Proposals must be submitted on standard TG4 forms and the deadline is 5 pm, Friday 4 October 2002.
COGAR [CG]
Submissions are invited for single or two part half -hour documentaries that will be broadcast primetime under the generic title Cogar.
HOUR- LONG DOCUMENTARIES [FA]
We are seeking one hour documentary submissions that will explore particular stories in depth that have relevance for an Irish audience. In choosing the subject matter applicants should bear in mind that the stories are to be told in the Irish language.
DOCUMENTARY SERIES [SF]
Submissions for documentary series of up to six programmes are sought. Each series should have a unifying theme that will explore some aspect of Irish life be it past or present, serious or lighthearted. The series should be story-based imaginative, entertaining and televisual. Avoid subject matter that is over-reliant on the "usual suspects" and a heavy academic input. Contemporary relevance could be an advantage as indeed would be the inclusion of a passionate voice on the subject in the production team. If a presenter is intended his or her experience and credentials should be given.
TRAVEL [TS]
TG4's travel output has been acclaimed for its challenging nature, originality of format and strength in presentation. Every journey taken on TG4 has a distinctive story or theme. It is not enough to show the wonders. The strength of TG4's travel output lies in the unique interpretation of the journey that comes through the presenter.
Studio Programmes/Entertainment
ARDÁN [AR]
Ardán has gained recognition as the flagship live weekly programme on TG4. Submissions are sought from production companies that are interested and have the ability to produce such a programme that will be broadcast live for 26 weeks of 2003 - 13 in the spring and 13 in the Autumn. One programme per month will be broadcast from the Gaeltacht regions outside Conamara. Submissions should specify any changes in format, production personnel or other essential elements that the production company propose and how these would benefit the series.
STUDIO GAMESHOWS [CS]
New formats or adapted formats to cater for an Irish audience are required. Formats that are available on other channels are of no interest unless they have been adapted for a TG4 audience. Characteristics and elements of the Irish persona and psyche should be incorporated into any format proposed to appeal specifically to an Irish audience. Names of presenters or any regular guests should be included. Submissions for studio games, panel games or comedy studio programmes will be accepted and block recording should be considered to make the series cost-effective.
STUDIO TALK SHOW [CC]
TG4 recognises a demand for more talk shows in Irish. We will therefore welcome submissions for a simple studio format in which conversation will be the central element and which will be broadcast live or as live. Such a series could be broadcast from the new TG4 studio in Baile na hAbhann or another suitable location where the costs would be similar.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SONG [CT]
Traditional music and song series continue to achieve some of the highest viewing figures on TG4. An extensive music schedule comprising of both performance and documentary programming serves what is by now, a loyal and descerning audience that not only expects the highest standards of performance but also excellent and informative presentation, interpretation and the highest production values.
GRADAM CEOIL TG4 i gCEOL TRAIDISIÚNTA [GC]
TG4 invite submissions for the production and recording of this concert that will take place in November 2003 and will be broadcast the following night as a 90 minute special programme.
DRAMA DEVELOPMENT [FBD]
TG4's drama development fund attempts to ensure quality drama for it's primetime schedule. Hence we have established a development fund for contemporary drama series suitable for TG4.
COMEDY [GR]
A reckless "non pc" approach and a disrespect for the sacred cows were the hallmarks of TG4's comedy offerings from the outset which attracted the attention of media and audience. This "take" on comedy should come as no surprise as it springs from the Irish tradition that gave us Merriman's (in)famous Midnight Court and Myles na gCopaleen's An Beál Bocht . Neither showed restraint in poking fun at ourselves.
TG4 SPORTS OUTPUT FROM INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION [OS]
TG4 will wecome applications from independent companies interested in and with the capacity to provide a significant portion of its sports output for two years from July 2003 to July 2005.
Full details available from: www.tg4.ie
