Commissioning BBC Four

The main aim for BBC Four and their documentaries is to engaged audiences and broaden their horizons. One main issue I had finding information on BBC Four documentaries is that what you see is what you get which was a big issue for me, however I was able to at least find some info on how they commission which is

•     Bringing new perspectives on big debates.
• To have new ideas.
•  Be nostalgic.
•  Be funny
•  Be daring.
•  Be distinctive.
• Always have something unique to say.
•   Have new and engaging perspective.
• Aim to surprise.
• Try to delight
• Have a purpose to provoke.
• Succeed in entertaining.
• BBC Four Documentaries are characterized by what they offer.
• BBC Four documentaries have alternative perspective on a mainstream subject.

When choosing documentaries to commission BBC Four look for 

·         Originality of approach

·         Real understanding of the subject matter.

·         Engage with distinctive Presenters.

·         Have distinctive directorial voices.

·         Particularly looking for ideas that feel of the moment.

·         Get closer to the workings of the now.

·         Documentaries that allow the channel to engage directly with modern Britain.

·         To have the best ideas that will have impact.

Show the audience that documentaries on BBC Four are …

·         A great place to stretch the intellect.

·         Allow the imagination to flow.

One thing that BBC Four prides itself is that they never get enough of ideas of real scale and ambition that have a modern feel, that show each channel in a new and unexpected light.

All information gathered from BBC website, all changes to avoid copyright.