Matthew Littleford is Channel Controller for the UKTV network; he recently outlined his current channel strategy and needs (as of August 2009).
Matthew’s View on UKTV
* Factual UKTV channels include: Dave, Really, Good Food, Home, Eden, Blighty, Watch and Yesterday.
* Dave website is rebranding and are launching a new schedule in mid-September.
* Really is reality/lifestyle programming for women aged 18-34 years.
Looking For:
* Cookery shows with new (and established) talent for Good Food
* Talent – bigger names.
* Noisy lifestyle shows – with focus on talent, home and foo.
How to pitch
* Send a one-liner with a snappy title.
(Photo by torrez CC BY-SA 2.0)
Made in Britain, (5×30′) – ob doc series follows Dom Joly around the British Isles as he attempts to restock his home and wardrobe with items made in the British Isles. Channel: Blighty (previously UKTV People) Producer: ITV Studios Tx: 15 June 2009 9pm Source: Guardian
Save Our Boozer w/t (5×60′) - formatted ob-doc series following millionaire landlord Jay Smith who is helping five communities turnaround failing pubs. Channel: Blighty (previously UKTV People) Producer: Twofour / Eye Film & TV TX: 23 April 2009 9pm Source: C21
My Brilliant Britain (10×30′) -British celebrities celebrate what’s great about Britain. Channel: Blighty (previously UKTV People) Producer: Prospect Pictures TX: 17 February 2009 9pm Source: C21
Links to the UK channels’ commissioning pages. Most have some kind of online or e-commissioning system – see each website for details.