Information for Independent Programme Makers
Information for In-house Programme Makers
BBC Northern Ireland branding for your programme
All programmes produced by/ for BBC Northern Ireland need to conform to a set of guidelines which set out how and when to use the BBC logo and how the end credit sequences should be formatted.
The complete BBC Northern Ireland Brand Guidelines can be accessed here .
Important notes to get started:
These branding guidelines are relevant for programmes produced by BBC Northern Ireland for both local and/or national broadcast.
Incorrect use of the BBC Northern Ireland Brand will result in the programme failing at Tech Review stage and will require a correction before broadcast.
The old style BBC Northern Ireland logo was removed from use in January 2009 and should not be used in any form. It is no longer acceptable as a programme brand.
Correct logo (to be used in all cases) Incorrect logo (not to be used)
Quick links for programme delivery:
Opening animation
All programmes produced by BBC in-house departments must carry the BBC Northern Ireland opening animation within its title or pre-title sequence.
Click here to download the opening animation in SD
Click here to download the opening animation in HD, black version
Click here to download the opening animation in HD, white version
Click here to download the graphic safe-area grid
Programmes produced by independent production companies should not carry this animation.
End credits
The graphic look of your end credit sequence is still in the hands of you and your graphic designer (typeface and use of capitals or lower case etc). However, the graphics must conform to a strict template regarding their position on screen. This allows Presentation to place live graphics over end credits to promote the next programme, give out contact addresses and so on.
The end credits are an extremely useful place for promotional messages. They are also great opportunities for viewers to change channels. For these two reasons, all programmes (with very few exceptions) must conform to these strict rules :
- No important content within credit sequences
- No 'next time on the programme' within credit sequences
- No audio other than music or effects in end sequences (no dialogue)
- The credits are the last thing in the programme (no going back for a final joke)
End-boards
The final image (the end-board) for all productions should be full screen solid black with the BBC Northern Ireland Brand Logo occupying the lower third position.
Below that is the copyright line with a web address (if necessary) below that.
The end-board has two regular design styles – one for programmes produced by BBC Northern Ireland and one for Independent Productions. Co-production endboards can have slight differences.
In all cases the end-board should:
• be cut on
• the BBC logo must not be scaled up or down
• the BBC logo must not be modified in any way
BBC In-house Production Endboard
For BBC Northern Ireland Productions the end-board should include one final credit name - the producer, executive producer, assistant editor or editor for instance.
The animated BBC Northern Ireland Brand logo is used for all in-house productions - whether for local or national broadcast.
The credit music can carry over this animation and the copyright line is © BBC MMX…(+)
Click here to download the in-house endboard animated logo in SD
Click here to download the in-house endboard animated logo in HD
Click here to download the graphic safe-area grid
Independent Production Endboard
For Independent Productions the end-board should not include credit names. The Production Company logo or name occupies this space instead, with the words ‘for BBC’ (typeface Gill Sans) centred underneath.
The static BBC Northern Ireland Brand logo is below that and is faded on.
The credit music can carry over this animation and the copyright line is © (Independent Production Company Name) MMX…(+)
Click here to download the BBC Independent endboard animated logo in SD
Click here to download the BBC Independent endboard animated logo in HD
Click here to download the graphic safe-area grid
Co-Production End-boards
For programmes with two Independent Production Companies follow this layout model.
For BBC Northern Ireland programmes with multiple broadcast partners follow this model.
For co-productions between multiple broadcasters, multiple production companies or where BBC Northern Ireland is not the primary investor, please contact the BBC Northern Ireland Marketing and Branding team for advice on creating a bespoke end-board:
Marketing and Branding Manager: Margaret Henry – Margaret.henry@bbc.co.uk – 02890 338978
Promotions Manager: Paul Brolly – paul.brolly@bbc.co.uk – 02890 338552
