BBC IGNITE
OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS!!
BBC Ignite is open for applications for fresh, bold and innovative new animation ideas
Submissions open Thursday 15 November 2023 to Thursday 8 February 2024 at 2pm
Our brief
Building on the success of the first BBC Ignite animation programme we’re once again looking for fresh, bold and innovative TV series ideas for a fully funded development opportunity.
Successful creators will receive funding to co-develop their idea in partnership with us, developing it into an industry standard proof of concept which we will then consider for a potential commission.
We’re looking for submissions from sole creators over the age of 18, collectives, animation studios, production companies or anything in-between, where creatives would like to co-develop with us rather than engage with the BBC via the usual commissioning process.
You may be taking your first steps into animation, be a long-standing industry professional with something you’ve always wanted to explore, or a production company or animation studio with an exciting new idea. Whatever your level of experience, we want to see your proposal.
We’re looking for UK-centric ideas that appeal to children of all ages with living breathing characters in a world that children will love. We’re interested in ideas that demonstrate originality, innovation, with a potential to run to multiple series, which will engage UK children from different socio-economic and ethnical backgrounds, but with international appeal, relatable storytelling and recognisable characters. Central to any idea must be that the stories, settings and characters represent the UK’s culture and values.
Our second BBC Ignite programme reaffirms our continued commitment to develop the UK animation industry, support UK creative talent and uncover the UK’s next animation hit.
How to submit ideas
We ask for one A4 page that shows us the heart of the idea.
This is a summary of your idea that showcases your voice and the vision for the series. You may consider including descriptions of the overall concept, the central character(s), the tone and themes, the world, an overview of the story or a typical episode and the target age range (0-3, 4-6, 5-7, 7-9, 10+). Your submission can include both written and visual elements.
The idea must be submitted as a pdf document via the BBC Uploader website on a single side of A4. Please note that you must not include any personal information (name/company name) on the one page submission. Please note, we will not accept ideas via email or BBC Pitch.
Each creator, collective, production company or animation studio can submit up to three ideas.
Before applying please read the frequently asked questions section below, the terms of use (Word) and the privacy notice (Word).
Process and key dates
The deadline for submissions is Thursday 8 February 2024 at 2pm.
All submissions will be reviewed blind (ie without the individual/company name attached) by the BBC Children’s commissioning teams which means they will not be aware of who has submitted the ideas. They will shortlist submissions based solely on the ideas and their potential to become fantastic TV series.
The shortlist will then be assessed by a panel comprising of the Director of Children’s and Education, Heads of Commissioning and Acquisitions for 0-6’s and 7-12, and the dedicated Development Executive responsible for BBC Ignite. Up to 20 ideas will be shortlisted for the next stage.
The creators will then be invited to meet remotely with the relevant Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions and the Ignite Development Executive. Only at this stage will the identity of the creators be made known to the panel.
Fifteen ideas will then be selected to join the first stage of development.
This first development stage will comprise of creating a full pitch bible, character designs, a key background design and a story outline.
We will then select up to ten projects for second stage development.
The second stage will comprise of creating a full script, two further story outlines and bible revisions.
Up to six development projects will then be selected to go on to the third stage of development. Deliverables for this stage will vary depending on what is required to provide the best representation of the idea: eg animatic, animation test, further script development etc.
Projects will then be considered for commission by the Director of BBC Children’s and Education and the relevant BBC Children’s Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions.
Frequently asked questions
What support and guidance will the BBC provide?
We aim to help you create the very best expression of your idea and we’ll help you explore, develop and refine it.
The dedicated Ignite Development Executive will guide and support the creators throughout the process, offering editorial input and creative steers throughout, providing access to appropriate BBC audience research and industry insight into what works for both UK and international markets. The Development Executive will also provide introduction to and assist in engaging top end talent/expertise to help bring the idea to life. This means building a team of specialists around the creators which may include, where appropriate, writers, script editors, script consultants, designers, animation specialists and development production partners.
The creators will have unique access to the relevant Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions via the dedicated Ignite Development Executive. They will provide regular editorial guidance and input throughout the process.
Do you accept short film or feature film pitches?
Unfortunately not, the scheme is specifically for TV series ideas.
When will I hear if my idea is successful?
We will get back to you by Friday 14 June 2024.
I’m a writer, is it okay to submit a purely written pitch?
Yes. If the project is invited to join Ignite we will help you find and engage appropriate complimentary talent (including designers, animation consultant etc).
I’m an animator/designer/visual artist and I do not have any writing experience, can I submit an idea?
Yes. We will help you locate and engage the appropriate complimentary talent (including writers, animation consultants etc) to help you develop the best expression of your idea.
Can I submit multiple ideas?
Each creator, collective, production company or animation studio can submit up to three ideas.
Can I continue to do my day job if I’m accepted on to the Ignite programme?
Yes. We’re not expecting creators to be engaged with the development programme full time.
My day job means that it’s difficult to have video calls or meetings in the day – is that ok?
We’ll do our best to accommodate calls and meetings around your work commitments.
Will I have to travel?
Whilst a lot of the development will be conducted over video call, it will be necessary to attend some meetings and workshops in person. The Ignite team will be on hand to assist with travel arrangements.
What happens if my idea is developed under Ignite but is not selected for a commission?
If an idea that is developed in partnership with the BBC under BBC Ignite is not selected for a commission then the idea and all the development materials created under BBC Ignite will revert back to the creator. If the Idea is subsequently commissioned by a third party then the development funding you receive from the BBC (stages one, two and three) will need to be repaid to the BBC no later than the first day of principal animation of the third party production.
Previous successes
Following an 18-month development process, in July 2023 three projects were commissioned from our first Ignite animation scheme. Find out more.