TG4 COMMISSIONING GUIDELINES

TG4 and the independent television production industry have been good for each other. Since the 1996 inception of an Irish language public broadcasting service, TG4 has opened new doors of opportunity as well as opening the way to new thinking and new approaches to television programme making.

The collaboration of TG4 as commissioning agent with a mix of established and emerging production companies has delivered Irish language television of outstanding quality which has won international acclaim and secured a firm home audience for the innovative and creative programmes that have become the hallmark of the TG4 schedule.

Drawing on the partnerships of mutual experience and understanding which have been formed since 1996, TG4 wishes to strengthen its relationships with established and upcoming providers in a manner that will be of advantage on all sides.

From the upcoming round of commissions, TG4 will be encouraging providers to extend the volume i.e. longer running series, mini series etc, thereby enabling companies to sustain operations and employment over a longer period with consequent benefits and economies of scale.

Accordingly, for submissions (to be lodged by noon on February 5, 2010 and October 1, 2010 and only on TG4 Submission Forms) TG4 will be encouraging companies to:

• Submit proposals for longer running series
• Broaden the range of genres within their submissions
• Consider opportunities for tailoring of existing programme material not already available in Ireland to suit TG4 audiences and the Irish language.

To complement the defining audience profile and fixing the slots for established programmes, it is TG4 policy to encourage producers to be innovative and creative in treatments of original ideas and concepts. This freedom to take a different view and approach has characterised the súil eile approach to television that makes the difference for TG4 and its viewers. The "outside the box" thinking which married sport with reality television in the path-finding Underdogs series is a prime example alongside other hybrid programmes including Glór Tíre, Mí na Meala, Hector Amú and Ceol Chuairt.

In bringing new concepts and interpretations to the television screen through the medium of Irish, TG4 also encourages producers to match new on-screen talent to the format.

Submissions will be judged for their:

• Original, insightful and thought-provoking ideas
• Appeal to a defined target audience
• Suitability for broadcast as inherently Irish language content
• Ability to combine compelling content through script and visuals
• Value for money

The core objective of TG4 is to commission television output of quality and integrity in the Irish language that reflects and echoes contemporary changing Ireland and also resonates with the national culture, heritage and history.