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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Northern Ireland Television runs a rolling commissioning process, which means that we can respond to ideas for programmes at any time.

At specific times in the year, we also brief for content at open sessions for independent and in house suppliers. These briefings offer an opportunity to hear in more detail about the themes and topics on which we would like to receive ideas. There is also information on the genres, formats and transmission slots on offer.

We regularly publish details and briefs on the Commissioning News site of our website.

Please note that although we run a rolling commissioning process, it may be the case that our commissioning slate for the year is full and we will be unable to consider any further ideas until the following financial year.

Members of the Public

The development and production of a programme is a complex process, requiring in-depth understanding of the television system.

It includes many people, in addition to the person who comes up with the original idea, which can take many months or even years to reach the screen.

When assessing the viability of an idea, we will consider the track record and experience of the person who is pitching it.

Unfortunately the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ does not have the resources to support individuals through the commissioning process.

Please refer to other opportunities listed on the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s Commissioning site.

Independent Production Companies and In House

We expect to see ideas submitted in response to the specific briefings within a six week window.

The first stage invites you to submit brief outlines of your ideas on PiCoS – find out more about the requirements to use PiCoS.

These will be assessed by the commissioning team, who will shortlist those they think most worth developing for the next stage.

The second stage involves more detailed feedback and a meeting. You may be asked to rewrite a proposal and resubmit after substantial research and development, or to provide a short taster tape – some companies provide this as a matter of course at the first stage.

Occasionally this leads to a second development stage, for which a modest fee may be payable. Three quarters of projects in secondary, or paid, development go on to become full commissions.

Intensive development, feedback and shaping of proposals is a key part of commissioning which commonly results in ideas being developed and changed.

The final stage is a formal pitch of the developed idea. A decision to commission – or not – will be taken shortly after a pitch.

Environmental Sustainability Topic Guide

This guide covers a wide range of climate change topics as well as information on nature and biodiversity. Its purpose is to provide journalists and programme-makers within the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳, and suppliers making content for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳, with accurate information on the featured topics, based on the best scientific evidence available.