All programs have to go through the Commissioning process before being aired. Most broadcasters commission programs through online proposals (eCommisioning), it is all fairly simple.. you send your idea to the appropriate commissioning editors that can usually be found by looking on the broadcasters website.
I focused on the channel 4 commissioning process this is a good example because it is simple, sections off the genre of programs and tells you what they are looking for in a new show.
Programme idea
My idea for a show is a comedy called ‘Air Hostess’ following 4 air hostesses on there journeys from country to country the antics they get into and how there jobs effect there lives .The target audience for the show would be people aged 16-30 grade B and C1 this is because, although not everyone is an air hostess they will be able to relate to the general problems of travelling and working life. I would pitch this idea to itv because i think it would have similarity’s to the program Benidorm but should be shown after the watershed on maybe a Tuesday night because of possible strong language.
Currently on a Tuesday night from 10pm the following shows are scheduled
- 10pm- ITV news at ten
- 10:30pm- Regional News
- 10:35- Take Me Out
I think that because Take Me Out is a repeat from a weekend it could easily be replaced by Air Hostess because it would give people a reason to smile on a Tuesday night.
To pitch my idea to itv i would email it to Entertainment-Comedy.Commissioning@ITV.com (adress will differ depending on the category of program) and they would get back to me within six weeks, however itv will only accept submissions from production companies, unlike other broadcasters like channel 4 who accept ideas from anyone.
If the idea is accepted then proposals may be provided with funding to develop a pilot episode which will later be aired!
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