The first area is observational series which document the experiences of Irish people (famous or not) and/or communities as they engage with the arts. Access must be fully secured for proposals and the biggest question to be asked by the commissioning team will be “Why should we make this series now?”
The second area is loose hour-long formats which introduce new audiences to the arts through the hands-on experience of ordinary Irish people or well-known faces. The intention is not to dumb-down the content but to make intelligent, informative and enjoyable programmes which bring wider audiences to art forms they may never have experiences or would never choose to watch. Original formats which tap into current issues and existing cultural activity in Ireland are particularly welcomed.
The third area is authored or “big idea” documentary series, along the lines of ‘Cromwell in Ireland’ or ‘The Story of Ireland’. RTÉ are looking for ”big, swashbuckling arts series that give an absolutely fresh perspective on an area of Irish cultural activity – from literature to song – that we think we know well?” RTÉ Factual are open to straight documentary formats but also welcome ideas for series fronted by knowledgeable and engaging presenters (not necessarily experts in the arts) who can bring the audience on an amazing journey week after week.
The fourth area specified in the commissioning brief is Events centred programmes which have cultural activity at their core. They are seeking ideas that will get the nation ”doing things together: rediscovering their favourite poems, songs, plays or books; going to Irish galleries, theatres and cinemas; engaging with architecture, heritage or the environment.” RTÉ suggest possible basis for ideas in this area to emerge from anniversaries, events, big issues facing the nation or even to create a newly generated event or campaign. Ideas that use online and radio to allow the audience to contribute to content or debate are particularly welcomed.
Applicants should inform RTÉ if they feel that their idea has potential for co-production or BAI funding. To see the full brief from RTÉ Factual go to rte.ie/commissioning/rtefactual.html.
Producers should submit ideas to the eCommissioning system by clicking HERE, under the programme category Factual – Arts 2012 before close of business on Friday 9th September.
RTÉ Drama is currently accepting applications for the online fiction competition StoryLand 4. All submissions should be received in hardcopy by 12 noon Friday 23rd September 2011. For more information of to apply, got to rte.ie/storyland.
