As part of the BBC’s ongoing commitment to younger audiences, a new commissioning opportunity has been confirmed at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2025.
At the festival, the BBC invited independent production companies to pitch a current affairs documentary for BBC Three, which will be made available to audiences via YouTube in addition to BBC iPlayer.
In total, five successful qualifying Indies will have the opportunity to each make one single current affairs documentary for BBC Three. This initiative will also involve working alongside colleagues in the BBC Nations division where relevant.
BBC Three commissions content aimed at 16–34 year-olds, with a creative focus on ideas that can engage young people by reflecting their experiences and priorities in an authentic way, therefore a story set predominantly in the UK is an essential requirement.
Fiona Campbell, controller, youth audience, BBC iPlayer & BBC Three said: “We are looking for a maximum of five stand out films from five different Indies that uncover arresting characters, voices or perspectives that will resonate amongst 16-34’s in the UK. We want Indies to come to us with ideas that explore a riveting world, tell a gripping story, or show confronting perspectives that reflect issues facing young Brits today.”
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Nasfim Haque, head of content for BBC Three added: “We want to find original stories, that enhance 16–34-year-olds understanding of today’s world and reflect life across the UK in the 2020s. The ideas should have original journalism at their heart and the content should provide viewers with a new and timely insight on the modern world.”
Examples of one-off documentaries in this space on BBC Three in previous years include diverse programmes such as Inside Britain’s Kidnap Gangs (pictured), The Secret World of Sexual Health Clinics, Shame in the Game, Defending Digga D, Nudes4Sale, Hunting the Rolex Rippers, Secrets of the Multi-Level Millionaires and Hard Up.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and how producers can submit ideas will be published on the BBC Commissioning website next month. The Edinburgh TV Festival is taking place now, and will continue across the city until 22 August.
