ABC Australia and British broadcaster BBC have joined forces on a new development initiative aimed at finding the next big children’s series with international appeal.
The new initiative, announced on Tuesday, will give Australian and UK producers an opportunity to develop and co-produce projects with the public broadcasters from the beginning of the creative process.
Called Shared Horizons, the initiative will see ABC Children & Family and BBC Children & Education work together to identify and develop creator-led projects that can succeed across both markets.
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The two broadcasters are seeking scripted live-action drama and animation for preschool audiences, children aged five to eight and young audiences up to 10, with projects intended for both linear broadcast and streaming platforms.
Melinda Wearne and Patricia Hidalgo are leading the new ABC Australia and BBC initiative to develop children’s content (image – ABC/BBC)
The initiative builds on the relationship between the ABC and BBC, with the most obvious example being their work on Bluey, which has since expanded into additional content, licensing and live events.
The two broadcasters will now work together to identify and develop new projects, with a focus on concepts that can succeed across both the Australian and UK markets.
ABC Head Children & Family Melinda Wearne said the partnership would give producers the confidence to think beyond their individual markets while retaining the local elements that make children’s stories distinctive.
“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.”
BBC Director of Children & Education Patricia Hidalgo said the partnership would combine the creative talent of the two countries to develop stories with global potential.
“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.”
For Australian producers, submissions for the development opportunity will open in September through the ABC Children & Family production portal HERE. UK producers will be able to submit projects through the BBC’s existing PiCoS system HERE.
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The announcement comes just days after BBC Studios revealed almost 100 hours of new and returning Kids and Family content in an expanded agreement with the ABC.
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