Whats this Channel4 ?

Commissioning

Channel Four makes none of its programmes 'in-house', instead it obtains all its programmes by either acquiring them 'ready-made' from other broadcasters or by commissioning them from independent production companies.

In 2006 C4 used 296 production companies and obtained 87% of its programming from the independent sector.

The commissioning process is centred around a team of commissioning editors, each addressing a specific area of programming or audience and working in eight departments under the overall control of the Director of Television, Kevin Lygo.

The areas that commission or acquire television programmes are:

Comedy & Entertainment
Daytime
Documentary
Drama
E4
Education
Specialist Factual
Factual Entertainment
Features
Film4
New Media
More4
Nations & Regions
News & Current Affairs
Programme Acquisition
Sport
T4, Youth & Music

Most of these departments are further subdivided and have several commissioning editors. 'Specialist Factual' as an example has commissioning editors for 'History', 'Religion' and 'Science.'

Each editor has a specific budget to allocate and an idea of the amount of airtime and scheduling slots at their disposal.

The editors outline their departmental and schedule needs via the online 'Producers Guide' (which is regularly updated), PACT and briefings. They also inform programme makers about the slot price, the programme budget and any specific Channel 4 requirements. The editor then responds to programme 'pitches' from independent production companies.

If a proposal is successful a contract is negotiated which covers the cost of making the programme, plus a 'production fee' that provides the production company's profit.

The contract commits the TV production company to a detailed editorial specification, a schedule for production and post production, and an agreed timetable for viewings and scripts.

Commissioning Editors often work with the company on the selection of the production team. The level of C4's involvement will depend on the experience and track record of the company.

After the programme's transmission the commissioning editor will give the company feedback on the success of the production.

This commissioning system means that in principle even the smallest production company can get a major commission, provided the channel wants the idea and has confidence in the producer and the people they hire. The C4 commissioning system hasn't made many independent producers rich, but it has encouraged the growth of a large and diverse independent sector that now makes programmes for all the UK's broadcasters.

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