RTE Head of Children's Content, Sheila DeCourcy, and Executive Producer for Animation & Independent Commissioning, Pauline Macnamara are currently seeking submissions for a wide range of children’s and young people’s programming including animated content for RTEJr.
In keeping with RTE’s new focus on digital content, they are interested in content that engages viewers across more than one platform in the age categories of RTEJr (0-6 year olds); TRTÉ (7-15 year olds); and ‘Two Tube’ for older teens and young adults.
RTE YPP (Young People’s Programming) is looking for original commissions including co-productions on proposals which contain a strong Irish component across a wide variety of genres.
The following is a breakdown of the different areas seeking proposals:
• Christmas Shorts: RTE would like this short series to feature children surprising one another or family members with treats or special events.
Each two minute episode will be stand-alone and feature one story that embraces the 'feel-good' spirit of the season.
There will be sixteen 2 minute shorts, with a total budget allocation of €45,000, and interested companies should submit a proposal which includes concept, narrative outline, treatment and budget by 5pm on Friday 21st June 2013.
• Gameshow or Entertainment Series: Nine 25 min episodes are wanted for tweens (9-12 year olds) with budgets up to a maximum of €241,000.
Programmes successful for this audience include ‘Frenemies’, a debate-based game show, and ‘OMG! Jedward's ‘Dream Factory’.
• Lifestyle/Reality: 5-10 episodes, half hour in duration, aimed at 11-15 year olds with a budget of €80,000 - €85,000 per hour.
‘Mission Beach USA’ is a successful example of a programme which appealed to this age group, which saw eight Irish teens train at the Fort Lauderdale Junior Lifeguard Programme.
This series is intended to support the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2014, geared towards a tween-teen/young adult audience in late 2013.
• Animation for RTÉjr: A maximum budget of €60,000 per hour is allocated for animated series suitable for the RTÉjr audience made up of two distinctive groups - the under 4's and 4-6 year olds.
RTE is also interested in proposals that offer versions in both Irish and English.
• Animation for TRTÉ: Funding is available to a maximum of €75,000 per hour for proposals for animated series suitable for the TRTÉ audience.
‘Ballybraddan’, ‘The Mad Cows’ and ‘Roy’ have worked well for this audience.
• More detailed submission information is available here.
• Submissions to RTE can be made on their e-commissioning system by following the link here.
