Illustration: Adeline Pericart
In Autumn 2012 RTÉ FORMAT FARM showcased 5 original television formats spanning
genres as diverse as Talent Search (‘The Hit’), Dating (‘Love Clinic’), Hidden Camera
Comedy (‘Baptism of Hire’), Business Makeover (‘The Takeover’) and Social/Cultural Rivalry
(‘Six in the City’).
RTÉ has created the Format Farm pilot scheme as a business innovation initiative to support
the production and broadcast of original Irish TV formats for both Irish audiences and for
export. These ideas have been funded and developed in partnership with some of the
biggest names in international distribution, and the work so far has received a very positive
response from the international TV market. RTÉ have announced details of another
Call for Format Ideas with a view to broadcasting pilots in Autumn 2013.
The ideas submitted can range in terms of genre, tone and target audience – from
accessible reality-based factual entertainment shows, to edgier or more challenging
programming, from, family orientated studio entertainment programmes such as quizzes, to
contemporary lifestyle formats, and more late night programmes.
RTÉ is holding a briefing day for independent producers on 16th January and the deadline to register is TODAY, January 11.
Please note that the January 11 deadline is to register interest for the briefing day only, it is not the submission deadline for the Format Farm scheme. This deadline to submit your Format Farm idea is Friday, 8th. Ideas must be submitted via RTÉ’s e-commissioning system: e-commissioning.rte.ie
Click herefor information and further instructions. Official RTÉ guidelines for the Format Farm scheme can be found here.
