BBC Children’s & Education and Australia’s ABC Children & Family have formed a partnership to create new opportunities for UK and Australian producers to co-develop and co-produce children’s content for audiences globally.
The BBC and ABC initiative establishes a framework for identifying and developing high-quality projects. It is designed to bring together the creative strengths of both production sectors while supporting independent producers and creators.
The BBC and ABC will co-develop and co-produce projects creating a pathway for talent in both countries. The partnership is seeking premium concepts and creator driven projects that will be able to succeed across both territories.
Focused on scripted live-action drama and animation, the initiative will support content for preschool audiences, children aged five to eight, and young audiences up to 10 years old designed for linear broadcast and streaming platforms.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children & Education said: “At its best, public service children’s content helps young audiences make sense of the world around them. Through Shared Horizons, the BBC and ABC will combine the creative talent of the UK and Australia to develop distinctive stories with global reach and discover the next generation of children’s characters and ideas.”
Melinda Wearne, ABC Head Children & Family said: “The ABC and the BBC share a public service DNA that puts children at the heart of what we do. This partnership gives producers in Australia and the UK the confidence to think big, knowing they have two major public broadcasters ready to collaborate from the very beginning of the creative process. The best children’s stories are always grounded in authentic local experiences and universal themes, and we want creators to celebrate what makes their communities and cultures unique.”
British submissions for this opportunity can be made as for any other project through PiCoS. Australian submissions can be made through the ABC Children & Family production portal, Children’s Pitch – TV Independent Production, where applicants can find further information about the initiative, including key dates and submission requirements.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
