TG4 is inviting applications from the independent production sector to develop standalone programs and series for their program schedule, focusing on specific areas. The closing date for applications to TG4 is 4pm Monday 15th April 2024.
The Development Commissioning Round 2024 serves as the initial stage of development for proposals and series that align with TG4’s strategy across all programming categories. Applicants have the flexibility to apply on a proposal-by-proposal basis or opt for small-scale development, including up to three proposals. TG4 particularly encourage ideas for topical programs, series, and formats, especially those with the potential for returnability.
Every application to this round needs to be submitted electronically via the TG4 e-commissioning system, attached as a pdf document and a full budget as an excel attachment.
Proposals will not be assessed without a development budget as part of the submission.
- Applications should include the following elements:
- A full proposal pitching the concept/subject matter and the creative approach.
- Development Budget & if possible a production funding plan
- Visual statement from the Director where possible
- Suggestions for on-screen talent/contributors as applicable. (Any suggestions of previously unknown screen presenter or key talent should be accompanied by a link to a screen test.)
- The slot and target TG4 audience for the project
Genres welcomed for this development round:
Factual: (National, International & Core Irish language Audience)
- Contemporary factual and living history.
- Single projects, series, formatted factual, authored, biography are any other new offerings.
- Suitable for broadcast in TG4’s existing primetime, early evening and digital slots.
- Development submissions can include research of content, formats, access, short visual samples towards funding submissions to other parties in Ireland or internationally.
Entertainment and Lifestyle shot on location:
- Series suitable for all audiences.
- Entertainment that combines programme genres or formats (hybrids such as music / travel, sports/ travel, docs, entertainment).
- Development of new presenters and contributing talent (send visual samples)
Formats / Studio Shows:
- New formats or the re-working of existing formats not currently available in this territory.
- Particular emphasis on talent-driven formats.
- Formats that combine programme genres / interest groups.
- Submissions for development on paper or short visual samples to present to co-funding partners.
Music – Traditional Music and music from other genres:
- Performance driven and / or music documentary singles or series.
- Hours, half hours or shorter durations for broadcast on TG4’s existing liner and digital slots.
- Preferably ideas suitable for filming on location but studio formats will also be considered.
- Strong programme brands to include new presentation and musical talent.
Young People’s Entertainment:
- Content suitable for various young people’s age groups (3 – 5 years, 5 – 7 years, 8 – 12 years).
- High entertainment value that could focus on children’s hobbies, interests and that put young Irish speakers on screen.
- First step development on animation, drama and young people’s documentary.
- A strong identity in terms of style, tone and brand from the start.
Other Ideas:
- Stand out programme ideas across the genres that would work particularly well for key schedule periods such as Christmas, Lá le Bríde, Lá le Phádraig etc. will be welcomed.
- TG4 welcome any other ideas not listed above which align with TG4’s existing stand out programme genres or ideas to create new genres and expand TG4’s audience reach.
You can request one-to-one online meetings with a Commissioning Editor, who will provide guidance on the ambition and focus of this development round and conduct an initial verbal pitch of your idea. To schedule a meeting with a specific Commissioning Editor, please contact, Julieann.Ni.Fhatharta @ tg4.ie. These meetings will be held on the 4th and 5th of April. You must contact Julieann before the 28th of March to organise a meeting.
All proposals need to be submitted electronically to TG4. Production companies need to first make sure they are registered on TG4’s e-Commissioning system https://ecomm.tg4.ie, and then upload before the deadline by selecting, ‘Forbairt 2024’, from the dropdown menu. You will receive an automatic acknowledgment when your proposal has been submitted. Proposals will not be accepted after the deadline. Any questions in relation to this round and project suitability can be sent to Julieann.Ni.Fhatharta @ tg4.ie
