TG4 is welcoming applications from the independent production sector for the development of projects (singles or series) targeting upcoming national and international funding rounds such as the BAI Sound and Vision Scheme, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, the Celtic International Fund, EBU funds and/or potential co-production opportunities.
In this development round, funding of up to €5000 will be available for ambitious, high-end projects that have a strong resonance with TG4 audiences and meet our scheduling and slot requirements.
Following this phase of development, producers will have the opportunity to resubmit their developed projects to TG4 later this year for full production support to these funding rounds when they are announced.
Development applications to TG4 should include:
- A full proposal (PDF – 5 pages max) pitching the concept/subject matter, the creative approach and a full development budget (excel – 2 pages max) to be submitted via the TG4 e-commissioning system.
- Details of producer and director attached to the project
- Visual Statement from the director
- Suggestions for on-screen talent/contributors as applicable.
- The slot and target TG4 audience for the project
- A development plan for the budget is requested.
GENRES WELCOMED IN THIS DEVELOPMENT ROUND:
1. Factual or Entertainment – Core Irish language audience
Factual or Entertainment series of 25’-50’ duration with strong stories and contemporary themes that give an insight into our lives, families, communities, or professions. TG4 would also welcome stories with a focus on nature, climate change, environmental issues, consumerism, fashion, housing, family life or a combination of the above.
Main Tx Slot: Midweek, 8 pm or 8.30 pm.
Format: Documentary single/series or entertainment single/series, 25’ or 50’ duration.
Audience: Core Irish language audience.
2. Factual – National Audience
One-hour single docs or documentary series that tell a strong, relevant story suitable for TG4’s primetime documentary slot. Stories that delve deep into Irish society through observational filming, reconstruction or a mix of storytelling techniques and that will attract the broadest possible national audience.
Main Tx Slot: Wednesday, 9.30 pm
Format: Series or Single Documentaries of 50 mins duration.
Audience: National
Feature Length Documentaries: TG4 would also welcome proposals for feature-length documentaries of between 70-90 mins that would befit a cinema release, have a festival life and would be a gem in TG4’s annual schedule.
3. Historical Documentaries – National Audience
The best historical documentaries are entertaining and reveal something new to audiences. TG4 is looking for ideas that tell historical stories in a fresh way, using new, clever storytelling techniques or formats. Historical stories, figures, and commemorative events should be given contemporary relevance in any treatment.
Main Tx Slot: Midweek, 9.30 pm.
Format: Single or Series Historical Documentary of 50 or feature-length.
Audience: National
4. Factual Entertainment – National Audience
TG4 is looking for positive, warm and life-affirming content that really matters to people. It can be documentary, fly on the wall, docudrama or reality made in an entertaining way. The series needs to have a “súil eile” and have something to say about the world that TG4 live in. It must be aspirational in its content and connect emotionally with a wide audience. It must be ambitious as Thursday night @9.30pm is a competitive and challenging slot.
Main Tx Slot: Thursday, 9.30 pm.
Format: Series of factual entertainment, 4/6/8 x 50 minutes.
Audience: National
5. Traditional Irish Music
Series or single one-hour programmes that through documentary, performance or a combination of both provide a new platform to our traditional music & song and celebrate the richness of our traditional arts. Music could also be combined with other genres for example in the form of a musical travelogue or musical biography. All ideas need to be suitable for broadcast in TG4’s primetime schedule on Sunday at 21.30 or as a special one-off for broadcast at Christmas/Easter or to mark an anniversary or special event.
Main TX Slot: Sunday, 9.30 pm.
Format: Series or one-offs of 50’ durations
Audience: National
6. Music that is NOT Traditional Music
To date, Irish Country music has been extremely popular gaining us a wide audience. So far they have come in concert-style and competition-style formats. Are there other music genres that could do the same for an Irish audience? Are there other formats that could be used?
Format: Series of 25- or 50-minute programmes that do not have to be in concert style. Other formats welcome.
Audience: National
7. Young People’s Entertainment (pre-school & nó 6-12yrs).
TG4 is looking for entertaining live-action kids shows featuring children or young engaging presenters on-screen that would appeal to our audience. Energetic and fun edutainment series that reflect our viewer's worlds and that explore and investigate the world around us.
Pre-school audience (under 5s)
Early Primary (5-7 years)
Primary Audience (8-12 Years)
In all cases, proposals should include multiplatform tie-ins and additionality.
Main Broadcast slot: Weekdays and weekends during Cúla4/ Cúla4 na nÓg Block and also on Cúla4 player App.
Format: Series, open to various durations.
Audience: Young People, Core Audience.
All proposals need to be submitted electronically to TG4. Production companies need to first make sure they are registered on our e-Commissioning system http://update.tg4.ie/ecomm/login.php, and then upload before the deadline by selecting, ‘Babhta Forbartha Bealtaine 2020’, from the dropdown menu. You will receive an automatic acknowledgment when your proposal has been submitted. Proposals will not be accepted after the deadline.
Any questions in relation to submitting proposals electronically can be sent to Anna Marie Nic Dhonnacha - annamarie.nic.dhonnacha@tg4.ie
Any questions in relation to this round and project suitability can be sent to Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin - maryellen.ni.chualain@tg4.ie
