COMMISSIONING BRIEF

Commissioning Editor - Jane Gogan
Drama Development - David Crean

UPDATED: Monday 11th June 2012

RTÉ Drama - 2015 Onwards

RTÉ wants to develop an enticing range of drama events, series and serials that will be scheduled from 2015 onwards.
We are looking for variety in tone and attitude across dramas that will both entertain and open up a view of contemporary life. RTÉ Drama needs to have broad popular appeal and meet our audience's expectations across all demographics. Drama will always be expected to be a big event for RTÉ ONE's schedule.

RTÉ continues to encourage producers to work with writers who can develop complex and intriguing stories that tell a truth about our society. Formats such as Whistleblower, Raw, Love/Hate and Single-Handed are all linked to an identifiable world each saying something quite different.
RTÉ is also open to considering adaptations and be they historical or set in the present they need to have a contemporaneous relevance connecting and giving insight to the audience.

All RTÉ drama sought for development is post-watershed and we look for a variety of formats: 2 / 4 / 6 x 1 hour series and serials. Renewability of a format is something to be considered at an early stage though we acknowledge that some stories, particularly those drawing on real life events will not extend beyond one serial event. Stories based on real events have a high value to the audience but they need to be more than a retelling of the facts of the events: they need to capture the imagination in a different way.

360 degree commissioning is also part of the developing remit and we ask producers to consider at an early stage how they can expand output to have a unique on-line dimension, potentially available on multiple devices.
The cost per hour is dictated by the demands of the format and content while bearing in mind that there is a continuing need to bring costs down. RTÉ actively encourages producers to pursue co-financing and co-production partners for all its drama output through commercial and subvention opportunities.

RTÉ actively develops projects that will meet the objectives of BAI Sound and Vision financing and projects that are suited to international pre-sales and co-production. If required, RTÉ will work closely with producers in attaching financing partners.
Should you wish to submit an idea for consideration for development investment you will need to register and submit on RTÉ's e-commissioning. Drama staff members are available to discuss ideas in advance of formal submission.

Access to the heart of RTÉ Drama for new entrants is essential to what we do and in this respect we encourage producers at the beginning of their careers to engage with StoryLand. StoryLand is an annual on-line drama competition that is specifically designed to nurture producers, writers, directors, cast and HODs with a particular emphasis on their creative skillset. Information on the next round of StoryLand will be broadly circulated and available on www.rte.ie/storyland.

Commissioning Editor, Drama - Jane Gogan

Development Executive - David Crean

Email - drama@rte.ie

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We don't have deadlines for drama and we want to have active discussions with producers and writers at an early stage of planning.

Drama staff members are available to discuss ideas in advance of formal submission.

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