commissioning

"More British than the streamers": in conversation with Sky's Zai Bennett

For one of the most powerful programme chiefs in the UK, Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content for Sky UK and Ireland since June 2019, wears his authority lightly. He is responsible for a portfolio of services that includes Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Sky Documentaries and Sky Arts. He has helped to nurture such hits as I Hate Suzie, Gangs of London, Bulletproof, A Discovery of Witches, Save Me, In the Long Run, Breeders and Brassic.

Inaugural RTS Story Conference gives screenwriting masterclass

“Never write with a filter – thinking about what ‘they’ want you to write.”

“Love the one you are with.”

“Don’t be a wanker.”

These were some of the good-humoured but sound pieces of advice on offer from established writers at the inaugural one-day RTS Story Conference, which was packed with informative sessions featuring some of the biggest names in UK television.

Evolution of Scheduling and Commissioning in a VOD World | RTS Thames Valley

In a TV landscape where it's harder than ever to get eyeballs on your programmes, how have commissioning and scheduling evolved to meet the challenges of new platforms, greater competition and a changing audience? And what does the future hold for commissioning and scheduling strategy in a world of on demand viewing? In this session we hear from industry leaders, revealing the secrets of the modern commissioning and scheduling relationship, and how it influences what ends up on our screens.

Panellists:

From Idea to Screen | RTS Thames Valley

In this RTS Thames Valley session, each stage of getting a script on TV is explained, from how to come up with an idea to the commissioning process.

Chair:

Lyndsay Duthie, CEO, PGGB and RTS TVC Committee

Panellists:

Chloe Seddon, Head of Development, Parable Films

Bianca Gavin, Head of Production, Pulse Films

Karen Redfern, Post-Production Supervisor, (To Olivia)

Dee Allen, Company 3/Method Studios / No Chiefs

Keeley Hawes to star in new ITV drama Finding Alice

Keeley Hawes (Credit: ITV)

Written by Roger Goldby (The Durrells) and Simon Nye (Men Behaving Badly), Finding Alice focuses on Alice (Keeley Hawes) as she navigates grief, love and life following the death of her husband Harry.

Harry’s sudden accidental death happens not long after him and Alice move into their newly finished dream home and he falls down the stairs.

His death sparks a storm of secrets, mess, debt, suspicion and criminality, which Alice must confront in order to survive.

BBC commissions documentary Inside The Murder Trial: The Disappearance of Margaret Fleming

Credit: BBC

The series gives unprecedented access, granted by Glasgow High Court, to a high-profile murder trial that has gripped Scotland and solves a 20-year old disappearance.

The exclusive access documented suspects Edward Cairney and Avril Jones as they faced trial for the murder of Margaret Fleming.

When a Personal Independence Payment application – a welfare benefit for someone with a disability – was submitted in 2016, suspicions were raised when authorities couldn’t contact the claimant.

Dating show Hot Property will return for a second series

Credit: BBC

The series sees young singletons search for love by teaming up with Filly and snooping around the homes of three potential suitors, before choosing to go on a blind date with one of them.

Someone’s bedroom can reveal a lot about a person and the singletons will get to see if their potential dates have any skeletons hidden in their closet.

Sophie Rundle and Martin Compston to lead new BBC thriller

Sophie Rundle and Martin Compston (Credit: BBC)

Created by RTS Award-winning writer Nicole Taylor (Three Girls), the emotional thriller focuses on wealthy couple Dan (Compston) and Emily (Rundle) who are head over heels in love and live a beautiful house just outside of Glasgow.

Their lives seem perfect, but there is one thing missing: a baby.

A chance encounter introduces them to Kaya – played by Mirren Mack in her television debut – an 18-year-old from the other side of the city.

BBC Arts commissions new programmes in year-long celebration of literature

Novels That Shaped Our World Festival panel (Credit: BBC)

The programmes explore both classic and contemporary fiction, from celebrated authors and those less well-known.

BBC’s regular book programmes such as The Radio Two Book Club with Jo Whiley, The Verb on BBC Radio Three, World Book Club on the World Service and Open Book on Radio Four will feature specials throughout the year.

A festival has also been set up in partnership with libraries and reading groups around the UK.