, but we are always interested in both series and single programmes. Commissions to date have included Ten Days to War, The Chinese are Coming and Panorama.

Drama

HD can bring many of the qualities of film to television drama, and drama programmes consistently show strong viewing across the channel.

Commissions to date have included Being Human, Money, Road to Coronation Street, The Sinking of the Laconia, Hattie

Comedy

We make the majority of newly commissioned comedy in HD. We do not generally commission comedy pilots in HD.

Commissions to date have included That Mitchell and Webb Look, Lead Balloon, Rev,  Episodes, Getting On, The Trip

Entertainment

The majority of new entertainment shows are made in HD, and we are actively growing the number of factual entertainment shows in HD.

Commissions to date have included Masterchef, Michel Roux’s Service, Top Gear

Children's

We are looking for deliveries across all children's sub-genres for both CBBC and CBeebies content.  In particular, we are looking to ensure that Children's comedy, entertainment and factual programmes are represented in the HD mix.

Commissions to date have included In the Night Garden, Something Special, Horrible Histories, Muddle Earth, Tracy Beaker

Sport

A significant proportion of the events to which the BBC holds the rights is broadcast in HD. We are looking to extend the range of sport covered, and to move other sports' programming over time.

The BBC offers practical support to all production teams considering HD delivery, and we are able to advise on a wide range of creative, production and technology issues. There are also online modules which can provide you with some guidance on the HD production and delivery page.
 

The Tone of the Channel

BBC HD is warm and intelligent.  It has a less defined personality than other BBC channels, but carefully curates a premium selection of programmes from across the BBC which are scheduled to extend the range of choices available to viewers.

 

Want to know more about BBC HD?

If you would like to know more about BBC HD and BBC One HD programmes, content and schedules, please visit the BBC HD channel website.